India's motorcycling landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. From the tireless workhorses – the ubiquitous commuter bikes that weave through bustling city streets, serving as a lifeline and livelihood for millions – to the aspirational roar of Royal Enfields and the sharp agility of KTM Dukes, the roads hum with a symphony of two-wheeled motion. Beyond these, a growing segment of enthusiasts and professionals are embracing high-performance superbikes and rugged adventure motorcycles, pushing the boundaries of speed and exploration.

Each of these machines, with its unique purpose and personality, demands a specific type of tyre, a crucial link between rider and road. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of motorcycle tyres, exploring the technologies behind their grip, the performance considerations that shape their design, the tread patterns that conquer diverse terrains, and, most importantly, the pricing that impacts every rider's decision.

Join us as we dissect these elements and piece them together to create a comprehensive motorcycle tyre buying guide, helping you navigate the choices and find the perfect tyre for your ride, whatever your journey may be.

Types of motorcycle tyres

First off, we are taking tread type as the main denominator for segmenting different types of motorcycle tyres. The tread pattern of a motorcycle tyre is its fingerprint, dictating its grip, water evacuation capabilities, and suitability for different surfaces. In India's varied terrain, from smooth highways to rugged rural roads, choosing the right tread pattern is essential for safety and performance.

Street Tyres:

These tyres typically feature smooth or lightly grooved patterns, maximizing the contact patch with the road surface. This design prioritizes grip on dry pavement, offering excellent handling and stability. Popular examples include the tyres found on Hero Splendor, Honda Activa, Bajaj Pulsar 150 etc.

Ideal for city commuting and riding on well-maintained highways. They provide good grip for everyday riding conditions and are commonly found on commuter bikes, standard motorcycles, and some sport-oriented models. However, they may struggle on loose surfaces or in heavy rain.

Sport Tyres:

Sport tyres boast more aggressive tread patterns with deeper grooves and a higher land-to-sea ratio (more rubber in contact with the road). This enhances cornering grip and allows for more aggressive riding styles. They often utilize softer rubber compounds for maximum adhesion.

Suitable for riders who enjoy spirited riding on winding roads or occasional track days. These are seen on bikes like the Yamaha R15, KTM RC 200/390 and even on larger capacity bikes when used primarily on the road. While they offer superior grip, they may wear out faster than street tyres and may not be ideal for wet or loose surfaces.

Touring Tyres:

Touring tyres are designed for long-distance riding and all-weather performance. They feature deeper, wider grooves that effectively channel water away, providing excellent grip in wet conditions. The tread patterns are often optimized for stability and comfort over extended journeys, and the rubber compounds are formulated for longevity.

Perfect for long-distance touring and riders who frequently encounter varied weather conditions. They offer a good balance of grip, durability, and wet-weather performance. Bikes like Royal Enfield Himalayan, Bajaj Dominar and other touring-oriented motorcycles are often equipped with such tyres. They are well-suited for India's diverse climate and road conditions, providing reliable performance on both highways and well-maintained rural roads.

Dual-Sport Tyres:

Dual-sport tyres, as the name suggests, are designed for both on and off-road use. They feature knobby or semi-knobby tread patterns that provide traction on loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and mud, while still offering reasonable performance on pavement. The tread blocks are spaced wider than street or touring tyres to allow for better grip on uneven terrain. Bikes like the Hero Xpulse 200, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and larger adventure bikes utilize these tyres.

Dual-sport tyres are becoming increasingly popular in India with the rise of adventure motorcycling. They provide the versatility needed to tackle a variety of terrains, from paved roads to dirt trails and even rocky mountain passes, making them perfect for exploring India's diverse landscapes.

However, Dual-sport tyres can be noisier and less grippy on smooth pavement compared to dedicated street tyres. You also have options like the more road focused Adventure touring tyres which have smaller more tightly packed blocks providing better on-road grip at the expense of off-road grip and Mud/Sand focused tyres with large widely spaced blocks.

How are tyres made?

The construction and rubber compound of a motorcycle tyre determine its core characteristics and how it interacts with the road. Let's break down the key types:

Bias-Ply:

These tyres feature a criss-cross layered construction, offering durability and affordability. They are often found on older bikes, cruisers, and smaller capacity motorcycles. In India, they are common on commuter bikes and some entry-level models due to their robustness and lower cost.

Radial:

Radials have layers running perpendicular to the tyre's direction of travel, providing better grip, handling, and high-speed stability. They are preferred for sportbikes, performance-oriented motorcycles, and larger touring bikes. Most modern motorcycles in India above the commuter segment utilize radial tyres for enhanced performance.

Also Read:- Difference Between Radial and Bias Tyres? All You Need to Know

Role of Tyre Compound:

Tyre companies optimize each type of motorcycle tyre with variations in the softness or hardness of the tyre compound to cater the diversified rider requirements.

Sport/Track: Soft compounds offer maximum grip for aggressive riding and track use but wear quickly. In India, these are mainly used by enthusiasts on performance bikes for track days or spirited weekend rides.

Sport-Touring: A balance between grip and longevity, suitable for street riding and occasional touring. These compounds are popular in India for a wide range of motorcycles, providing a good all-around performance.

Touring: Harder compounds prioritize durability and mileage, ideal for long-distance riding. These are favored by touring enthusiasts in India who cover long distances and need tyres that can withstand varied road conditions and provide a long service life.

Dual-Sport/Adventure: These tyres use compounds designed to offer a compromise between on-road grip and off-road durability. With the rising popularity of adventure biking in India, these compounds are gaining traction, offering versatility for riders who explore diverse terrains.

Which tyre do you need?

The ideal tyres for your motorcycle depend heavily on its type, your riding style, and the conditions you typically encounter. Here’s how to determine the right fit:

1. Identify Your Motorcycle Tyre Size:

The first step is to determine the correct tyre size for your motorcycle. This information is readily available in your motorcycle's owner's manual and often on a sticker located on the swingarm or chain guard. Tyre sizes are expressed in a standardized format. For example, a tyre size marking of 120/70ZR17 tells you the following:

• 120: Tyre width in millimeters (mm).

• 70: Aspect ratio, expressed as a percentage of the tyre width (sidewall height is 70% of the width).

• Z: Speed rating (in this case, over 149 mph).

• R: Indicates radial construction.

• 17: Rim diameter in inches.

You’ll typically find two different size specifications – one for the front tyre and one for the rear. Always adhere to these recommended sizes for optimal performance and safety.

2. Upsizing or Downsizing Tyres (Deviation from OE Spec):

While sticking to the manufacturer's recommended tyre sizes (Original Equipment or OE Spec) is generally advised, some riders may consider upsizing or downsizing their tyres for specific reasons, such as aesthetics or a slight change in handling characteristics.

Upsizing typically involves fitting a wider tyre with a lower aspect ratio. This can increase the contact patch, potentially offering better grip and cornering stability. However, it can also make the steering heavier and slightly alter the speedometer reading.

Downsizing involves fitting a narrower tyre with a higher aspect ratio. This might improve fuel efficiency and make the steering lighter, but it could reduce the contact patch and potentially compromise grip.

Crucial Considerations When Deviating from OE Spec:

• Rim Size: The rim diameter (e.g., 17 inches in the example above) must match your motorcycle's rims. You cannot fit a tyre with a different rim diameter.

• Aspect Ratio: Changing the aspect ratio affects the tyre's sidewall height and overall profile. This can alter the motorcycle's handling, speedometer accuracy, and even potentially cause clearance issues with the fenders or other components. Significant deviations should be avoided without careful consideration and professional advice. Upsizing or downsizing can also affect fuel efficiency, stability and braking performance. Consult a professional before deviating from your stock tyre size to understand these implications for your specific use case.

3. Pricing and Value:

Motorcycle tyre prices in India vary widely depending on the type, size, brand, and performance characteristics. You'll find a range of options to suit different budgets and riding needs:

• Commuter Bikes (Street Tyres): Prices generally start from around ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per tyre.

• Sport Bikes (Sport/Sport-Touring Tyres): Expect prices to begin around ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 per tyre and can go much higher for premium brands and high-performance models.

• Touring Bikes (Touring Tyres): Pricing typically starts from ₹2,500 - ₹4,500 per tyre, with premium options costing more.

• Adventure Bikes (Dual-Sport Tyres): Prices can start from ₹3,500 - ₹6,000 per tyre, depending on the aggressiveness of the tread pattern and brand.

• Off-road/Motocross Tyres: Prices can start from ₹2500 - ₹8000 per tyre depending on the usage scenario (sand, mud, or mixed use).

It's important to consider not just the initial price but also the tyre's longevity and performance characteristics to determine its overall value. If you are looking for a motorcycle tyres price list, you can easily access one at an Apollo Tyres shop near you or visit the Apollo Tyres online shop to explore the pricing of our top-tier products like the Actizip, Actigrip, Alpha, and Tramplr series.

New Bike Tyre Fitment: Ensuring a Safe and Smooth Ride

Fitting new tyres correctly is as important as choosing the right type and size. Here's what you need to keep in mind for a safe and optimal experience:

1. Check the Manufacturing Date:

Before installation, always check the tyre's manufacturing date. This is indicated by the DOT code on the sidewall, where the last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture (e.g., "2423" means the tyre was manufactured in the 24th week of 2023). Avoid purchasing tyres that are more than a few years old, as rubber compounds can degrade over time, even if unused, leading to compromised grip and performance.

2. Proper Paperwork: Bills and Warranty:

Always ensure you receive a proper bill for your purchase and a filled warranty card from the tyre dealer. This documentation is crucial for any potential warranty claims or issues that may arise later.

3. Professional Fitment:

While it may be tempting to fit tyres yourself or go to a local mechanic, it’s highly recommended to have your tyres installed by trained professionals at a reputable tyre shop or motorcycle service center. Proper installation involves:

• Correct Mounting: Ensuring the tyre is mounted correctly on the rim, paying attention to the direction of rotation if indicated on the sidewall.

• Balancing: Balancing the wheels after tyre installation is crucial to eliminate vibrations and ensure a smooth ride, especially at higher speeds. Unbalanced tyres lead to faster wear and tear, reduced fuel efficiency and an uncomfortable riding experience due to vibrations.

• Inflation: Inflating the tyres to the correct pressure as specified by your motorcycle's manufacturer. Under or over-inflation can negatively affect handling, grip, and tyre wear.

• Valve Stem and Core Check: The valve stem and core should be inspected and replaced if necessary to prevent air leaks.

4. Post-Fitment Checks:

After installation, always take a short ride to check the handling of your motorcycle with the new tyres and ensure there are no unusual noises or vibrations. It is recommended to run in the tyres gently for a few hundred kilometers for the best performance and life from them.

Conclusion

That concludes our comprehensive guide to motorcycle tyres! We hope this information empowers you to make informed decisions and choose the perfect tyres for your riding needs and style. Remember, the right tyres are crucial for safety, performance, and ultimately, your riding enjoyment. If you have any further queries or need assistance in finding an Apollo Tyres shop or product, please don't hesitate to contact us at 1800 212 7070. Ride safe!