Photography: Eurogrip, Shrenith Bhandary
Your tyres are as important as the specifications of your motorcycle. You can have a great engine, the best suspension and sharp brakes, but it all comes down to those small patches of rubber keeping you connected to the road, just like how you wear shoes. Get the wrong pair, and you will hate the ride; get the right pair, and the whole experience elevates itself.
Eurogrip wanted us to test what their tubeless tyres are really capable of, so they planned a ride from Madurai to Kodaikanal. From the heat and chaos of the temple city to the cool, twisty roads of the princess of hills, it was just the perfect mix to test them out.
I started the trip on an MT-15 with a Beamer HS+ at the front and a Protorq Extreme at the rear. Through the city, they felt steady and predictable, which is what you want in traffic. Braking was smooth and the tyres held strong even when I had to dodge sudden surprises on the road.
A quick break, and I swapped to a Dominar 400 running Protorq Extreme HR at both ends. That is when the ride got interesting. On the way up to Kodaikanal, the grip was excellent. The tyres warmed up quickly, delivering the confidence to lean harder at every corner. By the time we reached the top, I was grinning like a kid, throwing the bike side-to-side through the bends and enjoying every moment of it.
The next morning, the weather turned rainy, and on the hills, that usually means slowing on your way down, but not this time. The Protorq Extreme felt planted even on wet tarmac. Braking, cornering, stability, everything, stayed in check. I could ride naturally without worrying about losing grip.
By the time we rolled back into Madurai, the conclusion was clear. Eurogrip has stepped up big time. Their tyres feel sorted in the dry, dependable in the wet and are built to last. If you are thinking of getting your stock tyres swapped, both the Beamer HS+ and Protorq Extreme make great alternatives for everyday use and performance.
Indian manufacturers have come a long way when it comes to tyre technology and formulating different compounds for tyres to suit different riding styles and conditions. Eurogrip’s tyres warm up quickly and assure you of a smooth and comfortable ride, along with a longer lifespan. Eurogrip is also in the process of developing racing slicks, which we will get to see soon; however, they will be exclusively available for racing use only.
