Metzler Cruisetec vs. Avon Cobras

[HarryBo]

Quick revisit on this oft discussion...which are better? My '25 Storm OEM are Avons, yet the Metz were stated to be the improved replacements on recent R3s. My tires will need to be replaced this summer. Thanks in advance.

 

[Kiwicol]

I've got Cobra Chromes on mine & am happy as with them, so much so I brought another set ready to go on when these wear out, however, the Cruisetec maybe coming into favour as Chromes are hard to get. I read Avon stopped making them for ?? reason, hence the Cruisetec is now possibly being touted.

 

[Gimlet]

I've got Cobra Chromes on mine & am happy as with them, so much so I brought another set ready to go on when these wear out, however, the Cruisetec maybe coming into favour as Chromes are hard to get. I read Avon stopped making them for ?? reason, hence the Cruisetec is now possibly being touted.

My understanding is that Avon is owned by Cooper Tires and they chose to close the Avon factory in Melksham at the end of 2023, so that is the end of Avon. Presumably those Cobra Chromes still available are remaining stock and when they're gone, they're gone.
When they have the field to themselves hopefully Metzeler will ramp up production of the Cruisertecs. If they don't, surely someone else like Bridgestone will step in.

I haven't tried Cruisertecs on the Rocket but they're a very popular tyre on Harleys, definitely better than Michellin Scorchers which are the OE tyres on many Harley models and many owners prefer them to Cobra Chromes.
They're basically a heavier cruiser version of Metzeler's excellent Roadtec 01 sports touring tyre (the tread pattern is identical), which routinely wins shoot-out tests in that sector. I've had Roadtecs on adventure bikes and nakeds and they are excellent with a great ride quality and masses of grip and a good degree of sportiness. They didn't last very long on my KTM 1190, though no tyres ever do, but Metzeler know what they're doing and I have no doubt the Cruisertecs are great performing tyres. Whether their turning and tipping characteristics suit every rider will be subjective. It depends what you're used to and what you're looking for. The Cobras were a very good all-things-to-all-people sort of tyre and tyre life is outstanding on a bike with this much torque and weight.

 

[2023R3GT]

I’ve switched to the cruisetec and find them better (for me) compared to the avon. the cruisetec have a taller v-shaped profile that definitely turn in a lot quicker with more traction at lower pressures than the Avon. I’m very happy with these “Pirelli’s”

 

[Kiwicol]

Thanks for the explanation Gimlet. Given they closed in 2023 that would explain the manufacture date stamp of 2423 on my new back up tires. If I get to wear both sets of Chromes out I'll head to Cruisetec's.

 

[HarryBo]

Thanks everyone thus far. This information is very helpful. Avons not being made any longer, and Cruisetec's overall pretty good.

 

[Jagster]

I've got a set of Avons ready to go on in the next few days before the bike goes through the MOT test later in the month.
I've been trying to get the last dregs of wear out of the Avons i've got on already.......who needs tread if the road is dry, right?.....

I've had this new set for a while as I jumped on a good online deal a while back.
If I didn't have these in stock, i'd go for what ever is the best price between the best competitors out there for decent Rocket rubber.

I have to mention that I'm not all that concerned about the minute differences in handling, as i'm not using the bike on the track.
The roads in my area would probably suit trail tyres better than road tyres (lol), so the difference between the different brands out there is a bit superfluous in my opinion.

Even if a new tyre feels different in the corners, I adjust my riding to suit and after a few hours, I forget the difference.
After all, the road surface is constantly changing as you ride, so you have to adjust for that anyway.

The one aspect that I would be swayed by, however is how long they last before going off or wearing out.......I don't mind spending money but I don't like wasting money.

Hmm....So, perhaps I do have a preference after all.

 

[sunny]

I’ve switched to the cruisetec and find them better (for me) compared to the avon. the cruisetec have a taller v-shaped profile that definitely turn in a lot quicker with more traction at lower pressures than the Avon. I’m very happy with these “Pirelli’s”

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

 

[Einar]

The approved tire selector guide on Triumph's website lists only the Cruisetecs, which supports what others said about the Chromes going away.

Rocuments

Rocuments

triumphtechnicalinformation.com

 

[CrzystghndKC]

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.