Avon Roadrider cracking Again

Those crack (in the picture) are pretty small and not really a concern for me. They don't seem to have changed alto either. The fact that one side of both tires is better than the other makes me suspect they sat out, but that is just a guess.

How much separation in the date codes for the two sets of tires you have that are cracked?

See post #10, it was around 38 weeks difference. The second tire that was sent was older than original tire. They were not real fresh to begin with, but I figure like TKent states, they weren't likely going to last more than a year or two on my bike before being worn out.

[posplayr]

They are great tires, they won't be on there long enough to worry about the cracks. What bothers me is the lack of customer service, I might quit buying them.

If I was running bias ply tires I would order them.

[tkent02]

They are great tires, they won't be on there long enough to worry about the cracks. What bothers me is the lack of customer service, I might quit buying them.

I was just about to order RRs, but now reading this thread I'm not sure I want to...

[posplayr]

Looks like it is starting to crack. Those look to be pretty superficial, hopefully they will not get deeper like the ones on my original set. Mine cracked almost the whole way around tire, near rim.

Those crack (in the picture) are pretty small and not really a concern for me. They don't seem to have changed alto either. The fact that one side of both tires is better than the other makes me suspect they sat out, but that is just a guess.

How much separation in the date codes for the two sets of tires you have that are cracked?

I just attached a picture of some Avon RR that are on my 81 GS750EX. I figure I bought these tires about 1.5 years ago ; the data code is 42 week of 2008 (4208)

All of the cracking is on one side of the tire. The pic shows the worst part and it is really only in one part of the tire.

The back tire has some very minor imperfections 1/4 of what is in the one spot on the front and again only one side. Date code is 38th week 2008.

Looks like it is starting to crack. Those look to be pretty superficial, hopefully they will not get deeper like the ones on my original set. Mine cracked almost the whole way around tire, near rim.

[posplayr]

I just attached a picture of some Avon RR that are on my 81 GS750EX. I figure I bought these tires about 1.5 years ago ; the data code is 42 week of 2008 (4208)

All of the cracking is on one side of the tire. The pic shows the worst part and it is really only in one part of the tire.

The back tire has some very minor imperfections 1/4 of what is in the one spot on the front and again only one side. Date code is 38th week 2008.

[themess]

Just installed roadriders on my 650, great tire so far.

Ordered mine from Dennis Kirk, so we'll see how they do!

Maybe those tires are getting exposed to something in the warehouse....

Or maybe you over-stretched it or did something to promote surface chipping when you installed the tire?

The problem comes from a rubber compound that is too hard for the application, lacks anti-ozonants or antioxidants, or both. There are way too many reports of this problem for it to be how a few individuals mount tires, or how a few warehouses store tires.

(In a previous career determining causes for tire failures was part of my job.)

[bonanzadave]

Saw some big fat Avons (not road riders) on a HD in Atlanta a few months back. Same cracks as the original posted photos. Im watching my RRs.....

Just installed roadriders on my 650, great tire so far.

Ordered mine from Dennis Kirk, so we'll see how they do!

Maybe those tires are getting exposed to something in the warehouse....

Or maybe you over-stretched it or did something to promote surface chipping when you installed the tire?

[Octain]

I sent them two messages with the second one containing the words:
"I'm not going to let this matter go until its resolved".

The tire only has a thousand miles on it. I still need to see the the fella where I purchased the tires. He's a local guy that has a small tire shop right around the corner. Not some big 3 dealer at the end of a strip mall, if ya know what I mean.
I'm so glad I didnt buy these tires online. Really makes this deal much easier.
I think it'll work out when I finally get around to dealing with it.
Its simple really, I just want a new tire.

If only I knew then what I know now(thanks to GSR). I wouldnt have a problem running Shinko's, except I'd have to change the matching Avon on the front as well. Not a fan of running miss-matched tires. I know its not a big deal, I simply dont like looks.

The kicker? I coulda *almost* bought two set of the Shinkos for the price of one set of the Avons.
Live and learn.

Will keep everyone posted on the results.

I am glad to see you are getting some response from Avon, when my second tire started to show cracking and I emailed them, I heard nothing from them.

I am running an Avon front with a Shinko rear. No problems. Biggest change is that the shinko is wider and changes the way bike settles into corners, not quite as responsive. Looks like it will wear a long time and I don't mind the tread pattern.

My recently purchased 1100G has Roadriders, hopefully they will fair better. Still working on getting it completely road ready, so have put but a handful of miles on.

[Octain]

The tire only has a thousand miles on it. I still need to see the the fella where I purchased the tires. He's a local guy that has a small tire shop right around the corner. Not some big 3 dealer at the end of a strip mall, if ya know what I mean.
I'm so glad I didnt buy these tires online. Really makes this deal much easier.
I think it'll work out when I finally get around to dealing with it.
Its simple really, I just want a new tire.

If only I knew then what I know now(thanks to GSR). I wouldnt have a problem running Shinko's, except I'd have to change the matching Avon on the front as well. Not a fan of running miss-matched tires. I know its not a big deal, I simply dont like looks.

The kicker? I coulda *almost* bought two set of the Shinkos for the price of one set of the Avons.
Live and learn.

Will keep everyone posted on the results.

"...... All warranties are pro-rated based on the remaining tread depth of the tire."

This part may get you a lot less than a replacement tire or $.
I was happy with an Avon Roadrider and had no cracks on one purchased a few years ago for my GS1100E. The guy who bought my bike stopped by to visit last year and with less than 8K miles the tire still had no cracks but was totally bald.
I switched over to Shinko 230's because of this cracking issue but haven't logged enough miles (>8-10K) to evaluate their durability. Cheaper $, good grip even in rain, and no cracks, so I'd probably go with the Shinkos again. I would give the Avons another try on these old GSes if they dropped the price.

[Octain]

The reply!

I guess I was using the correct contact info. Thanks anyway..

Their reply.
I also have a direct contact name, number and email address.
Didnt know if it would be a good idea to post it up.
If anyone needs it, I have it.

Looks like I'll be in contact with the fella/shop I bought the tire from.
Yup, I do indeed still have the recept.


"I regret to hear of the problem you are having with your Avon Roadrider. All Avon bike tires are warranted for 5 years from the date of manufacture for any manufacturing defects. Sidewall cracking is not something that we take lightly. I highly recommend getting in contact with your dealer to have the tire inspected. If there is concern that the tire is defective due to manufacturing, then the dealer will need to proceed with a warranty claim. All warranties are handled through the dealer networks. They will work with their distributor to get the tire taken care of for you. This is part of their job and duties as being an Avon dealer. All warranties are pro-rated based on the remaining tread depth of the tire."