What is the difference between Avon Roadrider Mk1 and the new Mk2?

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CanukNortonNut

CanukNortonNut

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I am trying to find out what Avon has changed with the mk II, New tire design.
Anybody know more about the changes?
Cheers,
Tom
 
Here is what I dug up so far on Revzilla:

Avon Roadrider Mk II Tires​

"More, more, more." That's how Avon likes it.
The Avon Roadrider MK II Tires passed on the curry, hit the gym and are back with features and performance that outshine its well-regarded Roadrider Mk I predecessor. Maintaining classic British restraint, the tread pattern is slightly more chiseled than before, but front and rear tread designs continue to mirror one another for a cohesive overall appearance. Once past the Roadrider Mk II's aesthetics, sport, sport-touring and cruiser riders will benefit from a silica-rich compound and aggressive shoulder contour for excellent stiction in wet and dry conditions. Whether you ride on the left or ride on the right, the Roadrider Mk II Tires guarantee to get the action goin'.

Features:​

  • High silica compound for excellent wet and dry performance
  • Symmetrical front and rear tread designs
  • Interrupted center groove to prevents tramlining
  • Enhanced sidewall offers better resistance to ozone degradation
  • Embossed Union Jack sidewall treatment
  • Tubeless (TL)
anyone have the mk2's on there bike to comment on?
Cheers,
Tom
 
Perhaps they have fixed the tread separation problem. Fresh start?
I like the old version for grip. Some riders had the tread separate from the casing, rendering the tire unsafe. I saw a mk1 Roadrider that was in a sorry state at just 600 miles.

Glen
 
It’s quite mysterious marketing actually, as they haven’t replaced the mk1 with the mk 2, they still sell both. but...

I asked what the differences were at the Avon stand at the big NEC motorcycle show, I got a long ish list of very minor sounding things. But they did at least say that mk1 and mk2 are compatible / interchangeable with each other.

Looking at the reducing list of mk1, currently only 7 on their website vs 37 mk 2, I presume they’re phasing out the mk 1 ?
 
I had a Mk1 roadrider, the race version, on my Honda racer and the tread separated. Avon changed it straight away. Heard a few others with same issue. Great tyres though road or race. Strange because I have them in my Velocette Venom and they look fine but I wouldn't put them on my Commando and have stuck with TT100s!
 
I have a pair of MK2's ready to fit, just made up 2 wheels with stainless rims and spokes and will get them fitted over next few weeks ready for Spring. Out of all the marketing fluff the one standout is the better wet grip, which was good to start with.
 
I like these tires but am wondering why I only get about 3,000 miles on the rear before replacing. I am very particular about checking pressure,good shocks,etc.Is this the norm?p
 
YING said:
I like these tires but am wondering why I only get about 3,000 miles on the rear before replacing. I am very particular about checking pressure,good shocks,etc.Is this the norm?p
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Which tyre?

If it’s the 19” universal then it’s because it has a LOT less tread depth than a dedicated rear tyre (5.6mm vs 7.5mm).
 
That's the problem.
There's very little choice in the 19" size.
Dunlop K81 in 4.10" x 19" universal has a tread depth of 7.15 mm. I might give this a try. Have others used these tires recently? It's a carry on from the old TT 100.

I switched to flanged alloys on the Commando not long ago and missed the opportunity to get an 18" rear rim on there.
When it came time to do the same with the Vincent got an 18" rear, wm3. That bike is fitted with the Roadrider dedicated rear in 4.00 x 18. We've been getting 6-6500 miles from those, mostly 2 up riding.
About 4 k with solo riding is it for the 100/90/19 universal rear on the Commando.

Glen
 
worntorn said:
That's the problem.
There's very little choice in the 19" size.
Dunlop K81 in 4.10" x 19" universal has a tread depth of 7.15 mm. I might give this a try. Have others used these tires recently? It's a carry on from the old TT 100.

I switched to flanged alloys on the Commando not long ago and missed the opportunity to get an 18" rear rim on there.
When it came time to do the same with the Vincent got an 18" rear, wm3. That bike is fitted with the Roadrider dedicated rear in 4.00 x 18. We've been getting 6-6500 miles from those, mostly 2 up riding.
About 4 k with solo riding is it for the 100/90/19 universal rear on the Commando.

Glen
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info
 
YING said:
I like these tires but am wondering why I only get about 3,000 miles on the rear before replacing. I am very particular about checking pressure,good shocks,etc.Is this the norm?p
Click to expand...
To maximize the AM26 universal tire life, I run the rear tire till the wear bars disappear then its chucked in the bin. This is where I put on one new skin. I change the front to the back position. I always have the new tire on the front as it wears the least and gives the best braking. I get about 5 - 6000 miles with one tire replacement per season... usually, but depending on mileage... eg, Riding to Rally. If the INOA rally is east of the Mississippi, I normally ride it to there and back. This way I keep the tire date of manufacture always within the 5 year mark. Both wheels, spokes, bearings and brakes get a good glance over and its my time to give the wheels a good cleaning/polish when they are off. the speedo gearbox gets some attention as well. It takes a bit longer to do it this way but I have been doing this for over 10 years now and its worked for me. YMMV.
Cheers,
Tom
 
Also, the Avon 4.10 x 19 Roadrunner am9 Universal is still available.
It has a tread depth of 7 mm.
I ran these on the Vincent rear until making the rim change to 18".
They gripped well and generally lasted to about 6,000 miles.

Glen
 
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I just put MK2s on stock rims for the Roadster I am building, but until I get it on the road, I can only report that I like the way they look.
 
I didn’t like Roadrunners much back in the day but these new ‘uns have “MODERN COMPOUND & CONSTRUCTION” so should be a big improcement.

Anyone running ‘em ?
 
I entered the Avon roadrunner races back in the 1970s all I can say is that then, they slided about all over the place on the racetrack, suffice to say, the championship winner didn't race on them. No idea if the tyre compound has improved since and to what extent.
 
Fast Eddie said:
I didn’t like Roadrunners much back in the day but these new ‘uns have “MODERN COMPOUND & CONSTRUCTION” so should be a big improcement.

Anyone running ‘em ?
Click to expand...
Yes.... but as I'm a cruiser rather than a scratcher (and not an overly high mileage one at that) I wouldn't pretend to know their (or my) limits....
 
When I could get them when I was a dispatch rider, I like others, used Conti TK 17 on the rear only - 15, 000 miles per tyre, I kid you not.
No longer available, sorry to say, sob!
 
CanukNortonNut said:
To maximize the AM26 universal tire life, I run the rear tire till the wear bars disappear then its chucked in the bin. This is where I put on one new skin. I change the front to the back position. I always have the new tire on the front as it wears the least and gives the best braking. I get about 5 - 6000 miles with one tire replacement per season... usually, but depending on mileage... eg, Riding to Rally. If the INOA rally is east of the Mississippi, I normally ride it to there and back. This way I keep the tire date of manufacture always within the 5 year mark. Both wheels, spokes, bearings and brakes get a good glance over and its my time to give the wheels a good cleaning/polish when they are off. the speedo gearbox gets some attention as well. It takes a bit longer to do it this way but I have been doing this for over 10 years now and its worked for me. YMMV.
Cheers,
Tom
Click to expand...
Grease wheel bearings too time. Yah !
 
Torontonian said:
Grease wheel bearings too time. Yah !
Click to expand...
I use sealed bearings in my Interstate ride. I just check the bearings when I balance the wheels during the tire change. If these are growling or click when turned, then its time to replace. If not I keep on keepin on. But I still have orig OEM bearings with felt washer and cups, then I would have a closer look. I favor the set and forget bearings.
 
“Embossed Union Jack sidewall treatment”

I have the Mk2 on the rear and Mk1 on the front. The flag is pretty cool looking. :cool:
 
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