Introduction
A quick recap.
We recently received the Apollo Tramplr STs and found them to be a set of well-thought-out motorcycle tyres. Be it in terms of build, design or purpose, these seemed to check all the right boxes. But, their pricing - at Rs 4,500 for the front and Rs 6,000 for the rear - did seem steep. The Tramplr ST is part of Apollo’s on / off-road range of motorcycle tyres, with a bias towards 'on-road'. But, for those looking for a blockier, more aggressive tread pattern for better bite off-road, there is the more expensive Tramplr XR. Furthermore, unlike the XR, which uses radial construction, the ST is a cross-ply tyre.
Now just to set the stage: our impressions about the ST were before we mounted the tyres on the motorcycle. In addition, the STs - 100/80 front and 140/70 rear - were going to replace 110/70 and 140/60 front and rear tyres, respectively. But, the latter were radials.
Light Feel
As it turns out, the Tramplr ST made a good first impression.
As soon as we put them on, the motorcycle felt lighter and more seamless in its responses, specifically at lower speeds. Filtering through traffic, as a result, was less taxing. Plus, the 'feel' offered by the tyres made filtering more predictable. And predictability boosts confidence. And confidence, as well all know, makes you quicker, without even trying. This lightness in response is down to the ST's slimmer width and lighter weight compared to the radials the motorcycle was running on earlier.
The switch to Tramplrs has also improved the overall comfort levels. The ride - especially over small amplitude bumps - feels less intrusive now. Now, I take the same route to work every day. And, the road doesn’t change unless it gets worse. So, to feel the improvement almost immediately in the ride comfort over the same road and two consecutive days on two different tyres is telling. Moreover, the fact that the ST runs a taller aspect ratio than before, and has more supple side walls, helps the cause.
Finally, in terms of fuel efficiency, we witnessed a slight improvement. But the difference wasn’t big enough to be a deciding factor.
Edge Grip
The ST is an on / off-road tyre. However, even though it is more road-biased, we still didn't expect outstanding levels of grip on the tarmac given its cross-ply construction and taller sidewalls. And the grip levels aren’t outstanding.
But these do offer a good feel. Instead of feeling wooden and leaving things to guesswork, the STs communicate with the rider about the happenings on the road seamlessly. ‘Feel’ is another ingredient in building rider confidence, which further contributes to the Tramplr’s commute-friendly character.
However, a word of caution - when it comes to edge grip at high lean angles - or while braking too hard - the STs give up grip without much warning. Don't get us wrong, the feel and grip offered by these Apollos for the most part are good, which is why we like them so much for daily commutes. However, this falls off a cliff towards the far end of the performance spectrum. So, if riding fast and hard around bends is your thing, you might want to look elsewhere.
What’s Next?
With the on-road experience done, we will now take the Tramplr STs on some flat trails, and maybe even on a beach. The idea is to see how it handles the gravel, the dirt, and some soft sand.
Product Details
Make: Apollo Tyres
Model: Tramplr ST
Type: Enduro Tyres
Size: Front - 100/80-17; Rear - 140/70-17
Price: Front - Rs 4,500; Rear - Rs 6,000
Photography: Kaustubh Gandhi
