Eurogrip Trailhound SCR tyre review – Can they hold their own in off-road conditions?

Eurogrip Tyres, one of India’s top brands for 2-wheeler tyres, has launched its Trailhound tyre range in the Indian market. Designed for roadsters, scramblers, cafe racers, and adventure motorcycles, the Trailhound line consists of two variants – Trailhound SCR and Trailhound STR. Both variants cater to different riding styles and conditions, with the SCR being focused on modern roadsters and scramblers, while the STR is tailored for adventure motorcycles. The construction includes a 0-degree steel belt that is claimed to improve handling and an X-ply structure reinforced with synthetic fibres, which, as claimed, increases lateral stiffness and enhances resistance against bumps and rough surfaces. A high silica content in both variants should ensure sufficient grip on both wet and dry roads, making these tyres an ideal choice for mixed-use riders.

These tyres, launched internationally in November 2024, are now available in India and promise to offer a balanced mix of road performance and off-road capability. We were invited down to Bangalore to test these out, and here’s a quick review.

Trailhound SCR

These tyres are ideal for roadsters, scramblers, and cafe racers. Motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Continental GT, Interceptor, Scram 411, KTM 390 Adventure, and Honda CB350 are among those best suited for these tyres. Designed to handle a variety of surfaces, the SCR tyres are built for an 80/20 focus – 80 per cent road use and 20 per cent for light off-road trails. Eurogrip offers a wide range of sizes for both the front and rear, including 100/90-19, 100/90-18, and 110/70 R17 for the front, and 120/90-17, 130/80 R17, 150/60 R17, and 130/70-18 for the rear.

Trailhound STR

The STR variant is designed for medium and large adventure bikes like the BMW 1250 GS, Aprilia Tuareg 660, Benelli TRK 502X, and Honda Transalp. Unlike the SCR, the STR has a 90/10 focus – 90 per cent for road use and 10 per cent for light off-road use. This makes the STR a worthwhile choice for riders who enjoy long-distance touring but may occasionally encounter broken roads or trails. Available sizes include 120/70 R19 and 90/90-21 for the front and 150/70 R18 and 170/60 R17 for the rear. These tyres are built for riders who demand solid performance in varied terrain, with more sizes expected to be introduced soon. Although they were launched alongside the SCRs, we have yet to test them.

First impressions

I had the opportunity to test the Trailhound SCR variant on an off-road circuit at MotoFarm. The course featured a variety of terrain types, including loose gravel, tight technical sections, and even some mild jumps. My test bike was a Royal Enfield Scram 411, and despite the Trailhound SCR being an 80/20 tyre, it performed reasonably well on the dirt track.

On the gravel sections and milder jumps, the tyres felt stable and offered predictable grip. The rear tyre occasionally slid out when throttling hard, but it was controlled and even enjoyable once I adjusted to it. While these aren’t dedicated off-road tyres, they provided enough traction to inspire confidence in light off-road conditions. On the sections with firmer ground or grass patches, the tyres gripped well and handled sweeping corners with ease. A challenging climb further proved this point. I slowed down before the ascent, then accelerated just as I reached its base to test the tyres’ climbing ability. To my surprise, it handled the climb with ease. I had expected some difficulty, especially at the base, where the loose sand could have caused issues, but the tires gripped well, and the climb was completed without any drama.

In deeper soil, however, the tyres’ limitations became apparent. The front would lose grip in tighter sections, and the rear kicked out more often, especially on softer terrain. Although they remained manageable, it was clear they weren’t designed for the most demanding off-road scenarios. In sandier areas, I had to be more cautious. The tyres struggled to maintain grip in deep sand, a challenge that even dedicated off-road tyres face, so it wasn’t entirely surprising.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the tyres on-road as I experienced a crash in the later stages of the off-road segment, but it was entirely due to rider error, not the tyres. Other riders who completed the on-road section reported mostly positive experiences, praising the SCR’s performance on tarmac. I’m looking forward to doing a full test myself to better assess their road performance, as these tyres are primarily designed for on-road use.

Pricing and availability

The Eurogrip Trailhound SCR tyres come in various sizes, and their prices range from ₹4,100 to ₹8,500, depending on the size. Here are a few examples:

150/70 R17 – ₹8,500

130/80 R17 – ₹6,700

100/90-18 – ₹4,200

120/90-17 – ₹4,100

100/90-19 – ₹4,400

130/70-18 – ₹5,300

110/70 R17 – ₹4,900

150/60 R17 – ₹6,500

These tyres are now available at major tyre retailers, with more sizes and stock expected in the coming months. Do note that the price will vary slightly based on what region you are based in.

Verdict

The SCR tyres proved capable for light off-roading, but they aren’t intended for hardcore trails. Their on-road performance remains to be tested, but I have high hopes for these and will make sure to test them when we get these tyres for a comprehensive review, including their performance in wet conditions or deep mud. On the other hand, their performance on unpaved roads, gravel, and light dirt tracks was commendable, but they struggled in more demanding off-road conditions. For riders who plan to stick to occasional trails and broken roads, the SCRs can be an option. Lowering the tyre pressure slightly might help further with off-road grip, especially in dry conditions, but these tyres are best suited for riders who need a balance of road and off-road ability rather than a tyre dedicated solely to off-road performance.