Metzler Cruisetec vs. Avon Cobras

[Gimlet]

Avon's are or will be produced again. Yes they were eventually bought by Goodyear ( Goodyear owns Cooper) and yes the plant has been shuttered and moved overseas. Goodyear has stated that Avon's are not going away. Will they be the Avon's of old? Who knows. I'm not a fan of Goodyear and therefore I'm going with Bridgestone tires even with a slight size variance. I believe just because Triumph lists Cruisetec as replacements its recommendation of convenience rather than technical evidence.

I don't like Goodyear either - from my experience with various 4x4's where they were the stock fitment. And they have zero experience of manufacturing performance motorcycle tyres, whereas Avon had decades.
Triumph's tie-up with Metzeler probably is a matter of convenience. They need a reliable source for their fairly niche large size and uncommon spec for the Rocket, and a big player was obviously the best bet, if nothing else because of the economies of scale. But I have every faith in Metzeler's expertise in tyre manufacture. They have a track record to match Pirelli. Though, over either I've generally always preferred Continental. I hope they will bring out a set of Contitours for the Rocket.

 

[2023R3GT]

how do you feel about Cruisetec in turns? do you feel comfortable leaning the bike with Cruisetecs?

very comfortable

 

[Martin_z_BA]

Yesterday I switched from snake to elephant. First 100km ok, but standard conditions.

 

[Martin_z_BA]

Experience with Metzeler Cruisetec:
The feeling of driving was immediately different. Suspension on a normal road was like much stiffer and harder, but it is easy to get used to it.
On the sides, the compound is again noticeably softer, and in corners in higher gradients I had the feeling (not necessarily the reality) as if the rear wheel was gently drifting, but very controlled and not unpleasantly so.
In the rain I didn't notice any unexpected and unwanted behaviour. I drove in the pouring rain on the highway, sometimes even at 150 km/h, the tyres kept the track without hesitation. I was of course quite careful in the curves on the next narrow road, but I never had a bad feeling there either.
I don't know how long they'll last. Avon in the most frequent custom setting of ABS Road, MAP Road, TC Rain have given me more than 25000 km, two sets in a row. So far I have no complaints, the tyres are very good and give a feeling of confidence.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 

[Oddball]

Avon Update,
As mentioned Cooper tyres owned Avon who were then bought out by Goodyear, Avon factory closed at end of 2023 and production was moved over to France ( same factory as Dunlop tyres) they have eventually started to produce our size tyres at long last, I can confirm this as I spoke with my local supplier within the last week who ordered me a rear, I called in to the store to check the manufacturers date stamp...6/25, so February 2025 it is.
He told me Goodyear had informed him production was going to be at end of this year as even their stock states 'out of stock' I rang another dealer who confirmed he could get one as well. So they are coming through....slowly.
I can only speak from the UK side of things

 

[Kevin frazier]

I can confirm both work, i have witnessed a heathen try to shread both tires, they both held up well. Mileage 4500 bald on both rears. Bike is pushed hard and ripped on, both tires thumbs up. Im not naming the hooligan i witness abuse these tires. Its a tie!

 

[Bunny Burrell]

Avon Update,
As mentioned Cooper tyres owned Avon who were then bought out by Goodyear, Avon factory closed at end of 2023 and production was moved over to France ( same factory as Dunlop tyres) they have eventually started to produce our size tyres at long last, I can confirm this as I spoke with my local supplier within the last week who ordered me a rear, I called in to the store to check the manufacturers date stamp...6/25, so February 2025 it is.
He told me Goodyear had informed him production was going to be at end of this year as even their stock states 'out of stock' I rang another dealer who confirmed he could get one as well. So they are coming through....slowly.
I can only speak from the UK side of things

Ah, but what’s the cost?

As an aside, I’ve used Chromes on my last three bikes 07 Rocket 111, 13 Thunderbird Storm, 03 Yamaha Royal Star Venture. And swear blind by them! But as said, ‘mericans brought said Avon factory and shut said factory making our preferred rubber bands rarer than a Politician with a bright idea!
Sooooo! Due to our favoured rubber being rarer than Rocking horse shoit, I’ve opted for Metzler Tourtecs and I’m pleasantly pleased with said rubber. Haven’t got to the point where I’m scraping the foot boards away yet, but it’s looking good so far. I’ve yet to ride in heavy rain yet but we’ll see.

 

[Gimlet]

It's a shame Pirelli don't make tyres in the Rocket's size. The Diavel I've just bought has the same 240 section rear tyre but it's 17", not 16" and wears Pirellis. They have a much more sporty profile than either the Cobras or the Cruisertecs. I think if they would suit the Rocket very well and make it feel lighter on its feet. They're also extremey grippy and give masses of feedback.

 

[imcool]

It's a shame Pirelli don't make tyres in the Rocket's size. The Diavel I've just bought has the same 240 section rear tyre but it's 17", not 16" and wears Pirellis. They have a much more sporty profile than either the Cobras or the Cruisertecs. I think if they would suit the Rocket very well and make it feel lighter on its feet. They're also extremey grippy and give masses of feedback.

pretty sure if enough people bug them/call/email for making Rocket rear size, they will start looking into it.

 

[Bunny Burrell]

It's a shame Pirelli don't make tyres in the Rocket's size. The Diavel I've just bought has the same 240 section rear tyre but it's 17", not 16" and wears Pirellis. They have a much more sporty profile than either the Cobras or the Cruisertecs. I think if they would suit the Rocket very well and make it feel lighter on its feet. They're also extremey grippy and give masses of feedback.

pretty sure if enough people bug them/call/email for making Rocket rear size, they will start looking into it.

Need to see who’s the overall Parent Company of Pirelli, unless there’s a chance of them taking sales from Goodyear, probably not happen.