Despite market slump, manufacturers supplying outstanding products

The UK replacement motorcycle tyre market has been in the doldrums for a couple of years now, which is a shame because, as Bike Tyrestore managing director Peter Smith opines, this past year has been punctuated by outstanding products from all manufacturers. And despite the promise of key new introductions, such as the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20, Smith notes that opinions are mixed as to which way the market will go in 2012.

Smith considers Bridgestone’s BT-016 and BT-023, the Dunlop SportSmart and RoadSmart plus Michelin’s Pilot Road 3 particular stars within the current crop of strong performers. These premium products are represented in the Bike Tyrestore range along with the full range of Sava motorcycle tyres, scooter tyres and tubes. Smith shares that new enduro and motocross ranges have recently been introduced to the Sava line-up; he also confirms that a range of Sava radials is expected to be introduced before the end of 2012.

“All of the main Sava product lines are manufactured wholly in Europe, which is very important to consumers,” Smith reflects. “Sava scooter tyres are the UK market leader. Sava also offers made-in-Europe options to replace OE fitments on many light motorcycles where the tyres are not of European origin. Sava has brought to us a range with a quality second to none. We have delivered the marketing and logistic support to make it happen.” 

As mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago, the motorcycle replacement tyre market is currently noticeably below pre-crisis levels. The Bike Tyrestore managing director pegs the market last year as being about 15 per cent down on 2010 and perhaps 25 per cent lower than 2009. Bucking this trend, Smith notes that scooter and light motorcycle tyres are up, and he adds that the market was surprised by a resurgence in sales of cross-ply tyres. “Last year, sport/touring outsold sport and hypersport,” he elaborated. “That trend continues as riders realise that sport/touring tyres are usually adequate for all but the most extreme usage. Some manufacturers expect to see an on-going reduction in sales of the main radial tyres, in favour of commuter and scooter tyres.”

As for the coming year, Smith believes the issue is that, as in other retail areas, consumers are unwilling to spend money on tyres: “Issues of unemployment, job insecurity, and general doom and gloom discourage people from riding. My impression is that all manufacturers are budgeting for a further decline in 2012, which is prudent.” He does admit that optimists argue sales must recover this year as even low-mileage riders are finally forced to re-equip. Should that prove the case, Smith shares that for 2012 Bike Tyrestore has “a range of quality products which are new to the UK market and will enable dealers to tap into a unique growth area, which slots nicely into what they already do.” The company is launching this new initiative at January’s Motorcycle Trade Expo.  

Bike Tyrestore accompanies its growing product portfolio with a range of services, including full technical training, weekly e-newsletter, a freephone call centre hotline plus its ‘YOUR Online Warehouse’ 24/7 ordering facility with next day delivery.