Michelin to launch new range of radial tyres for motorycles on January 8

Demand for affordable performance motorcycles has increased considerably in the last few years with many manufacturers eyeing this segment to boost their sales. With a number of new motorcycles being introduced in this segment and many more slotted for 2014, there is one aspect which the consumers miss dearly in our growing market and that is good quality tyres. Till the recent past manufacturers weren’t too keen on providing good quality tyres as they saw it as an avenue to cut cost and price their offerings aggressively. But what they fail to understand is that tyres are the only component on the motorcycle which is in contact with the tarmac and the handling characteristics of the bike depend on them single handedly by quite a margin.

It seems manufacturers are beginning to understand this factor and have started providing good quality tyres as standard fitment,  recent examples being Royal Enfield with the Continental GT shod with Pirelli’s and KTM 390 Duke running on Metzeler rubbers. To cash in on the void in this segment, Michelin will be launching two new tyres on January 8. One of the offerings will be focused on the bikes in the 200 to 400cc category while the other model would focus on the 500cc and above motorcycles. No details on the exact tyre size has been released by Michelin but we expect the 200 to 400cc range of tyres to be available in 110/70 R17 for front while 140/70 R17 at rear. For pricing and other details watch this space.