Roadhound & Climber XC: Eurogrip debuts 2 tyres at EICMA

A major name in UK car tyre distribution, Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS) is also active in the two-wheeler segment. Kevin Schmid, motorcycle category manager at MTS, confirms that the wholesaler carries in excess of 1,500 two-wheeler product lines. MTS enjoyed a 20 per cent increase in sales during 2021-22 and at the start of last year made a major investment in a bespoke bike tyre warehouse in Walsall.

Schmid says this warehouse carries a “full range” including all the premium brands’ bike and scooter lines. “We have also invested in staff and systems and enhanced our stock availability,” he adds. “We are delighted to introduce Eurogrip to MTS as a strong house brand, which has enabled MTS to target growth opportunities in the market.”

Eurogrip is one of the fastest growing brands in the powered two-wheeler tyre segment, and Kevin Schmid observes that MTS’ relationship with house brands such as Eurogrip enable the wholesaler to “offer a strong product portfolio” that meets growing demand in certain areas. “The scooter market is a good case in point, with the segment being boosted both by an increase in home deliveries and a demand by commuters to help get through increasing traffic volumes on the road,” he elaborates.

Eurogrip showed globally launched two products and showed off the rest of its fresh range at last November’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Running through the current line-up, Schmid shares that Eurogrip has recently launched its Bee Connect tyre for urban and countryside scooter mobility, Protorq Extreme flagship zero-degree steel belted radial, and the Roadhound sport touring tyre.

“Similarly, we have had opportunity to develop and grow within the off-road market. With Eurogrip’s Climber XC, an off-road speciality tyre for motocross, enduro and cross-country applications. As part of our overall offer, MX/Enduro has also proved to be a strong product in this category.”

Protorq Extreme

Eurogrip is confident that riders of medium displacement motorcycles, such as the KTM 390 and BMW G310R, will no doubt appreciate the nimbleness and grip provided by Protorq Extreme. The recently introduced radial product focuses on plug and play sporty performances, combined with an aggressive styled tread pattern. Technology wise, Protorq Extreme features a 0° steel belt and a tri-polymer tread compound, making it a “perfect tyre for usage on track.”

Roadhound

Roadhound is, says Eurogrip, a sport touring tyre with a “knack for delivering high dynamical performances” regardless of whether the weather is rainy or sunny, and a mileage able to “satisfy even the most hardcore travellers.”

The compound is a new formulation that finely blends high silica content with carbon black for duration and grip when moving across both wet and dry tarmac. Roadhound radial rear sizes feature dual compound technology, and Eurogrip reports that this provides “excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces” and “improves handling and comfort on both naked, sport and touring motorcycles.” The dual compound is coupled with a 0° steel belt, enabling long lasting performances at both high and low speed.

The tyre maker engineered the Roadhound tread pattern so that its groove geometry and shape greatly boosts water drainage and provides mechanical grip even on difficult surfaces. The profile and structure are engineered to balance agility when tackling corners and stability when travelling on straight roads.

Eurogrip will bring the Roadhound range to market from early 2023 in a size range covering both radial and cross-ply applications.

Climber XC

Climber XC is a street legal tyre for motocross, enduro and cross-country applications, designated for both leisure, training and competition. Eurogrip says the tyre “gives its best once the dirt, grass and stones take the tarmac’s place.” The tread’s knobby layout and geometry that boosts wear and tear resistance, coupled with a symmetrical shape that allows riders to reverse the tyre once one side is worn, further increasing its service life. Eurogrip also specifically developed compounds and the materials used in the tyre’s structure to withstand harsher off-road conditions, where durability is as important as traction and lateral support.

XC Climber (Image: MTS)

Bee Classy

Bee Classy is the newest addition to the commuter-dedicated Bee family of products. Eurogrip states that this tyre offers a “classic looking style coupled with the same performances and durability which made Bee Connect a successful hit in Europe and worldwide.” Bee Classy is available in two sizes for owners of classic scooters wanting to enjoy contemporary performances while preserving the original look.

Bee Connect (Photo: MTS)

Targeting upper segment

“In 2022 Eurogrip has been the ‘underdog’, the unexpected player that changed the game,” comments Renato Zilli, TVS Eurogrip’s senior advisor, sales and marketing. “We have strengthened our presence across the globe, targeting the upper segment of the range.”

Eurogrip says its tyres are created with technology that “seamlessly blends superior mileage, high performance and durability.” All Eurogrip products are researched, designed and developed jointly by the company’s Italian and Indian R&D and product development teams and have been thoroughly tested by independent professional riders across the globe.

Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS) is exclusive distributor of Eurogrip tyres for UK & Northern Ireland. Commenting on the year ahead, Kevin Schmid says that by “seizing upon opportunities in the market” such as that offered by the Eurogrip house brand, MTS is able to “further develop new business and strengthen our existing customer relationships.” He adds that MTS is also working with its house brands on the development of new products into further motorcycle segments, which its anticipates adding to its offer throughout the forthcoming 2023 season. stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com