TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR Tyre Review

TVS Eurogrip Protorq Tyres Review

Tyres Tested: TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR
Tyre Size: 140/70/17 (Rear)
Test Bike: Kawasaki Ninja 300
Test Started At: 13,787 kms
Test Ended At: 17,635 kms
Kilometres Tested: 3866 kms
Price: Rs. 4500/- (Rear)

Unique tread pattern and excellent feedback, the TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR tyre has been very impressive

After riding the Protorq Extreme tyres on the Honda CBR250R, we were extremely impressed with the feedback and grip it offered. However, those tyres were actually made for the KTMs or the Apache RR 310 and were an upsize to the CBR. The set of Protorq Extreme tyres are meant for the race track while we wanted to check out if there is something more biased towards the street or rather long-distance touring. So, TVS Eurogrip has 2 tyre options for the 140-section rear rubber and we asked for the better-looking one. They also had another tyre which was a low-profile 140-section tyre but we rather got the CR, an actual fit to the Ninja 300.

In comes the TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR street tyre. 140/70/17, a perfect size for the Kawasaki Ninja 300 we wanted to test on. Since the stock rear tyre had some tread left but was sliding all over the place, even on cold tarmac. The front stock tyre was already replaced with a new piece, we only got the rear unit. And as soon as it arrived, we were all in awe. It was by far the best looking 140-section tyre we had seen. The tread pattern is so unique and has those perfect curves with a lot more contact rubber to offer. There are small cuts and treads which go in a flowing pattern while it’s not just the contact area, the sidewall looks very interesting too.

The fitment took place in the middle of heavy showers, about 3 months back. There was barely any riding confidence left in the stock tyres but as the new tyre went in, it was just something else. We left the store and there was an immense amount of traction even during the heavy rains. Also, the issue of the silencer belly scraping at every speedbump went away as the Ninja already has had a low ground clearance and the worn-out stock tyre made it worse. With the new CR tyre in place, the ground clearance was back to normal and it felt really good. The initial impression had been exactly on point.

For the first few days, we took it slow to get used to the new rubber. While most of the trips were back and forth from work to home. In the first 400 km itself, the efficiency/mileage improved by almost 2 km/l on open roads/highways. Within the first month itself, we could cover about 1100 km and it was a brilliant experience. The tyre had been a perfect fit for the motorcycle and while doing some regular pressure checks, there would be a drop of a maximum of 1 PSI. But as the Ladakh season opened up we had to drive up north and the bike stayed at ground zero.

The TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR tyre is very silent, even on grippy tarmac or while battling bad roads

As we got back from a 14-day long work vacation, it was time to get back to riding and the first trip to the fuel pump was actually surprising. The front tyre had lost about 5 PSI pressure but the rear tyre didn’t lose more than 2 PSI. That same weekend we did a trip for almost 300 km and the tyre would react in an intriguing manner. On dry tarmac, it was like a sponge, very soft and grippy but at times it would feel like it’s gripping too much and holding the bike back. With heavy showers, the unique tread pattern would filter the water really well. But during short bursts of rains or if we’d hit some gravel, the tyre would lose some traction.

The best part about this tyre has been the way it reacts to different road surfaces and accordingly sends back some feedback. If you tip it into the corners, it holds the line well; if you keep switching or filtering between traffic, there’s ample grip with a nimble feel all-around. The sidewall being decently thick, it has been a pleasure on uneven road surfaces, the bumps are absorbed really well. We would maintain a pressure of 32 PSI all the time during regular commutes and it felt just about right. It never felt too soft or too hard at that pressure.

After riding for almost 13,000 km on the stock tyre, the difference in the stance and the overall looks of the motorcycle has improved is quite a lot with the TVS Eurogrip Protorq CR. After completing almost 4000 km, the tyre hasn’t shown heavy or uneven wear. There is a picture of how soft the rubber is but the overall tyre compound is well-balanced. Just because of the different and unique design, there have been random questions from strangers. A few friends as well have asked about the details of the tyre. While they’ve been quite shocked to see TVS Eurogrip making progress with such tyres; after getting a hands-on experience, almost all the friends have asked for these tyres.

There is however just one common feedback that we’ve received, they grip really well but the availability of these tyres isn’t the best. One would have to search a bit or look for it from the company website dealer locator. This size – 140/70/17 – is much suited for many current generation bikes like the Honda Hornet and Yamaha FZ or can be a size-up fitment for bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar or Hero Xtreme. This tyre even gels well with bigger capacity bikes like the Yamaha R3 and the KTMs for street riding since we already tested on a 38 BHP Kawasaki Ninja 300.

Further Reading –

TVS Tyres Factory Visit – 2015
TVS Srichakra Tyres Test Experience – 2017
TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme Tyres Review