Introduction
If you haven’t read our previous report on Apollo’s new Alpha H1 motorcycle tyres, you should. The Alpha isn’t your run-of-the-mill tyre for your run-of-the-mill motorcycle. It’s a sport tyre meant for the likes of the KTM 390 Duke and the TVS Apache RR310. And therefore, the H1 must deliver on many things from technology to construction to dry and wet handling and braking.
Click HERE to get those details.
This report is more about setting a baseline. Now, since we are running these tyres on the Apache RR310, we have used the motorcycle’s stock tyres to set that baseline. So, we weighed the stock and the Alphas back-to-back; measured their tread depths; and compared their speed ratings and construction.
Stock set
The stock tyres on the Apache RR310 come with an H speed rating, which means these are good for over 200kmph. These follow radial construction and use the same tyre compound across the length and width of the tyre.
The stock tyres also proved light on the scale. Our weighing scale displayed 4.05kg for the front stock tyre and 5.12kg for the rear. As far as tread depth goes, the front tyre’s central tread depth measured in at 3.30mm while the rear was 5.10mm.
New ones
The Alpha H1s have deeper tread in comparison. The front measured 3.45mm while the rear tread depth, at 6.20mm, was a good millimeter more than the stock tyres. This should, in theory, help the H1s dissipate water better, and have longer tyre life.
But, the Apollos are heavier. The difference isn’t much; the front weighs almost 4.4kg and the rear is nearly 5.6kg making the H1s around 400gms heavier. So, we don’t expect any telling difference in the flickability of the bike even though there’s more unsprung weight now. But, given the sticker compound of the H1 (according to Apollo), and the added weight, the fuel efficiency might see a bit of a drop.
Next update
Next time, we will talk about performance. We will tell you how the H1s feel on dry and wet roads, how they fare under braking, and whether we witnessed any change in fuel efficiency. But, that’s due in three months time, so do bear with us…
Product Details
Make: Apollo Tyres
Type: Motorcycle Radial Tyre
Model: Apollo Alpha H1
Size: Front – 110/70 ZR 17; Rear – 150/60 ZR 17
Price: Front - Rs 6,499; Rear – Rs 8,499
Click here to buy it online
Gallery
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TVS Apache RR310 Action
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