Reading The Capsules
For each tire, the SR Rating is based on the average of all the scores for that tire (31 ratings for both street and track for each tire on both the GSX-R600 and ZX-10R, for a total of 124). The general, braking, traction, and steering ratings are the averages of those scores, and shown for both the 600 and 1000.
Even though racetrack laps were part of the testing process, we decided early on before the test commenced that we would not use lap times as part of the rating protocol. Why? Because if you're that concerned with a tire's ultimate lap times achieved by an expert rider, you'd be better off looking at the selection of full-on DOT racing tires that are available on the market instead of just a street/track day tire. We also feel that riders will be more interested in the tire's characteristics over a period of multiple laps, not a single quick lap (if you read the capsules you will soon find out why). We listed each tire's average lap time only as a comparative resource. Thus, we once again urge you not to blindly pick the tire with the quickest lap time or even the highest rated tire, but instead read the subjective comments to find the type of characteristics you're looking for in a street/track day tire.
One final point; While we list the manufacturer's retail price for each tire, street prices are almost always considerably less--and most of all, vary widely--in what is a very competitive market. Use our price listings as a guide only, and shop around for the best deal.
Avon Viper Xtreme Av61/62
Originally marketed as a track-specific tire when it debuted in late '05, the Avon AV61 front and AV62 rear Viper Xtreme is now considered a dual-role tire by the company. Avon gave us this model for the ZX-10R because the new VP2 tested on the 600 in this comparison was not yet available in literbike sizes. As you'd expect from a tire with track-specific origins, the Viper Xtreme features a race-style tall profile designed to offer quick steering and put a bigger footprint on the pavement at maximum lean angles. Its rubber compound is formulated for quick warm-up to reach its optimum operating temperature and provide maximum grip as quickly as possible. The carcass utilizes Avon's Advanced Variable Belt Density (A-VBD) circumferential belt that features aramid fiber wound with a close spacing in the center of the tread for stability and wear, but spaced farther apart at the edge of the tire for more compliance and grip. A spiral belt is also added underneath the A-VBD belt for additional strength. The tread pattern shows the usual racetrack bias, with minimal siping in the center portion and none on the shoulder for maximum contact at severe lean angles.
Indeed, Kunitsugu wrote that the Avon had a "race tire feel to the steering...very precise, much quicker to flick back and forth" than most of the other tires at the racetrack. That race tire profile also made the Viper Xtreme tend to fall in toward the apex, however, and that tendency became even more accentuated on the street. Stability was very good overall except under very aggressive braking, where Kunitsugu noted some squirming. Traction was excellent for the first three laps, but then dropped off quite a bit rather quickly, allowing tire spin easily at maximum lean angles and requiring caution with the throttle. Wear rates at both street and track were above moderate, with significant wear on the edges.
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Avon Viper Xtreme AV61/62
| | ZX-10R | GSX-R600 |
| GENERAL | 8.6 | NA |
| BRAKING | 8.7 | NA |
| TRACTION | 8 | NA |
| STEERING | 8.6 | NA |
| AVERAGE LAP TIME: 1:08.78 |
| SR RATING: 86.3 |