75
/ 100
Objective (60%)
–/100
No test data yet
User signal (40%)
72/100
12 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
Head-to-head
Updated September 2026
Avon Storm 3D XM vs Dunlop RoadSmart III — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
VS
90
/ 100
Objective (60%)
74/100
1 professional test
User signal (40%)
89/100
16 owner reviews
Prices change daily — check the retailer for your size.
VerdictWinner: Dunlop RoadSmart III — better wet, handling and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.
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Category breakdown
5 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Score (0–100)
RoadSmart III leads by 13
Why this score
| Source | Storm 3D XM | RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 97 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 82 | 91 |
Wet
Score (0–100)
RoadSmart III leads by 24
Why this score
| Source | Storm 3D XM | RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 65 | 89 |
Comfort
Score (0–100)
RoadSmart III leads by 9
Why this score
| Source | Storm 3D XM | RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 79 | 88 |
Treadwear
Score (0–100)
RoadSmart III leads by 5
Why this score
| Source | Storm 3D XM | RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 84 | 89 |
Handling
Score (0–100)
RoadSmart III leads by 21
Why this score
| Source | Storm 3D XM | RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 68 | 89 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Avon Storm 3D XM | Dunlop RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 75 | 90 |
| Dry | 82 | 95 |
| Wet | 65 | 89 |
| Comfort | 79 | 88 |
| Treadwear | 84 | 89 |
| Handling | 68 | 89 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
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Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
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Recomputed
Headline score
75
/ 100
Tire A
90
/ 100
Tire B
From owners
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Avon Storm 3D XM receives a polarized reception, with users divided between those praising its longevity and value for sport-touring and those reporting significant confidence issues regarding wet-weather grip and handling stability. While some riders report excellent mileage and consistent performance, others cite vague feedback, premature hardening, and unpredictable behavior on uneven or damp surfaces.
Pros
- High mileage and tread longevity
- Strong dry-weather grip and stability
- Excellent value for money compared to premium alternatives
- Stable handling during long-distance motorway riding
Cons
- Inconsistent wet-weather performance and lack of confidence
- Vague front-end feedback and 'squirming' sensation
- Tendency to track road grooves and imperfections
- Reports of premature rubber hardening and tread cupping
Observations
- Heavy sport-touring machines show mixed results, with some riders praising stability while others report poor performance over road imperfections.
- Aggressive riders on high-performance bikes (e.g., GSXR 600) report significant confidence issues in wet conditions compared to more relaxed touring styles.
The Dunlop RoadSmart III is highly regarded as a durable, high-performance sport-touring tire that excels in longevity without sacrificing significant grip. Users consistently praise its stability and confidence-inspiring handling across a variety of motorcycles, particularly heavy touring bikes and sportbikes used for long-distance travel.
Pros
- Exceptional tread life and mileage compared to dedicated sport tires.
- Sharp, responsive steering and handling characteristics.
- Consistent and reliable grip in both dry and wet road conditions.
- Stable performance under heavy loads, including luggage and pillion passengers.
Cons
- Occasional reports of rear-end slippage during aggressive cornering with power input.
- Front tire wear can be uneven or faster than expected depending on suspension setup.
- Some users noted a firm ride quality due to the stiff carcass construction.
Observations
- BMW K1600GTL owners report the tire is an excellent match for the bike's weight and touring demands.
- Sportbike riders (e.g., GSXR1000) appreciate the tire as a long-lasting alternative to pure sport rubber without losing agility.
- The stiff carcass design is noted to sharpen steering response, which is particularly beneficial for heavier touring motorcycles.
Specifications
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Avon Storm 3D XM | B · Dunlop RoadSmart III |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
Final verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
75
/ 100
Avon
90
/ 100
Dunlop
Winner: Dunlop RoadSmart III — better wet, handling and dry. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Pick tire B
Your priority is wet-weather safety
Dunlop RoadSmart III scores 89 vs 65 on wet.
Pick tire B
You enjoy sharp, responsive handling
Dunlop RoadSmart III scores 89 vs 68 on handling.
Pick tire B
You want the most grip on dry roads
Dunlop RoadSmart III scores 95 vs 82 on dry.
Pick tire B
You want the most comfortable ride
Dunlop RoadSmart III scores 88 vs 79 on comfort.
Tire A · Avon Storm 3D XM
Tire B · Dunlop RoadSmart III
More comparisons
Also compared with
Avon Storm 3D XM also compared with
Dunlop RoadSmart III also compared with
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.