Previously we have discussed about the different rear tyre options for Duke/RC 390, have a look at here. So again the question arises as to which is the best if not good alternatives one can go for their 390 other than the stock Metzeler as even though it's the front tyre, it's way too costlier than other tyres, in fact you can get a good rear tyre for the price of the front Metzeler. So here we go, let's start with the list of the tyre options for the Duke/RC 390 depending on the usage.
1. CEAT Vertigo 100/90:This is a round profile tyre and definitely not the option if you are living in an area with good roads and you are one of those who love to tour or get your knee down. This tyre is used for extreme conditions, where the stock Metzeler can't handle. The tire is best suited for those who are planning out a Leh trip or something similar where the terrain is rough. As you will not be carrying much speed in these extreme conditions, this is the ideal tyre for you offering both good grip and lasts long, we mean very very long. At a price of mere Rs 2000, this is by far the cheapest tyre you can get for your 390 for the extreme road conditions.
We repeat, do not use this tyre for highway cruising/speed runs.
2. Michelin Pilot Street Radial 110/70:This is again one of the best rated tyres by most of the riders with whom we got in touch with. This tyre has the perfect balance of grip, price and longevity. It costs lesser than the stock Metzeler, offers good handling and most of all doesn't wear out as quickly as the stock Metzeler. The tyre offers pretty good grip in loose tarmac too. At a price of around Rs 4000 and also considering the fact that this performs well overall, this seems to be the favorite for many.
3. Pirelli Sport Demon 110/70:There's not much difference between the Sport Demon and Pilot Street Radial as both the tyres offer pretty much similar performance, except for the fact that the Pirelli is a little softer as compared to the Street Radial but costs pretty much the same. This is another all-round tyre one can go for as it's good for everyday use, to tour and yes even to corner.
4. MRF Revz-C1:The MRF Revz-FC1 is the cheapest on-road tyre for your 390, costing you around Rs 2600. As you can see, the tyres may not be the best in its class but still can be a good tyre for those who are looking out for a cheap alternative for their stock Metzeler and those who are not hardcore cornering freaks, this seems to be the perfect tyre option for them. The tyre is good for everyday use, it can be used for touring as well, no worries, but don't expect a lot of grip from these tyres.
5. Metzeler Sportec M5 110/70:Our list cannot be completed without mentioning the stock tyres. This tyre is for those people out there who are cornering freaks, those who don't mind shelling out extra greens and all they want is a better grip and performance from the tyre. This is the tyre for you if you do not tour much and all that want to do is to just touch your knee down. The tyre will set you back at Rs 7000.
Verdict:
To sum it up in short, the CEAT Vertigo is for the roads with extreme conditions. The MRF Revz-FC1 is the cheapest alternative here offering decent amount of grip for everyday use. The Metzeler is for track junkies who just love to get their knees down and the Pirelli and Michelin are for those who want everything in one single package without having to burn a huge hole in their pocket. So there you go, let us know if you have any other tyre options in your list, so that we can add that too.
By: Rakesh Gowda
