Eurogrip Treadtalks: Madurai to Kodaikanal

There's something oddly satisfying about watching raw rubber turn into a full-fledged motorcycle tyre - a transformation that takes place through a series of complex, almost hypnotic processes.

And like clockwork, Eurogrip once again gave us a front-row seat to it all. Our journey started with an insightful factory tour near Madurai, where the mixing of rubber compounds, intricate layering techniques, and rigorous testing regimens reminded us why tyre development is equal parts science and art. And it's great to see an Indian manufacturer go through such extreme lengths of testing to get it right. Eurogrip also informed us that they have set up shop in north America and are catering to the sport-tourer/cruiser segment of bikes, have forged an alliance with BMW Motorrad for the 310 and will soon enter the supersport segment in India (we sense a 190/55 Pirelli Supercorsa rival on the cards).

This wasn't my first time walking the factory floors with Eurogrip, but each visit still manages to bring something new to the table. It's always fascinating to see how multiple compounds are combined and tested, both mechanically and manually, to ensure each tyre meets a very high standard of durability, grip, and ride comfort. And once the behind-the-scenes lessons were done, it was time to hit the road - the real test bed.

This time, Eurogrip had us heading up from Madurai to the lush, winding heights of Kodaikanal. A brilliant ride, as always, and the perfect setting to put a new set of tyres through the paces. This time around, I'd chosen the Gixxer 150 shod with an ATT front/ Protorq Extreme rear combo on the way up to Kodaikanal, and hopped on a Hero Xtreme 160 for the descent with Eurogrip's Duratrail EB+ front and ATT rear tyres on. There were a variety of small-to medium-capacity commuter and sport commuter bikes to pick from and even a couple of retro cruisers in the line-up on this trip.

Now, the route itself was quite the journey. Starting off from Madurai's dry plains, we meandered through stretches of straight, well-paved tarmac, village roads lined with potholes and livestock, and finally, those beautifully twisty mountain roads that make you want to ride on forever. With every kilometre, the topography - and more importantly, the weather - changed. From sun-baked heat to cold misty air as we neared Kodaikanal, the tyres had to adapt just as quickly as we did.

Eurogrip has always been quite clear about how they prefer to have their tyres tested - out in the real world, rather than confined to restricted test simulations. Be it their race-focused rubber that we've tested on tracks, or more road-oriented offerings, their methodology ensures we get to push these products in environments where actual buyers would use them. And this ride was no exception.

Climbing up, the 140/60 Protorq Extreme at the rear felt confident-inspiring, especially in the corners. The tyre has a slightly stiffer compound - something you notice when riding over uneven patches - but that stiffness is a plus when you're carrying some pace. Instead of the jarring thud you'd expect on sharp bumps, the impact feels well-managed, without that uncomfortable kick through the bars.

The real test came on the descent from Kodaikanal. The clouds decided to part ways with restraint, and we found ourselves in a proper downpour. Add to that, some of the test bikes were clearly in need of a brake service, making things a bit sketchy. But even in the wet, the tyres held up commendably. Braking distances remained consistent, and cornering grip didn't wash out - a testament to the compound tuning and tread design Eurogrip has done to adapt to the ever changing Indian weather and terrain.

I did notice a unique characteristic on the Xtreme on the way down: the front end felt noticeably heavier at low speeds. This is more a result of the tyre's construction than a flaw, but it's worth mentioning. The Xtreme 160 has a light front end, and with the Duratrail EB+ up front, it did feel a bit weighted while manoeuvring through traffic or tight village turns. It's not a dealbreaker, but if you're used to a featherlight front, it'll take a short adjustment period.

The ATT 1150 rear, on the other hand, was composed and grippy throughout the ride. Whether we were accelerating out of sweeping corners or dealing with gravel and debris in the lower-altitude sections, the rear end tracked faithfully. Together, the EB+ and ATT 1150 form a well-balanced pairing that gives you a good mix of stability and agility - a combo that makes sense for India's unpredictable road conditions.

By the time we rolled back into the plains, wet boots and all, the tyres had made a solid impression. For everyday riders who need tyres that can confidently handle long highway runs, poorly maintained inner roads, and even the odd mountain getaway, the ATT 625/ Protorq Extreme as well as the Duratrail EB+/ATT 1150 combos tick most of the right boxes.

The latter may not make your bike feel race-prepped or featherweight, but they'll get you there - comfortably, confidently, and more importantly, safely.

Photography: Manufacturer & Christopher Chaves