Firstly, here are the correct tyre designations;

120/70R17 58W Azaro-ST AV45 ‘B’ front 180/55R17 73W Azaro-ST AV46 ‘B’ rear

  Recommended pressures are 2.9 bar [42psi] front and rear.

 The ‘B’ version of the Azaro-ST offers greater stability on certain machines and is the preferred fitment for the Blackbird.

 What makes the Azaro-ST work so well on the Blackbird? Well, there are a number of factors which combine to deliver a blend of performance and long life which many owners have found unbeatable on their bikes.

 The first thing most people notice about the Azaro-ST is the deep tread, especially on the rear tyre which measures 6.9mm. Combined with a very innovative casing construction, this delivers high mileage and excellent deep water clearance.

What you don’t see of course are the internals – the clever bits. Avon is unique amongst tyre manufacturers in making tyres with an Advanced Variable Belt Density construction [A-VBD]. Simply put, this produces a tyre with a jointless belt of ultra-strong Aramid fibres running around the tyre’s circumference. At the centre of the tread the strands of Aramid are closely packed for maximum stability and high wear resistance. The closer you get to the edge of the tread, the further apart the fibres are spaced – this broadens the tyre’s footprint and delivers more grip.  The effect of the A-VBD is similar to having a tyre with hard and soft compounds, but without the disadvantage that dual compounds sometimes suffer from, specifically a tendency to ‘square off’, in the later stages of the tyre’s life.

 The effect of the A-VBD is similar to having a tyre with hard and soft compounds, but without the disadvantage that dual compounds sometimes suffer from, specifically a tendency to ‘square off’, in the later stages of the tyre’s life.

 Naturally Avon is not claiming that the ST is completely immune from ‘squaring off’ – no tyre is if it’s run up and down the motorway indefinitely – but it’s certainly less susceptible and is the reason why many Blackbird owners favour them.

 A further benefit of the Azaro is the free Road Hazard Warranty. This applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland and provides a free replacement if your new Azaro is accidentally damaged or punctured. Naturally, there are certain terms and conditions, but essentially a tyre is protected as long as there is 5.6mm of tread remaining on the rear tyre and 2.7mm remaining on the front [when measured on the centre line of the tyre] For full details ask your dealer for a leaflet. [You’ll need to have a section of this completed by the dealer at the time of purchase in order to activate the warranty.]

 Finally, the Azaro-STs benefit from silica compounds which enable the tyre to warm up quickly and deliver excellent levels of grip, even in the wet.

 For further information contact Clive Jones Tel 01249 705916 or e-mail clive@intamoto.com