Is in me or are Avon Distanzia's SH**E

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Brand new tyres for the trip abroad, Avon gripsters are (were) fab so decided to go for a pair of Distanzia's.

Scrubbed 'em in on the way to the NEC, on to London before heading for the continent.

All seemed fine.

The bike was partly loaded, solo with camping gear and the usual stuff.

Over the course of the trip I had many substantial rear end slides, these were all low speed (20 to 40 mph) and not much lean angle, the rear would let go quite severely with no warning, pure luck kept the bike from going down, appart from one occasion when the rear continued it's sideway's travel till me and the bike hit the deck.

Luckily the soft luggage took the brunt of the slide leaving all the paintwork unscathed.

On the way home through the 'Alps I was very nearly off again, despite losing a lot of confidence and taking most bend's at a very steady pace.

I was/am actually scared of riding the thing now, so much so I considered putting the bike on the SNCF to get home.

I phoned directory enqueries (on a mobile from France!!!) then phoned Avon, "oooh, never had that problem sir.....blah, blah, blah"

I set off with 30psi front 34 rear, purchased digi gauge over there, to check, still correct. Tried the rear to 30 psi, now feels very "squirmy" and (even!!) less confidence inspiring.

All slides etc occurred after riding at steady speeds for quite a while, and low foward speed, not much lean.

The rear has worn well, still loads of tread, they're being replaced ASAP.
Dunno what for tho.

Deathwings are INFINATELY better IMHO.

Any response is much appreciated

SUPERB trip otherwise!!!

Phil

[ChrisH]

Glad you had a good trip otherwise! Sounds like something's wrong somewhere - they're on the right way round (stupid question I know, but....). I had Gripsters on the first TA and changed to Distanzas same as you and didn't like them (not as bad as in your situation though) Now I've got Tourances on the current TA and really like them. Seem less prone to slip sliding than the others, and give me more confidence (use to be very wary of loose gravel etc with the Avons, Metzlers seem much better) IMHO

[BlindPugh]

Tried a set of Distanzia after numerous sets of Trailwings. They seemed to lock very easily and I had numerous rear end slides which never happened with the Bridgestones. Wear rate was no better than the Trailwings - I will not be trying the Distanzias again. Metzeler Tourance for me next - will be quite a difference after Pirelli MT21s! ( nightmare on wet roads - but they do at least stop me speeding!)

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Thanx for the reply's, glad to know I'm not the only one!!!

Why doesn't anyone make a proper road tyre for these bikes, ie. without a big blocky tread?

Phil (still shakin'!)

[Simon]

Thanx for the reply's, glad to know I'm not the only one!!!

Why doesn't anyone make a proper road tyre for these bikes, ie. without a big blocky tread?

Phil (still shakin'!)

Try and get Metzeler LaserTec. I had them on my previouse Aprilia Pegaso and they are brill, particularly in the wet. They are a road only tyre but if thats what you want. I did hear of someone with them on an @.

[Muckybill]

I had a pair of Distanzias a while ago and found they were the the best so far for grip but only lasted 6000miles. I was running 29 psi front and back after calling Avon technical department. Every one seems to rave about Tourance but i find these tyres are the worst i have ever experienced on a @. I am currently using Pirelli Scorpions and find they offer good grip and feed back. I would have fitted Distanzias again but found the Pirelli cheaper.
It could be you had a dodgy tyre. I had a Michelin T66x break up from the inside once and i replaced it with the same and within 1000miles the same happened again.

bill

[Recycler]

You've got me there. I really rate the Avons. My rear (fnar fnar) has done about 13k and I've never had a slide. I've got an old (but new) Gripster front and a new Distanzia rear to go on over the winter.

Snagger: If yours are in good shape how much do you want for them/how many miles?

[piguglyshandydrinker]

FAO; Recycler.

Are you Insane!!!!

Here's me saying I'm having real difficulties staying upright on these tyres and Recycler now want's to buy 'em!!!

Tyre's have been fitted 3 weeks, done about 3500 miles to Spain and back, I'd say the rear is less than half worn (can measure tread if y' like), front not far from new.

I've been in touch with Avon who say if I'm not happy to send 'em back, they'll check 'em out and offer a part refund dependant on wear, trouble is (call me scynical if y' like...), they'll look at 'em (maybe), tell me there's nowt up wi' 'em and tell me to bog off.


Decision's, decision's

Phil

[Spangle]

Sorry, I thought the Distanzia's were ace, second only to the Anakee.
It was the tourance's I had a problem with, a two wheel slide round an easy 60MPH corner, no thanks. If it is just a road tyre I do have the Lasertecs fitted, which are rather splendid, although it took a bit of fiddling with front pressures.

[icenian]

I've been in touch with Avon who say if I'm not happy to send 'em back, they'll check 'em out and offer a part refund dependant on wear, trouble is (call me scynical if y' like...), they'll look at 'em (maybe), tell me there's nowt up wi' 'em and tell me to bog off.

Avon are a good company - had them sort out a (different) problem with no bother at all. Also as other people have found they work well it sounds like there's something wrong with your tyre.

I'd be inclined to take them up on the offer...