Re: Tyres

Hi Sohaib, great to know you are riding from Hyderabad. All the best!

Re: Tyres

Can somebody please explain, how did this happen? The rim isn't bent but the tyre has deformed from the place i have highlighted.

Re: Tyres

Looks like the sharp tool used to insert the tyre has damaged the beading.
My R15's inner beading was also damaged by a roadside shop.
I have seen and made experienced guys do the fitting without a machine too. All comes down to skill levels.

Re: Tyres

Any issue if I continue using it?

Re: Tyres

Hi Sarvajit, Thanks buddy..

Re: Tyres

Dude, replace ASAP. Could lead to sudden deflation upon impact like unexpected potholes or temperature expansion during sustained high speed riding.
Either will cause loss of steering control, which is not a pretty situation.

Re: Tyres

Try to refit tyre on machine . If it's not fitted correctly ,ur problem will get solved. Or
,If it's a new tyre u can use it with tube or get it replaced under warranty.

Re: Tyres

If it isn't wobbling then probably you can use it

Re: Tyres

Thanks for the help.


The tyre is deformed from what it looks like, because if you observe closely, you will see the deformation. I think the tyre is fitted properly. The tyre is approx 18k kms old.

No, there isn't any wobbling because the deformation is on the outer side. Haven't felt any wobbling or discomfort while riding at constant speeds above 60kph.

Re: Tyres

Hello everyone,
As I being a motorcycle rider since 2001 I can say I can put across some of the issues I've noticed in may experience more specifically for recent years when I noticed that tyre choice does matters when it comes to enjoying a bikes true potential.
For last three n half years I've been riding 200NS I came across many reviews and experience s of other riders about tyres available as stock or optional on motorcycles available in India.
Staring from my personal observation about Eurogrip first, as the tyres were stock on my NS i did used them thoroughly. These are more on hard compound tyre which is nearly all train tyre n can be used fairly if u know the limits, more on the forums it's named euroslip morely but when u know it's a cheap tyre n really long lasting one as compared to MRF n all other brands. I mean think about it that these tyre last really long then they are not designed to do the things which are not meant to do cornering n high speed touring, when u push them on concrete road or more hard n smooth surface they are gonna sleep.
For MRF it's different, they cost more n they have much more softer compound but still more normal daily commute usual tyres with till some extend normal cornering is also possible.
Perelli for that extend are strictly soft compound tyres and more prone to punctures on more of normal commute.
Metzlers are high performance tyres which are great tool for cornering and for optimum handling capabilities but the cost they come they does not justify on Indian roads coz we all know that we find more path holes then smooth layer of tarmac.

For the people who didn't used their bikes for more than 100kms at stretch and never get to use the handling capabilities of their bikes to say about 60-70 percent buy MRF ones, they will last good 20k kms n give u great handling.

For people who use their bikes mostly for commuting to work or college use stock tyres.

For people who take their bikes on regular rides invest in perelli or metzlers and make sure u use them to limit as they don't come cheap.

This is my opinion at most and there are brands like ceat and many who have taken note of growing market in India for performance bikes and more of so to performance tyres are worth giving a fair chance

Re: Tyres

Replaced my 2012 Karizma R's front and rear stock tyres (Zapper FS and Zapper Y) with Zapper RF and Zapper Q. The stock had done 31k and still looked good as new. No doubt why people keep saying it is very hard compound and refused to wear out. I gave my old tyres to a friend whose Karizma had done 42k(His tyres were at a need to be replaced ASAP condition). I was contemplating between MRF Vyde, MRF Zapper Q, Ceat zoom, Pirelli SD and Michelin Sirac for rear.

1. Vyde was my first choice given its good reviews. Unfortunately Vyde is stocked up only for 17 inch rims at all places. Dealer told me that the supply was poor for 18 inch generally.
2. Zapper Q has almost a similar profile and tread pattern to that of Vyde. Read some good reviews on it. Priced at Rs.2600 I felt it is slightly overpriced but ok.
3. Ceat Zoom - Heard mixed reviews about this one. Heard it has good grip on dry Tarmac whereas my confusion started when some reviews suggested the wet Tarmac grip was poor. In addition to this Ceat zoom supply had a supply problem. Enquired with 4 dealers and none had stock.
4. Pirelli SD - Heard excellent reviews on this one. But again heard it has wet grip issues. Also being on the softer side, it is more puncture prone. Having been used to the hard compound MRF stock ones on the motorcycle, I did not want to venture into soft compound as my usage is mostly in city. Never have had a single puncture so far on the stock tyres.
5. Michelin Sirac - Post TVS manufacturing, a lot of complaints over this one. So did not bother venturing into it.

For the front there were limited choices. As far as I had read online, most people suggested to go again with the original Zapper FS for the front. But I desperately wanted to try something new, as I had had a fall only a month ago (the very reason I decided to change the tyres). After fixing on Zapper Q for rear, I decided to go ahead with MRF for the front also. For Karizma I had choices like Zapper FS, FQ, FM, FV, RF etc. (Sadly no FY/FY1). FS, FQ and FM have almost similar tread pattern. Whereas, FV and RF have similar tread pattern. My prime concern was good water dissipation. I zeroed on RF for its slightly more aggressive rib pattern against FV's straight ribs on the centre. Frankly I am still a bit skeptical of my front tyre choice, but beyond a point I was frustrated of researching and had to make a choice.

Got my tyres at Sri Badmavathi Tyres at Kanthanchavady, OMR as it was near my office. Not a very professional place despite being a MRF only dealer. I would always recommend BM Lal tyres near Satyam Cinemas for better workmanship but it was too far away for me.

Observations so far(90kms done with new tyres)

Rear Zapper Q feels good so far. Too soon to comment on its hard cornering abilities. I have only tried mild cornering and I felt confident. Tried hard braking on the rear, purposely trying to lock the rear. Rear slipping/fishtailing has reduced leaps and bounds compared to the stock Zapper Y. Once the rains come in, shall be able to comment on its wet grip performance. Cost: Rs.2600(Used my old tube)



Front Zapper RF has good grip on mild cornering. Again, yet to see hard cornering abilities. Front doesn't lock up so easily like the stock Zapper FS. Only weird thing is that, it tramlines a bit at slow speeds. But I need to confirm this as I am skeptical with the current tyre pressure maintained. Rs.1600(With tube)



Shall post feedback again after doing some 250kms.

Query: Do all stock size tyres have the same recommended pressure? I have 25 psi on the front and 29 psi on the rear now.

Re: Tyres

Any advice on what tyres would be the best match for a pulsar 220?

Re: Knobby tyres

I'm in Kerala. Somehow getting 18" tyre looks tough . Could please give me a link about the online store you mentioned.

Re: Tyres

Hey guys..my bike (CBR 150R) is done with 16K Kms, planning to change my front tyre. But am confused with Michelin Pilot Sporty and MRF Zapper..any suggestions? Removed Michelin Street radial from my list as correct size isn't available.
Pleas Note: I already changed my rear to Michelin Street and its been 5K km with it. Performing pretty well.

Re: Tyres

Go with the Michelin I use Michelin on my D200 both front and rear both provide better grip than the stock MRF's.