Indian manufacturers are stepping up their game and based on what we have seen so far, we are catching up with the world quicker than ever before. This applies not only to motorcycle manufacturers but also to the manufacturers of the various parts that make a motorcycle work. One of the most important components in that list is tyres and Eurogrip is at the forefront when it comes to that.
It has not been long since we were invited by Eurogrip to test their Roadhound series of tyres meant for big bikes. We came back thoroughly impressed with the performance. What’s more, Eurogrip is on a roll and there has been a flurry of launches for all kinds of motorcycles. A testament to how good their tyres are is the fact that the newly launched Aprilia RS 457 is shod with Eurogrip Protorq tyres and much praise has been hurled at the grip on offer.
So we got an invite from Eurogrip for another ride meant to test a variety of tyres meant for a variety of motorcycles. We flew to Madurai from where the ride was to start. Before that though, the folks at Eurogrip were kind enough to give us a factory tour where we got to know a lot about how tyres are manufactured and tested. They also talked about the tyres that we were about to test, giving us a brief of what the tyres were aimed at and what we could expect on the ride.
After the factory tour and briefing, our 2-day adventure started where we would test 4 different tyres fitted to various motorcycles. The starting point was Madurai and the destination was Thekkady. So not only we would get to test the tyres in all kinds of terrains, but we could rest assured that the vistas on the way would do their bit in making sure that we didn’t feel the effects of long hours in the saddle.
We started with the Suzuki Gixxer and the tyres put to the test were Beamer HS+. On the way to Thekkady, there was a planned break to switch motorcycles and the second motorcycle we got our hands on was the Hero Xtreme. It was also fitted with the Beamer HS+ tyres but a different size, of course. The switching motorcycles felt like a modified relay race of sorts and it was a ton of fun.
We had a decent amount of time with the Beamer HS+ tyres, enough to tell you that they are really impressive. The Beamer HS+ tyres aim to provide superior grip without compromising the tyre life. While we cannot comment on the mileage, we can tell that the grip was exceptional. The Gixxer and the Xtreme are very different in character and power delivery but the Beamer HS+ tyres deal with the different characteristics effortlessly.
They offer dependable grip whether you are riding in a straight line or the corners. Eurogrip also emphasizes the wet grip of the tyres and while we did not get to test that, the tread pattern suggests that this particular fact check might not be required at all. The groove design is efficient in channelling the water away from under the tyre, ensuring a consistent contact patch. Moreover, the wide spacing between the grooves means a bigger contact patch and therefore, more grip in the dry, which we can vouch for!
After experiencing these two motorcycles and the Beamer HS+ tyres, it was time for a lunch break which would also serve as another swapping point. After a hearty meal and a very positive discussion about the Beamer HS+ tyres, it was time for us to get ready for the next leg and the next machine- the Royal Enfield Himalayan!
The Himalayan was fitted with Duratrail EB+ tyres. As the motorcycle and the name of the tyres suggest, these are dual-purpose tyres meant for long distances on the tarmac and the fun detours through some light trails. These tyres proved their mettle just as well as the ones before. Up to this point, we had majorly seen Eurogrip’s road-biased tyres so it was amazing to see that they have manufactured a dual-purpose series just as well!
The tyres offer a steady and consistent grip on the tarmac and you can keep going for hours and still expect that same result. Moreover, the sturdy construction means that these tyres will last for many long roadtrips! In the broken patches and some light offroading, the grip was exceptional. The block design grips the loose surface underneath and offers superb control. The feedback is also fantastic which means you can point your motorcycle in the direction you want to go in and leave it on the tyres to take you there.
Eurogrip also promises excellent wet grip on the Duratrail EB+ tyres as well and again, we have no doubt that they will do just fine in the conditions. We’ll probably get an opportunity in the future to verify these claims too. Overall, it was fun experiencing these tyres and the ride was simply spellbinding. Riding into God’s Own Country in the Golden Hour… you cannot expect any less than just that! After reaching the hotel in Thekkady, we decided to get some rest before the scrumptious dinner and call it a day!
The next morning, we were all ready to ride back to Madurai and I got acquainted with the next motorcycle I was meant to ride- the Yamaha FZ. It was shod with the Beamer HS+ tyres. Again, the tyres were just as impressive but this time, we decided to veer from the group a little to explore a bit more of the route and get some more photos. After a while, we reunited with the group at the pre-decided spot for our lunch break.
After the lunch break, we hopped on our last motorcycle for this ride- a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the tyres used were Terrabite DB+. Once we got hold of the bike, we ventured out solo again to explore the route and experience the tyres. As far as a brief first impression goes, we really liked the Terrabite DB+ tyres. They not only looked sturdy but offered dependable grip at all kinds of speeds and trajectories. Granted the Classic 350 is not a corner-carver but you can still have some fun thanks to these tyres.
On top of that, the Terrabite DB+ tyres are more than capable and equipped for some bad patches too. So if long distances with unpredictable terrains are your thing, these tyres deserve your attention. After some more photos and a bit more fun with the tyres, we reached Madurai with a big full of memories and nothing but praise for Eurogrip; not only for their phenomenal lineup but also the pace at which they’re moving forward.
We sign off as we eagerly for the next invite from Eurogrip.
