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!

MAXAM Tire has named Chris Rhoades as its new Zone Sales Director for the Northern region, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer service within the speciality tyre aftermarket. The appointment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership and competitive positioning in the sector.

Rhoades brings over 25 years of international industry experience and a well-established reputation as a leading voice in the tyre business. His leadership credentials include being elected to two separate terms on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors. Most recently at BKT Tires, he managed strategic growth in complex and highly technical off the road markets, where he aligned regional execution with global strategy, led cross functional teams and consistently delivered measurable revenue increases.

In his new capacity, Rhoades will direct all sales operations across the Northern region, collaborating closely with customers and partners to ensure performance, service and support remain synonymous with the MAXAM Tire brand. His appointment signals a focused effort to drive results through experienced leadership and deep market knowledge.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the MAXAM team. Chris brings deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and a strong customer-first mindset that will create immediate value for our partners. His experience and vision will play an important role as we continue to grow our presence, strengthen relationships and expend the MAXAM brand across the market.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bekaert’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. He brings extensive expertise in leading, expanding and transforming global industrial enterprises through both organic growth and acquisitions, positioning him to drive Bekaert’s future strategic goals.

On that same date, the board will co-opt Biebuyck as a director. Meanwhile, current CEO and board member Yves Kerstens will conclude his mandate on 31 May 2026, having led the company in recent years. He will also step down from his directorship as of that day.

The leadership transition marks a carefully planned succession, with Biebuyck’s track record seen as critical to advancing Bekaert’s long-term ambitions. The changes take effect at the end of May and start of June 2026.

Jürgen Tinggren, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as CEO of Bekaert. The Board is convinced that he is the right person to lead the transformation of the company in its next chapter. On behalf of the Board and the entire Bekaert team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Yves for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the company over the past years, and wish him the very best.”

Biebuyck said, “Bekaert has an impressive history of innovation, business expansion and evolution. I am honoured to take up the role of CEO at Bekaert. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the leadership team and all colleagues around the world to further transform and grow the company and create long term value for all our stakeholders.”

Kerstens said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Bekaert and to work alongside our colleagues around the world during the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish Olivier all the best to lead the company in building a strong future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sri Lanka-based GRI Tires has extended its limited warranty coverage for pneumatic tyres to up to 10 years, effective from 2026, as the specialty tyre manufacturer seeks to strengthen customer assurance across its agricultural, construction and material handling businesses.

The revised warranty policy applies to all GRI-branded pneumatic tyres manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and covers customers in more than 80 countries. The company previously offered warranty coverage of up to seven years.

Under the updated policy, agricultural radial tyres will be covered for up to 10 years, while agricultural bias tyres will receive coverage of up to eight years. Construction, earthmover, industrial, material handling, port and mining tyres will be covered for up to five years, subject to terms and conditions.

GRI said warranty protection would cover qualifying defects, with credit issued on a pro-rated basis.

For qualifying failures occurring within the first three years, and where radial tyre wear does not exceed 20 per cent, customers will receive a full replacement credit.

The warranty applies exclusively to the original end-use purchaser.

“This enhanced 10-year warranty is more than a policy update — it is a statement of our conviction in the quality of every tire we manufacture,” said Barry Guildford, global commercial director at GRI.

“We build tires to perform in the most demanding conditions, and we stand behind them.”

Customers can submit warranty claims through authorised GRI dealers and distributors, or directly through the company’s customer support channels.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft (GNH) has appointed Martin Rathke as Managing Director of its subsidiary Nordmann (Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH), effective 1 May 2026. The move marks a strategic step in the company’s ongoing leadership development.

Rathke joins with considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge of international sales and distribution within the chemical distribution sector. His career includes years of service in a family-owned enterprise, where he held senior management roles with global responsibility. He will now share leadership duties with Ulrich Cramer, who remains in his position, and together they aim to form a closely aligned team to advance Nordmann’s strategic direction.

The joint leadership will focus on accelerating global expansion through targeted strategic, organic and inorganic growth while optimising existing operations and continuously refining the company’s portfolio strategy. Backed by the commitment of its shareholders, Nordmann seeks to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a global player in the chemical distribution industry.

Irina Zschaler, CEO of Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft, said, “Martin brings exactly the combination of entrepreneurial mindset, international experience and leadership strength that we value in our relationships and for our path to grow. Our collaboration is based on responsibility, integrity and the aspiration to create added value together for all involved and the entire group. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming our full Nordmann team.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!