Finally, we have received a pair of TVS Eurogrip ProTorq Extreme tyres for Gen3 Duke 390. These tyres are specially designed for mid-size performance motorcycles. And what better way to test them than to put them through 1000 km road test. We have ridden 300 km in the city and a recent 700 km trip from Kolhapur to Mumbai and back.
Tthe roads were mostly well-paved or wet surfaces and consisted of some off-road sections. I felt this was the best way to test the grip, durability and stability of the tires. To make it easier to understand, I’ve broken them down into a simple pros and cons list. In terms of stability at high speeds, even at triple digit speeds, it feels as reliable as an H-rated Metzeler that came as stock with the motorcycle. Yes, the front end certainly feels heavy compared to the rear, which feels light. It does require a bit more effort during lane changes and quick overtaking. But overall it feels pretty smooth and better feedback than the Metzeler.
There are a lot of tight corners on route the trip i did from Kolhapur to Mumbai and back. I’m happy to say that the tires performed beyond my expectations. The feedback is linear and smooth. The stickiness is so good that even once while hard lean, i didn’t have to touch the brakes. Grip at both ends is ample, and even when I put the throttle on full throttle coming out of corners, I never felt insecure. Unlike the H-spec Metz, which can feel a bit wooden. The tires felt solid and sure-footed over concrete and tarmac and that is the big highlight for me.
The wet grip of the ProTorq Extreme isn’t too bad. I wouldn’t compare it to a W-spec Metzeler of the past. After all, i have ridden the Gen 1 Duke 390 with those tyres and i remember its outstanding wet grip, which can be a tad bit better here ,at the front only. The tread design sheds water very effectively and provides great grip even in wet conditions. At the front i can feel it leaving the grip at the very end, but it is under control and not instant, so the build up is gradual and safe as it is with most great tyres/
All this means that there is a bit of wobble and weave over uneven surfaces at medium to high speeds, but it corrects itself when it hits a smooth patch so, it is safe. The tire noise i have heard from others and it is heard. First i thought it is the helmet whistle while the visor is open, but it is also the tyres. It’s noticeably louder than the standard Metz H-spec that came with the 390, but it’s not enough to be a concern. With earplugs, speakers or well damped interior padding of the helmets. The pricing is right and so are the tyres. The ghat section performance blew me away after the section was over. This is where i realized i didn’t put any effort and just enjoyed the bike without a single fear of losing the front and rear over undulating yet smooth ghats of Maharashtra.
Type: Radial Tyre
Size: Front: 110/70ZR17, Rear: 150/60ZR17
Price: Front: Rs 4,650; Rear: Rs 5,650
