When it comes to motorcycle performance, enthusiasts often focus on the engine, the suspension or the design. However, one crucial element that directly impacts safety and performance is often overlooked: the tyre. Despite being the only point of contact between the motorcycle and the road, tyres play a pivotal role in determining how a bike handles, grips and responds to rider inputs. In motorsports and everyday riding alike, tyres are the unsung heroes – vital components that require meticulous testing and development to perform at their best in all conditions.

Motorcycle tyres are engineered to handle a wide range of challenges, from extreme cornering forces on the track to the unpredictable surfaces found on rural roads. Whether you're a weekend cruiser or a competitive racer, the tyre is what connects you to the road, affecting everything from grip and braking to comfort and fuel efficiency. But the process of getting that perfect tyre to market is far from simple. It involves months of testing, refinement and technology-driven innovations designed to meet the demands of every type of rider.

Sagar Sheldekar, the founder of Living It Up and a seasoned expert in motorcycle testing, offers valuable insight into the importance of tyres. He explains that there are a few essential parameters he focuses on when testing a tyre. "The three most critical factors for me are grip, feedback and agility. While longevity is important, you can't gauge that immediately. A tyre with good grip and feedback allows you to push harder and ride more safely," he says.

Sheldekar, who has tested a wide range of motorcycles and tyres, explains that while tyres like Michelin excel in wet conditions due to their grip on slippery surfaces, he finds their feedback lacking. “A tyre that talks to you is important,” Sheldekar continues. “You need to feel how much grip you have, especially when you're riding aggressively or pushing the limits in a corner. A tyre that doesn't provide that feedback makes it harder to ride with confidence.”

He also discusses how the profile of a tyre can drastically influence a bike’s handling. "Take the Suzuki Katana, for example," he explains. "Despite having a fantastic engine, it was difficult to handle aggressively due to its flat tyre profile. On the other hand, tyres with more agile profiles make a bike easier to steer and handle, especially when you're pushing hard."

This illustrates a key aspect of tyre testing: it's not just about grip, but how the tyre responds to rider inputs and how it complements the overall dynamics of the motorcycle.

On the manufacturing side, V Sivaramakrishnan, Chief Technology Officer at Eurogrip Tyres, shares how tyres are tested for the Indian market. He explains that each category of motorcycle tyre – whether touring, off-road or sports – undergoes a different set of tests to ensure it meets the specific requirements of the segment. For instance, tyres designed for touring bikes go through different tests than those made for off-road or trail bikes.

“The testing process for a new product begins with indoor tests, such as high-speed durability and burst strength,” says Sivaramakrishnan. “Once these are done, we move on to rolling resistance and grip testing. We test tyres under different conditions, such as dry, wet and varied asphalt textures, and we also carry out tests in different climates, from the hot temperatures of India to the cold, wet conditions of Europe and Japan.”

For wet grip, a special test is conducted where a thin layer of water is spread over the track, ensuring consistent friction during the test. Using advanced sensors mounted on the bike, the deceleration and grip levels are carefully measured. Expert riders then push the tyres to their limits, testing how they perform in cornering, lane changes and other dynamic manoeuvres.

Beyond performance, tyre durability is just as important. Eurogrip conducts extensive real-world testing by sending convoys of vehicles on designed duty cycles that replicate actual usage – factoring in load, speed and terrain. This simulates how a tyre will perform over time and under different riding conditions.

Once internal testing is complete, tyres must pass homologation tests to meet country-specific regulations. In India, this means obtaining an ISI certification, while in Europe, it might be ECE-certified. These certifications ensure that tyres adhere to safety and performance standards specific to each market.

The entire process, from initial testing to certification, can take anywhere from six to nine months. The costs involved are significant, with manufacturers investing considerable resources to ensure the tyres not only meet but exceed performance expectations.

Tyre testing, while largely unseen by the average rider, is a crucial part of motorcycle safety and performance. It ensures that each tyre is optimised for maximum grip, durability and handling, giving riders the confidence to perform at their best. The next time you hit the road – whether cruising on a scenic highway or racing on a track – remember that the tyre beneath you has been tested through rigorous processes to make your ride safer and more enjoyable.

In the end, the importance of tyres cannot be overstated. As Sheldekar succinctly puts it, “You can have the most powerful engine, but if your tyre isn’t up to the task, you won’t be able to safely harness that power.” The unseen work that goes into tyre testing in India and around the world is what makes that safe, exhilarating ride possible – no matter where the road takes you.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar S. Kanwar has said the company remains focused on disciplined execution, sustainability and long-term value creation as it navigates geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade dynamics and a challenging global business environment.

Addressing shareholders at the company's 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), Kanwar said FY26 had been a year that tested businesses worldwide, but Apollo Tyres had continued to strengthen its financial performance while investing for future growth.

"The future is not something we inherit. It is something we create through the choices we make every day," Kanwar told shareholders, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's observation that "The future depends on what we do in the present."

Apollo Tyres reported consolidated revenue of INR 284.71 billion for FY26, crossing the INR 280 billion milestone, while operating profit rose to INR 41.43 billion. Kanwar said the company's focus extended beyond financial performance to improving capital efficiency, operational discipline and profitable growth.

"Every important decision we take is driven by one simple question: Are we building a stronger company for tomorrow?" he said.

Kanwar also highlighted the company's efforts to strengthen the Apollo Tyres brand through its association with the Indian national cricket team, describing the partnership as one that reflected Apollo Tyres' values of resilience, determination and excellence rather than merely serving as a branding exercise.

Sustainability remained central to the company's strategy, he said, noting that Apollo Tyres' greenhouse gas emission reduction targets had been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The company continued to expand the use of renewable energy while improving responsible sourcing and resource efficiency across its operations, Kanwar said. "Sustainability is no longer a separate agenda for Apollo Tyres; it has become an integral part of how we innovate, manufacture and grow."

Kanwar credited employees for the company's performance, describing their commitment and adaptability as the foundation of Apollo Tyres' continued progress. He also acknowledged the support of governments and institutions across the markets where the company operates.

He singled out Hungary as a key manufacturing base in Europe, saying Apollo Tyres' plant at Gyöngyöshalász reflected the benefits of long-term collaboration with the Hungarian government.

Looking ahead, Kanwar expressed confidence in the company's growth prospects, citing India's expanding market opportunities and Apollo Tyres' international manufacturing and distribution footprint.

"Uncertainty will always be a part of business, but organisations that remain true to their values, continue to innovate and invest responsibly will be best placed to succeed," he said.

Thanking shareholders, customers, dealers, suppliers, financial institutions and government partners for their continued support, Kanwar said Apollo Tyres remained committed to building "a company that is stronger, more resilient and more responsible with every passing year."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

CAMSO Construction and CEAT Specialty has announced the appointment of Jason Canning as Vice President & Head – International Sales for CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT business units. The executive will assume responsibility for steering the company’s worldwide sales strategy, accelerating international revenue expansion, and fortifying collaborations with original equipment manufacturers, distribution networks and end-users in pivotal global regions.

With a career spanning over two decades, Canning brings extensive commercial leadership experience garnered across the speciality tyre, industrial products and engineered materials industries. His professional track record is distinguished by consistent delivery of sustainable financial growth, the cultivation of high-performance international sales teams and the establishment of durable strategic alliances with major OEMs, channel partners and a diverse clientele across multiple continents.

This strategic hire underscores the organisation’s ongoing commitment to securing premier global talent in support of its ambitious international development objectives. The move also reaffirms the company’s dedication to providing customer-centric, premium-grade solutions on a worldwide scale, aligning with its broader vision for sustained market presence and operational excellence.

Canning said, "I am excited to join CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT at such a pivotal time for the organisation. I look forward to leveraging my international experience to strengthen our global partnerships, expand our market presence and drive sustainable growth for the business."

Amit Tolani, Director, CAMSO Construction and Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, " Jason's international experience and proven track record of building high-performing sales teams make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. His deep understanding of the OHT products landscape, along with strong OEM and channel relationships, will support our global expansion."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ZC Rubber has held its first Indonesia Distributor Conference, bringing together around 140 representatives from the company, PT Matahari Tire Indonesia (MTI) and its core Indonesian distributor network as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.

The two-day event, held in Jakarta on July 23–24 under the theme "Gathering Momentum in Indonesia, Creating Success Together", focused on the company's manufacturing development in Indonesia, product planning for regional markets and closer collaboration with distributors.

Opening the conference, Henry Shen, Senior Vice President of Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), highlighted the progress of MTI since it was established nearly three years ago. According to the company, the Indonesian plant began production 289 days after construction started and produced its first one million tyres a further 282 days later.

"MTI is an important part of our long-term development in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It gives us a stronger local manufacturing base, closer access to market demand and greater flexibility in serving both regional and international customers,” said Shen.

Located in Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java, the 58.8-hectare facility is ZC Rubber's second overseas tyre plant. The company said Phase I has reached its planned production capacity, while Phase II has entered operation.

During the conference, Wang Xianning, Vice President of ZC Rubber and General Manager of MTI, outlined developments in production capacity, intelligent manufacturing and the plant's end-to-end quality control system.

Zhang Chunsheng, Deputy General Manager of ZC Rubber's Truck and Bus Tire Division and Director of its TBR and OTR Research Institute, presented the company's tyre technology roadmap and product development plans. These include refining products for Indonesia's road conditions, heavy rainfall, high temperatures and demanding commercial vehicle applications.

"Feedback from distributors, fleets and users in Indonesia is helping us refine products for local conditions, while ZC Rubber's global R&D platform allows those products to meet the requirements of wider regional and export markets," Zhang said.

Jeffrey Zhang, General Manager of ZC Rubber's International Business Department, and Justin Cui, Assistant General Manager of MTI, also presented localised product planning, marketing programmes and channel development strategies for the Indonesian market.

The conference included discussions with distributors covering product performance, customer demand and regional market conditions. The company said the feedback gathered would be incorporated into future product planning and market support.

ZC Rubber also announced the formation of an Indonesia Marketing Committee, comprising representatives from four national distributors. The committee will provide a forum for MTI and its partners to discuss product requirements, market developments and coordinated sales and marketing activities.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

SI Group has promoted Robert Kaiser to Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing, concurrently appointing him to the company’s Executive Leadership Team. The global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions and chemical intermediates has tasked the executive with spearheading market-focused growth efforts and enhancing the synergy between client demands and the firm’s enduring strategic vision.

Kaiser’s elevation follows a distinguished tenure with the organisation that began in 2014, during which he assumed progressively significant roles in strategic marketing and business development. His contributions have been instrumental in refining the company’s product portfolio and market positioning, as well as fostering interdepartmental cooperation on pivotal expansion projects. His professional background also includes commercial leadership stints at AkzoNobel and Arizona Chemical, now part of Kraton Corporation.

The newly appointed Senior Vice President holds a Master of Business Administration from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. With his extensive commercial acumen, Kaiser is poised to drive alignment and execute the company’s long-term objectives in his new executive capacity.

David Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer, SI Group, said, "Robert has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and a deep understanding of our markets. His ability to turn information into actionable insight has been instrumental in strengthening our commercial organisation and advancing our strategic priorities. We look forward to the unique global perspective and market-centric lens he will bring to our Executive Leadership Team.” 

Kaiser said, “I am honoured to join the Executive Leadership Team. Our customers are navigating an increasingly complex business environment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role at a time when SI Group has the global footprint and strong foundation needed to create value for our customers and the markets we serve. I look forward to working with colleagues across SI Group to deepen customer relationships and continue advancing our commercial strategy.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!