Avon Spirit ST Review

Introduction to the Continental Tires on BMW GS

Greetings to all the motorbike enthusiasts out there! When it comes to the mammoth BMW GS – the 2014 model to be precise – it offers a variety of tire options. My bike came equipped with the Continental Trial Attack tires. Over time, I’ve garnered quite a bit of experience with these and would love to share my insights. The pictured tire here is the Continental Travel Attack II, part of my bike’s original setup.

Initial Impressions and Longevity

The original set of these Continental tires served me well, lasting an impressive 7,500 miles before any significant wear started to show. Such durability impressed me, prompting my decision to opt for the same set when replacement became inevitable after around 7,000 miles. It seemed only logical to stick to what had already proven its mettle.

Performance After Extended Use

Having recently returned from an extensive Scotland tour, the odometer now boasts a whopping 17,000 miles. Of these, 9,500 miles were treaded by the current set of Continental tires. However, I’ve started to notice considerable signs of wear, primarily attributed to motorway use. As I’ll show you momentarily, there’s a conspicuous flattening on the tire, altering the bike’s overall feel and handling dynamics.

Impact on Bike Handling

While wear and tear are expected with any tire, especially after such extensive use, the current state of the tire is noticeably affecting the bike’s handling. The once smooth and responsive ride now feels a tad different, and the bike doesn’t hug the curves as it used to. While I’ve had a good run with this set, I believe it might be time to consider a replacement soon to maintain optimal performance and safety.

A Closer Look at the Wear

Let’s dive a bit deeper and examine the tire closely. I’ll adjust the camera to give you a better view. The flattened center, a result of prolonged motorway use, is evident.

Such a wear pattern can significantly impact the tire’s performance, especially during cornering. While the Continental tires have served me well over the years, it’s essential to be mindful of such changes and consider replacements when necessary for an uninterrupted and safe riding experience.

Reevaluating My Tire Choices

Motorbike enthusiasts understand the essence of a good tire for a fulfilling riding experience. With my current tire showing significant wear, I’ve been contemplating a shift in my tire preference. The aim? Finding a tire that retains a round profile ensuring my bike handles the way it was meant to, especially since the current flatness is affecting its dynamics. Given my riding habits, I’m leaning towards a tire more suited for motorway travels. After all, I’ve never truly tested this bike off-road. While the trail tacks cater to a 10% off-road and 90% on-road blend, my usage is purely on-road. Thus, venturing into the realm of sport touring tires seems like a fitting choice.

Assessing the Current Tire Wear

Before diving into my new tire considerations, let’s take a closer look at the present wear. Observing my rear tire, the extent of flatness is significant. To illustrate, placing a ruler over it reveals a near-flat surface spanning the tire’s width.

This flattening not only impacts the bike’s handling but also raises concerns about safety during high-speed travels. Observe this demonstration:

Considering a New Breed: The Spirit ST

While it might seem tempting to play it safe and opt for another set of the OEM tires that the GS came with, I’m intrigued by a recent launch. At the month’s onset, Avon unveiled their spanking new sport touring tires, christened the “Spirit ST”. Boasting features that appear to align seamlessly with my needs, this tire is high on my consideration list. The highlight? A multi-compound tread on the rear. This design promises extended life for the tire’s center, ideal for those long motorway miles. This should effectively counteract the flat spotting issue that’s become all too familiar for me. Moreover, the tire’s edge boasts a softer compound, ensuring impeccable grip during cornering—a trait any biker would appreciate. Couple this with an advanced tread pattern, reminiscent of a racing wet tire, and you’ve got a tire primed for exceptional water dispersion, making it apt for those unpredictable rainy days.

Avon’s Promise: A Blend of Durability and Performance

The Spirit ST is not just another tire in the market; it’s a testament to Avon’s commitment to marrying durability with performance. The multi-compound construction is designed to cater to riders like me, who crave longevity without compromising on those exhilarating cornering experiences. The intricate tread pattern further instills confidence, ensuring optimal traction even in challenging wet conditions. While I’ve yet to make my final decision, the Spirit ST does make a compelling case for itself.

Making The Switch

Selecting a new set of tires for your motorcycle can be an overwhelming task with so many options on the market. However, once you find a tire that seemingly aligns with your needs and promises an enhanced riding experience, it’s worth the exploration. That’s precisely how I felt when I came across the new Avon sport touring tires. Everything about them resonated with what I was looking for in a tire. Trusting my instincts and the specifications listed, I went ahead and placed an order. The next step was crucial: getting them professionally fitted. For this, I chose to go to Nigel at Motor Tuning Chesham, my go-to tire fitter. The idea was simple: get the new tires on and assess their performance over the upcoming weeks or even months, comparing them to the Continental trailer tax I previously had.

If you’re as eager as I was about the change, read on to learn about the experience.

Last Ride on The Continentals

Before the switch, I thought it essential to have one last ride on the Continental Trail Attacks. This final ride was more about understanding and capturing the feel of these tires—a benchmark of sorts.

This would help me draw a clear comparison once the new tires were on. So, off I went, trying to imprint the tire performance, especially around corners, in my memory.

First Impressions Post Switch

Fast forward a bit, and I found myself right outside Nigel’s workshop, having just got the Avon Spirit STs fitted. The change, even in the initial moments, was palpable. I had barely covered half a mile post the fitting, and the difference in performance and feel was evident. It’s astonishing how gradual wear and tear can desensitize you to the deteriorating performance of tires. The new set felt like a breath of fresh air. My motorcycle seemed rejuvenated, handling corners with a grace and flexibility that had been missing for a while. The previously experienced flat spots, which possibly restricted the bike from leaning to its full potential, were no longer a hindrance. The bike felt more responsive, agile, and overall just delightful, especially around corners.

Revitalized Riding Experience

A tire change might seem like a regular maintenance task, but it’s much more than that. It’s about ensuring safety, optimizing performance, and guaranteeing an enjoyable ride. With the new Avon Spirit STs, it felt like I had hit a reset button on my bike.

The way it now took on corners, the enhanced flexibility, and the improved road grip all pointed towards a promising journey ahead. While the real test would be in the coming months, the initial impressions were undoubtedly promising.

Initial Impressions of the Avon Spirit ST Tires

Motorcycle enthusiasts understand the thrill of trying out new gear, especially when it promises to elevate the riding experience. This was precisely my sentiment when I decided to fit my bike with the Avon Spirit ST tires. The initial feeling was overwhelmingly positive. Even though I was being cautious, taking things slow for the first 50 miles to ensure the tires were scrubbed in well, the difference was palpable. The bike’s performance on less-than-perfect roads was commendable—feeling much more agile and responsive than before. And for a sizable motorcycle like the BMW GS, the agility and balance are truly impressive.

Comparative Analysis: Avon Spirit ST vs. OEM Conti Trailer Tech

Drawing comparisons between the new Avon Spirit ST and the original OEM Conti Trailer Tech was inevitable. While the latter served me well, the early signs from the Avon tires are promising. The distinct British make of the tire, coupled with an aesthetically pleasing tread pattern, gives it an edge.

Though the specifics of the intricate tread strengthening might elude me, it’s evident that a lot of thought and innovation went into designing this tire. The depth of the tread and the intricate design, possibly hinting at optimum water displacement, adds to its appeal.

Anticipation of Long-Term Performance

With the initial admiration phase done, the true test for these tires lies ahead. I’m particularly keen on understanding how they’ll perform in wet conditions. Moreover, longevity and durability are paramount. Will they square off quickly, or will they stand the test of time, enduring thousands of miles on motorways? I’m gearing up to clock in some significant mileage, to genuinely assess their caliber.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tire for a motorcycle isn’t just about enhancing the bike’s aesthetics—it’s about safety, performance, and the overall riding experience. The Avon Spirit ST tires, with their initial prowess, have managed to pique my interest and earn my admiration. Their intricate tread pattern, their agility on the road, and their promise of durability make them a strong contender in the tire market. While time will truly reveal their worth, the early signs are encouraging. For those in search of a tire that offers both form and function, the Avon Spirit ST, based on initial observations, seems to be a solid choice. As the miles accumulate, I’ll be keenly observing their performance, hoping they live up to the expectations they’ve set. Motorcycle journeys are as much about the journey as they are about the gear, and with the right tire, the journey becomes that much more enjoyable.