Avon motorcycle tyres are being relaunched, eighteen months after the historic factory in Melksham, Wiltshire was closed. The closure was significant, as the Melksham plant was the UK’s last production facility for motorcycle tyres. Unfortunately, it was in serious need of modernisation and investment, and was closed by parent group Goodyear in December 2023.

Goodyear inherited the Avon brand when it took over previous owner Cooper Tires (also owner of the Dunlop name) and moved production to a factory in the EU. The company is now relaunching EU-made Avon motorcycle tyres, positioning them just below its more premium Dunlop-badged rubber. The relaunched range consists of four models to start with: the Cobra Chrome for cruisers (with optional whitewalls); Spirit ST sports-touring tyre; 3D Supersport and the Roadrider MkII for classics. Many have been updated and modernised to increase performance, and three new Avon tyre models are on the way.

At the BMF, chair, Jim Freeman welcomed the return of one of Britain’s oldest motoring brands, even if it wasn’t made in Britain any more. “ As with so many other British riders, I’ve used Avon tyres on many different makes and models over the years. While rarely at the cutting edge of tyre performance, if one wanted a durable and reliable tyre they fitted the bill. Good to see the brand back. For Classics especially, it’s iconic.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Avon Tyres