If you have been around dual-sport motorcycles for a while, you have undoubtedly heard of or used Avon Gripster tires. I don’t know of a tire that has been around longer. This would never happen in the sport-bike world where tire technology and design change at light speed. However, in the dual-sport world, things progress at a more leisurely pace. Think, for example, how long the Kawasaki KLR 650 remained completely unchanged.
Speaking of the KLR, I would venture a guess that more Gripsters have been mounted on this bike than any other over the years. There is a reason for this. The KLR is a street-oriented dual-sport – the Gripster is a street-oriented DS tire.
The Avon Gripster is best described as an 80-20 tire. That is 80% on road and 20% off. If you are looking for an aggressive street legal knobby, look elsewhere. If you ride in a lot of mud and sand, the Gripster will be an exercise in frustration. However, if you use your dual-sport for a lot of street riding, with a few fire roads mixed in – the Gripster may make you a very happy camper.
Avon Gripsters are built around a 3-ply nylon carcass. The tread pattern is a very recognizable arrow pattern that tends to self-clean fairly well.
If you ride a big dual-sport that spends the majority of its miles on the tarmac, the Avon Gripsters are worth a try. Retail prices run from $127.44 - $160.05, but you can find them much cheaper online.
