Introduction
Tyres. Easily neglected but undeniably one of the most crucial components on a vehicle. And in the case of motorcycles or scooters, even more, simply because it’s the very thing that keeps it in contact with the ground underneath. So, what happens if you turn a blind eye towards them? Well, you'll only end up doing more harm to yourself and your beloved machine than good. So, having a good set of tyres is of the utmost importance when riding any vehicle. This is where the new TVS Remora and ProTorq tyres come in.
Now, for those not in the know, TVS Motor Company, apart from manufacturing two-wheelers, also has a separate entity by the name of TVS Tyres which has been manufacturing tyres for little more than 35 years now. The company specialises in offering a wide spectrum of tyres for 2/3-wheelers in the domestic as well as international market. And to top it off, they also have their in-house R&D centre for designing new tyres. On that note, one can safely say that the guys at TVS Tyres are well versed when it comes to manufacturing tyres. So with more performance-oriented motorcycles being introduced in the market, the company has developed a new range of tyres to cope with the requirements.
So, the set of tyres we have here are meant for motorcycles like the Hero Xtreme 200R, Honda X-Blade and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. What's more, TVS has provided the front and rear tyre with different names - TVS Remora for the front and Eurogrip Protorq Sport SR for the rear, to be precise. Among the list of bikes deemed most compatible, we decided to have the Apache RTR 200 4V shod with these tyres, and put them to test. In the following introduction report, we cover the design, construction and material aspects that have gone into making these tyres.
The Sizes
TVS offers Remora series tyres for both, the front and the rear. We have a 90/90 section tyre for the front with a 17-inch diameter. The tyre has a speed rating of 49P wherein ‘49’ denominates a maximum load-carrying index of 185 kg while the ‘P’ represents the maximum speed for the tyre which stands at 150kmph.
In the case of the rear tyre, the TVS Eurogrip branded Protorq Sport SR series is available in different sizes. The one here is a 130/70 section radial tyre with a 17-inch diameter. The tyre has a peak load carrying index of '62' which stands for 265kg and a similar maximum speed rating for 150kmph.
As far as the tyre weight and thread depth are concerned, the Remora front weighs at about 4kg while the Protorq tips the scale just under the 5kg mark. Meanwhile, the thread depth for former measured at 4.5mm while the latter had a 5mm groove depth.
The Technology
Starting with the Remora, the tyre has a rounded profile which should benefit the rider in tipping the bike into a corner with ease. Next, the contact patch of the tyre has a unique tread pattern that is designed for efficient channelling of water in wet weather conditions. The groove pattern has one main consecutive groove that cuts across the centre line of the tyre before connecting back to another groove. There are also small pockets/dimples along the centre line of the tyre allowing the tyre structure to flex for maintaining optimum traction.
At the rear, the Protorq series is a more recent product in the company’s portfolio. The tyre has a distinctly flatter profile owing to its radial construction which amounts to a wider contact patch with the surface underneath. This is achieved from the textile piles that are present inside the tyre which are laid across the section in radial format. This structure results in better control over different road surfaces, lesser heat generation and higher resistance towards tread-related damage. The tread pattern has deep and wide grooves for efficient channelling of water during the rains. Furthermore, compared to a cross-ply tyre, a radial tyre also helps in returning higher fuel efficiency due to its lower rolling resistance.
Both tyres follow a uni-directional tread pattern for performance, unlike bi-directional tyres that are designed for commuter usage.
Anything else I need to know?
Be it the Remora or the Protorq, TVS seems to be concentrating on factors like grip, cornering ability, safety and also overall life. The Remora is a medium compound tyre that is designed to strike a balance between grip and longevity. In the case of the Protorq, the radial tyre comes with dual-compound construction for additional benefits. While the centre portion of the tyre comes with medium compound rubber for a comfortable balance between grip and wear, the sides have a softer compound which facilitates better grip levels during cornering.
The groove pattern on both tyres is mainly designed for paved roads. But considering the pothole-ridden roads of Mumbai, it remains to be seen how the tyres perform in those conditions.
Next Update
The tyres will be fitted onto the Apache RTR200 4V, where they will be subjected to a variety of road conditions and scenarios which include commuting, touring and mild off-roading if it calls for it. The next report will dwell upon how the tyres have fared over the next six months. Until then, ride safe!
Product Details
Make: TVS Tyres
Type: Motorcycle tubeless tyre
Model: TVS Remora (front)/ TVS Eurogrip Protorq Sport SR (rear)
Size: Front – 90/90-R17 M/C 49P; Rear – 130/70-R17 M/C 62P
Price: Front - Rs 1,500; Rear - Rs 1,500
Photgraphy by Kaustubh Gandhi
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