The OE fitted rear Pirelli only lasted about 5000 miles,

The Pirellis that RE originally fitted to the Hims seem to get good reviews - pity a change of policy by the Indian govenment (heavy taxes on imported components to stimulate local companies to make "World Class" products) made their use uneconomic. I found the Pirelli Phantom SportsComp OE tyres on my Interceptor good (despite the widespread unfounded Internet criticism of them) though the rears only did 4K - same as the ContiGo!s that I replaced them with and, strangely, the Avon Roadrider 2 rear on the Classic 500.

I have seem another tyre available in Him sizes that has piqued my interest - Turkish made Anlas Capra R steel belted radials. Only found good reviews so far, their UK agent is Cambrian Tyres & pricing is "competitive". Don't know if I am brave enough to give them a try, though. But just because they are not "mainstream" doesn't necesarily mean they are not competent. After all, who would have thought that the products of post-unification VEB Reifenwerk Heidenau would be quoted as a "go to" consideration for round the world type travellers (Heidenau K60 Scout) when their previous trade mark tyres - Pneumant - were pretty universally derided. Same for the Czech brand Barum - the motorcycle divison spun off as Mitas seems to be hald in reasonable regard now.

Out of interest, what is the manufacturing date on the Avon you have been supplied - shown as a 4 digit code (1st 2 digits week number + 2nd two digits year for date of manufacture) in an oval recess on the sidewall. Just wondered if it was recently made or if your supplier had had to hunt round for one that had been in stock for a while.

Nigel B.