About a year back, we got to experience the made-in-India Vredestein Centauro tyres at the Buddh International Circuit. What we know so far is that these tyres are good enough on track for a decently quick pace, but high-level riders will want more.
However, the big test always lies in how good they would be on the road. After running a set of Centauro NS on my 790 Duke for 1,000km or so, I can now give you an answer. The Centauros replaced a set of superb Metzeler M9RR tyres, so they had a lot to live up to.The very first sensation after installation was that the tyre construction was a little more absorptive than the Metzelers. Without any change to suspension settings or my regular tyre pressures, the ride quality felt slightly better and that’s always a nice thing in Mumbai.
Bumpy roads are only half the issue and our roads can also be ridiculously slippery. The Vredestiens do fall a little short here. They seem to take a little longer to build heat and there’s a little less grip in general. However, where the 790 Duke is happy to spin up in fifth gear at half throttle in Mumbai, once you show it some good tarmac, the rear tyre bites and happily raises the front wheel. Clearly, this issue is more geography-related than product-specific.
As for handling, the NS feels more neutral than my previous Metzelers and turn-in isn’t quite as quick. However, it’s not sluggish either and the bike steers confidently, holds a line well and still feels lots of fun when the road stops being straight. The NS is the more sporty of the two Vredesteins, and it probably won’t last as long as the Centauro ST, but it’s too early to comment on how these tyres age.
Ultimately, the Centauro NS is a good tyre, but it’s not outstanding in its performance. Where it makes all the difference is in the price. At around Rs 24,000- 30,000 for a set (based on sizes), these tyres are vastly more affordable than most imported alternatives and they come with a warranty. For example, the Metzelers I’ve been referring to currently cost well over Rs 40,000 for a set. Value-wise, these Vredesteins will meet the needs of most road riders.
Where: www.vredestein.co.in
Price: Rs 24,000-30,000
Dinshaw Magol
Gavin Rodrigues
Azaman Chothia
