Looking to grab a larger share of the sport tire market in the U.S., Avon has revamped its lineup of sporting rubber for 2012, with the latest generation designated the 3D Ultra tire. Replacing the previous VP2 lineup, there are three versions of the 3D Ultra: the Sport, the Supersport, and the Xtreme. The 3D Ultra tires offer a host of improvements designed to provide better handling, grip, and wear than their predecessors.
Key among those upgrades is Avon’s new 3D siping. Utilizing an innovative molding process that creates interlocking patterns inside of each tread groove, this allows the opposing rubber faces of the groove to literally clasp together under pressure. The result is less tread squirm, better stability, cooler running, and improved wear characteristics.
All three 3D Ultra tires also feature a new WOB (Wind-On Belt) technology that is an advancement of the A-VBD (Advanced Variable Belt Density) system that winds the sections of the circumferential belt onto the tire as it is being constructed, rather than the conventional application of pre-fabricated belts. By permitting greater accuracy of the variable spacing between belt reinforcement strands (either aramid or steel) over the profile of the tread, Avon claims an increase in footprint at all lean angles, in addition to improved grip, stability, and mileage.
The 3D Ultra Sport is the high performance street tire of the lineup. Unique to the Sport version is the usage of a Triple Extrusion compound, with the usual “durable” compound in the middle to increase overall mileage, and a softer Super Rich Silica (SRS) compound on the shoulders for better grip while leaned over. A third compound layer is used underneath the two outer compounds to help bind them together and reduce tire temperatures and increase tire life.
The 3D Ultra Supersport is the street/track-day oriented model of Avon’s 3D line. Developed using a special high performance race compound along with the 3D siping (no triple compound), the Supersport delivers maximum grip and precise handling on both street and track, in dry or wet conditions.
For maximum high performance track use, the 3D Ultra Xtreme model fills this role. With less siping on the tread than the Sport and Supersport versions, the Xtreme utilizes a specially formulated ultra-sticky compound to reach proper operating temperature quickly, and delivers the ultimate grip, precise handling, and stability at high speeds that track riders look for. The profile of the Xtreme has been optimized to lay down a bigger footprint when leaned over for superior handling and better traction during aggressive braking, accelerating, and turning that racetrack riding requires.
Pricing for the Avon 3D Ultra tire lineup is as follows: 3D Ultra Sport fronts will range from $172.08 to $195.67, with the Sport rears ranging from $236.63 to $310.72. The 3D Ultra Supersport front tires will cost from $182.33 to $197.08, while the rear Supersports will go for $255.09 to $297.01. For the 3D Ultra Xtreme tire, price for the front will be $215.26, while the rears will range from $290.49 to $310.23 (note: while the Xtreme is DOT legal, Avon strongly recommends either the Supersport or Sport 3D Ultra for any street use).
Incidentally, both the 3D Ultra Sport and Supersport tires come with Avon’s exclusive Road Hazard Warranty. This means that if you get a puncture or other accidental damage to the tire within the first 1mm of tread depth, Avon will replace the tire for FREE. See your Avon dealer or go to www.avonmoto.com for details.