When we first experienced the TVS Eurogrip Roadhound tyres, we were at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore with a varied bunch of 500cc-plus motorcycles – the Honda CBR650F, Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750, Kawasaki Z650, Ninja 650, Benelli Leoncino 500, and TRK 502. These tyres were a real surprise entry into the world of superbiking in India, exhibiting a level of competence to challenge established players like Michelin, Metzeler, and Pirelli.
Even though we were really impressed by these tyres, our first impressions were formed in a controlled environment. So, to properly assess them, we had to experience them in real-world conditions. And that’s precisely what we did, and I must say that while they impressed me with their grip, they did exhibit a few minor shortcomings that warrant attention.
Now, I tested the Roadhound tyres on my own motorcycle – a Triumph Trident 660. I use my motorcycle for daily commuting, which means that these tyres needed to withstand the diverse weather conditions of Delhi, including the scorching summers and chilling winters. Notably, I had replaced Trident’s OEM Michelin Road 5 with the Roadhound tyres. My initial impressions of the tyres mirrored those from our first ride event in Coimbatore. The Roadhound tyres feature a multi-layer construction, with the most durable layer positioned in the middle for longevity and softer layers on the sides to enhance grip.
Now, one initial concern that I immediately noticed was the Roadhound tyres feel very stiff when they are cold, and they require some time to heat up, after which the grip noticeably improves. What’s more, once warmed up, they feel soft and very manoeuvrable. Through daily use, it became evident that they have been designed to offer a good balance of grip and comfort. Even at high triple-digit speeds, the bike always remained stable, offering a comfortable cruising experience. However, in certain situations, the grip was a bit compromised, particularly during hard braking, but it was only noticeable during emergency stops. This is especially evident on bikes without ABS or a rudimentary system like the Triumph. Nevertheless, the tyres perform adequately in everyday riding conditions and even allow you to enjoy little playful manoeuvres, such as inducing tail slides when entering a corner.
Furthermore, the silica compound of the tyre enhances the grip in wet conditions, which was quite evident while riding in the rain a few times. The tyres’ design effectively channels water away, maintaining high levels of grip, and the front tyre offers accurate feedback to the rider, aiding them to gauge traction.
Overall, I think that the Roadhound tyres are competitively priced, offer commendable levels of grip in all conditions, and exhibit durability. Although they may not be as specialised as tyres like the Pirelli Corsa and require some time to warm up on cold mornings, they did manage to impress me over the thousands of kilometres and many months of testing. I think that they can do well in our market if they can overcome the negative perception held by some snobbish riders, who seem to favour foreign manufacturers over domestic options.
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