Simon has been out putting the new Avon 3D Ultra EVO hoops to the test on his KTM 1290 Super Duke. Check out what he thought of the sporty road tyres... Words & Photos: Simon Nash.

It’s about time I threw some new hoops on my daily ride, deciding on the Avon 3D Ultra Evo. I have to admit, my regular go-to tyres are Michelins and I hadn’t had any Avon tyres since the Roadrunners when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I’m pretty impressed with them…

Simon has been testing out the new Avon 3D Ultra EVO's on his KTM Super Duke...

Simon has been testing out the new Avon 3D Ultra EVO’s on his KTM Super Duke…

I have no idea why, but the guy that owned my KTM 1290 Super Duke before me insisted on using super soft compound treaded race tyres, which he used on long country back road rides. Needless to say, even though the rear tyre had heaps of meat left on it, it also sported a lovely puncture plug. It played on my mind a lot, especially when I had the missus on the back, I eventually contacted Jeff to see what new rubber was around and what he reckoned I should try. He told me I was in luck as Avon had just announced a new tyre in Australia that would be a really good match for the KTM, so I thought I’d give it a go.

“For the first time in ages, I felt like I could pass some of the quicker guys as my confidence in the corners was way up”…

After a few days of scrubbing them in, a couple of mates asked if I had fitted oversize tyres which I thought was odd. I’m not sure if it is the tread pattern or what, but I could see their point as the rear tyre definitely does look wider than the old one I had. So “The Looks” department got an instant tick of approval from all concerned.

A nice, aggressive tread pattern that gets Simon's tick of approval when it comes to the looks department.

A nice, aggressive tread pattern that gets Simon’s tick of approval when it comes to the looks department.

So, the big question: how did they feel? Well, my first real impression of them came when I went for a ride with the boys on roads up the mountain. For the first time in ages, I felt like I could pass some of the quicker guys as my confidence in the corners was way up. I could feel both the front and back were solidly planted and it felt as if they had endless grip. Was it because they were new tyres? Was it because they are really that much better than the old ones? Either way, the proof of my confidence was there. So “The Grip” department also got a tick of approval.

The next real test was the one that I never really enjoy, getting caught in a sub-tropical downpour. Of course, I slowed everything down, but I just wanted to try pushing it down a little bit further each time to see if they really worked well in the wet too. I was already soaked so I did a couple of extra small laps on the way home and the tyres were just as confidence building as they were in the dry. I came in before I over did it though….  The “Wet Grip” department gets a tick as well.

“These tyres have put Avon back on the map for me after all these years away from them.”

I haven’t done track days in years so I can’t comment on the track abilities, but they are more targeted at my type of riding anyway. A sportier style dual compound tyre made for real Aussie road riding that is great in corners, handles the punishment of a 1290cc twin take off, yet holds it’s shape well even after the long straight bits that inevitably come along. After two months of riding, they are still well shaped, especially for a more sporty tyre design and you can clearly see the lighter stripe in the centre of the tyre where the harder compound is.

To sum it up, these tyres have put Avon back on the map for me after all these years away from them. The brand that I used to associate with old man bike tyres has blown me away. If you’re like me and haven’t tried Avon hoops in a while, give these a go, you won’t be disappointed.

The Avon 3D Ultra EVO’s are available through Pro Accessories. Click here to find your size and the Australian pricing…

Avon 3D Ultra EVO Size List

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