R6 shock swap

[PieEater]

Are you planning on pushing the tyres to the limits?

If not, frankly, any modern big name sport touring tyre is going to be ok. The only real difference will be the price.

You make a fair point — most modern sport touring tyres from the big manufacturers are more than capable for everyday road use. That said, I do think there are still noticeable differences in how tyres feel and perform, even if you’re not riding near the limit.

I’ve personally used both Avon and Bridgestone tyres on the same bike and noticed some distinct characteristics. The Avons felt more confidence-inspiring when leaning into corners — likely due to a more aggressive profile — while the Bridgestones were more stable and comfortable when upright, which is ideal for longer motorway stretches.

It’s also worth noting that some forum members have felt the wet weather performance of the older Avon Storms was lacking compared to others in the same category. However, Avon appears to have addressed that with the Spirit ST, which uses a revised compound and tread pattern. From what I’ve seen, the Spirit ST has received much more positive feedback regarding wet grip and overall handling in varied conditions.

These kinds of differences often come down to factors like:

Tyre profile – which affects turn-in and stability at lean;

Compound formulation – critical for wet grip and temperature range;

Construction and carcass design – which influences feedback and overall ride feel.

So while it’s true that most big-name sport touring tyres will do a solid job, I think it’s still worth considering how a particular tyre matches your riding style, bike setup, and typical conditions.