Product
Ted Simon Pays Tribute to Avon Tyres
Ted Simon returned to Melksham on 4th July to thank staff at Cooper-Avon for their support during his latest round-the-world motorcycle trip.
His epic journey began in January 2001 when he set out from England on a hand-built BMW R80 GS, equipped with a 1,000 cc engine, long-range fuel tanks, uprated suspension, and Avon Distanzias.
The trip saw Ted retrace the steps of his original 1973 biking epic, as told in his bestselling book ‘Jupiter’s Travels’, the Penguin Classic that inspired thousands of travelers to emulate the man who has become known as the father of motorcycle adventure.
Ted’s fascinating story of travel, adventure and rediscovered love on the trail of his original voyage will be published shortly, but Ted’s avid supporters have been following excerpts of his progress through the website he has been updating along the way – www.jupitalia.com
Ted was supplied with new Avon Distanzias en route through Africa, South America and India.
Initially the bike was fitted with 90/90H21 54H and 130/80R17 65H AM44 Distanzias, featuring Avon’s unique Advanced Variable Belt Density [A-VBD] technology. These tyres incorporate many of the features and handling characteristics normally associated with sport touring tyres. The A-VBD system works in harmony with a thick tread underlay to give unrivalled comfort, mileage and high speed stability making them ideal for long distance travel across Europe.
As Ted progressed through North Africa however, road surfaces began to deteriorate and he switched to a T-rated crossply pairing which proved more than capable of soaking up the severe punishment meted out by pot hole after pot hole in countries such as Malawi.
On one occasion Ted recalled hitting three deep pot holes in rapid succession. "They were bad enough to break a spoke and, as it turned out later, to fracture the rim on both sides. How a tyre is to survive that kind of battering, I don’t know."
And the testing conditions continued in South America when the tyres behaved impeccably on stony, corrugated surfaces that unscrewed supposedly immovable parts of his BMW.
Throughout the journey the tyres performed perfectly to a point where Ted became supremely confident of his choice of rubber.
"When you are travelling like this the last thing you want to deal with is a tyre problem. I’m happy to report that I didn’t have a single puncture on the journey or any concern about the tyres at all.
Ted added, "I’d like to thank everyone at Cooper-Avon for their help in keeping me supplied with an outstanding product. It’s really a pleasure to be able to say confidently that these Avon Distanzias are very good indeed."
For further information: Clive Jones, Inta-Moto Limited. Tel: 01249 705916 or e-mail clive@intamoto.com
Editor’s Note
Cooper-Avon tyres Limited of Melksham, UK, owned by the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company of Findlay, Ohio, USA, has more than a century’s experience at the leading edge of tyre technology. Tyre makers since 1885, Cooper-Avon produces a full range with the emphasis on grip, comfort and value for money. Cooper-Avon tyres are supplied as original equipment to Rolls Royce, Bentley, Morgan, Westfield, Caterham and Land Rover. Avon racing tyres have been the exclusive fitment of the FIA Formula 3000 world championship since 1986. Cooper-Avon also supplies racing tyres to championships supported by Ford, Vauxhall and Audi.
Company Description
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio and specialises in the manufacture and marketing of automotive products. Products for cooper Tire include automotive, motorcycle and truck tyres, inner tubes, tread rubber and equipment. Cooper-Standard Automotive is an original equipment supplier of sealing, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling systems for the automotive industry in North America, Europe, Australia and South America. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees and 52 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries. For more information, visit the Company’s website at: www.coopertire.com
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company acquired Avon tyres in March 1997. Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd. was the first manufacturer in the world to gain the prestigious ISO 9001 quality award.
For information, visit the company’s web sites at www.avontyres.com & www.avonmotorcycle.com