So we’ve finished with the teens and are into the 20s now! Let’s hope this decade brings positive change to our industry in general. Technological advancements across the board will certainly see some huge leaps in tyre technology for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.

This highly competitive market is driven by premium brands globally whose goal is to stay one step ahead of their competitors in order to protect market share. However, there are a number of new kids on the block who are starting to gain ground on the Big Boys. These companies are innovative and spend real time at the coal face, so to speak, learning what riders really need and adapting their offerings accordingly. With no corporate red tape holding them back, these players are able to make changes quickly and get new product out and onto bikes in a matter of months. I’ll share a couple of them soon, but at the moment, one brand that’s really got my eye is Duro.

Although this company has been around for 75 years, their current focus and drive on motorcycle tyres means they’re now making headway and gaining market share in the motorcycle arena. Duro’s total range across all types of tyres is huge. The power sport ranges cover ATV / UTV / SXS, Moto Cross & Enduro; Dual Sport & Touring; Street & Pavement; Vintage & Side Car; Karting & Sport ATV! The brand is manufactured in China, Thailand and Taiwan, and is currently imported into South Africa by Auto Cycle Centre.

The company’s name adequately describes their tyres’ main selling point – DURO for Durability. They say: “Our dedication to safety, long lasting performance and reliability is summed up in our name. Durability is the guiding principle behind everything we do. That expertise, along with persistent R&D efforts, can be found in every DURO product providing maximum performance and superior handling while strictly adhering to worldwide standards and excellent quality.”

The dual-sport motorcycle tyre market is fast becoming a key area of growth for all brands with dual purpose tyres in their product offerings. Here are two of the company’s dual-sport products which appear to be gaining ground in South Africa