There have been various reports about European testing of the Avon Storm 2 Ultra and possible availability in the OEM C10 rear size.  Following, just FYI, is is my query and Avon USA's response about this possibility (on 10/19/11):

Avon USA:

I've read on Concours Owners Group forums that Avon may soon manufacture the Storm 2 Ultra rear tire in size 150/80 R16 to fit the 1986-2006 Concours ZG/GTR1000.

Can you confirm that?

Thanks,

Alan


Dear Alan,
Thanks for your query. What Avon has committed to is that when we produce a new range of Sport touring tires we will add the Concours sizes. At present the Storm 2 range has only been out for a few years so it would be at least 1-3 years away. That said we are always doing running changes to improve our tires so whatever technology we use on a new range usually trickles down to an older range over time.

Cheers

Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.)

Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America
4600 Prosper Dr.  Stow, OH 44224
800-624-7470 x 3135  Fax 330-928-0503
www.avonmoto.com

Dear Alan,
Thanks for your query. What Avon has committed to is that when we produce a new range of Sport touring tires we will add the Concours sizes. At present the Storm 2 range has only been out for a few years so it would be at least 1-3 years away. That said we are always doing running changes to improve our tires so whatever technology we use on a new range usually trickles down to an older range over time.

Cheers

Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.)

Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America
4600 Prosper Dr.  Stow, OH 44224
800-624-7470 x 3135  Fax 330-928-0503
www.avonmoto.com

I don't know but to me those two statements fly in the face of each other. We will create new sports tires and add the Concours and yet they are talking about it being 5-6 years away from the time they came out with it?

I think each and every one of us should send this Sukoshi Fahey an email  explaining how disappointed we all are with them and that  we are  all looking  elsewhere for our tire purchases.

  Sorry for the thread hijack, but here's the response I recieved from the Shinko representative, Scott, when I inquired about adding a 150/80ZR-16 size to their 011 Verge line-up. 
  I recently replaced a front 011 Verge at 16k miles that was just at the wearbars w/ another 011 Verge. This tire has worked as well as any of the Avon Azaros & Storms I've had in the front, except the cost was about 30-40% less. So, if they can mfg a rear tire in the size we need for the C10, I would believe they would perform as good if not better than the Azaro's. My last Azaro only lasted 8.5k, where the previous ones had lasted 13-14k.
 So.... I sent an e-mail to Shinko describing how well the tire performed & to request they offer a rear tire in the C10's size. 
Maybe there's hope.  Please send a request......
 
"Dean,
  Thanks for the input. I will let Shinko know of the request. If there is enough interest to justify the R & D and cost of building the tire mold they may do it.  This is a fairly expensive and time consuming process so they need to make sure it is worth doing cost wise."
 
Thanks,
 
Scott Casper
Western Power Sports
Street Product Manager
Shinko Tire Tech and Development
601 E. Gowen Rd
Boise, Idaho  83716
Phone (208)376-8400 ext. 3404
Fax (208)375-8901
Scott Casper <scasper@wps-inc.com>

I think each and every one of us should send this Sukoshi Fahey an email  explaining how disappointed we all are with them and that  we are  all looking  elsewhere for our tire purchases.

Don't all Avon tires in the States come from OTP? Better off e-mailing Avon GB,

Peter McNally
M/C Technical product manager

pmcnally@coopertire.com