Avon tires have had their white sidewalls back <br />

Goodyear has completed a full upgrade of the Avon Cobra Chrome motorcycle tire line, returning them to their classic design with white sidewalls and reviving one of the brand's most recognizable models. This was done four years after Avon, following its acquisition by Cooper Tire, became part of Goodyear's portfolio of brands in the motorcycle tire market, joining Dunlop.

Cobra Chrome is positioned as Avon's flagship tire for cruisers and custom motorcycles and will play a central role in the brand's development strategy, and the line's upgrade is the result of the company's overall business modernization in the motorcycle segment. As part of this program, production is being gradually transferred to Goodyear's plant in Montluçon, France (previously, tires were manufactured at a site in the UK, which was closed in 2022), which also produces road and racing motorcycle tires under the Dunlop brand.

To begin producing Cobra Chrome in France, it was necessary to adapt production processes, as many tire sizes had not been previously mastered at the plant, which required a large-scale modernization of the enterprise. This modernization, according to Goodyear, not only allowed for the expansion of the product range but also improved the uniformity of the tires, increased productivity, and enhanced the ergonomics of the operators' workplaces.

"Since it was necessary to bring Avon tire production in line with Goodyear's quality and efficiency standards, the Cobra Chrome line has been significantly upgraded, and the role of the Montluçon plant was crucial," said Dmitry Talbom, product manager for Goodyear's motorcycle tire department.

The launch of tire production with white sidewalls posed separate technical challenges for the specialists. Thus, the composition of the white rubber mixture was improved to increase resistance to discoloration, the process of assembling the sidewalls was converted from predominantly manual to more automated, and automated quality control systems were introduced to ensure higher execution quality.

"Tires with white sidewalls are a iconic element of Avon's heritage, which still has great significance for custom motorcycle and cruiser owners," noted Talbom, adding that "we are proud to have this cult design back in serial production."

In addition to Cobra Chrome, the optimized Avon motorcycle tire range includes the hyper-sport 3D Supersport tires, Spirit ST and Roadrider MKII models for sport touring motorcycles, Trailrider and Trekrider for tour-enduro, as well as the Safety Mileage MKII and Speedmaster MKII with a classic design.

"Such a structured range guarantees that under the Avon brand, the most famous and popular models will continue to be produced, which complement the Dunlop range, including tires for different segments from off-road to hyper-sport."

In 2026, Avon Cobra Chrome will be available in 77 sizes for the front and rear axles with diameters from 15 to 23 inches, including 14 sizes with white sidewalls. Most sizes are already on sale, and the rest will be released by the end of the year.

Avon Tyres has its history dating back to 1885, and in 1997, the company was acquired by the American Cooper Tire, which is now part of Goodyear.