This is a review of my experience with the Apollo Tramplr ST after 9,000 km on my TVS Apache. For a review of the Tramplr XR, click here.
“Imagine a tire that could do it all—take you to work and then on the weekend, take you exploring.”
This is what Apollo claims this tire is designed for. But how true is this statement? Let’s delve deeper.
The Apollo Tramplr ST is a bias-ply “dual-purpose enduro tire,” as claimed by Apollo, with an 80:20 bias toward road and off-road usage. This means it is primarily a road-focused tire with the capability to maintain confidence on bad roads and dirt.
Positive Feedback
- Reliable Dry/Wet Grip: Impressive grip levels, particularly on dry surfaces and dirt roads.
- Durability: These tires can easily last 15,000+ km for me; your experience may vary.
- Reliability: Predictable performance across various road surfaces, allowing for a more confident and less fatiguing ride, both mentally and physically.
- Safety: The open transverse grooves provide excellent protection against hydroplaning. Staggered central tread blocks and alternating large shoulder blocks improve balance and cornering traction.
- Road Noise: Quieter compared to other blocky tires. While noisier than fully road-biased tires, the noise is not bothersome, and I got used to it after a few rides.
- Value for Money: Considering its performance characteristics, the Apollo Tramplr ST offers excellent value compared to other brands in this price range.
- Availability: Readily available in most places, except random roadside shops.
Negative Feedback
Ride Quality: The block pattern adds some noise and roughness to the ride. This also reduces road feel, providing less feedback from the tires. While this is normal for block-pattern tires, it is something to consider if you prioritize road feel for sporty riding. I have had no issues touring on this tire, but those sensitive to such factors should take note.
My Experience
I have covered around 9,000 km on the STs and an additional 8,000 km on the stock tires (TVS Eurogrip Remora (F)/Protorq SR (R)). Since my experience is limited to these two sets, I will compare the Tramplrs only to the Protorqs and not to other competitors.
The Tramplr STs are the most recommended tires in the community for smaller displacement motorcycles, and for good reason:
- They provide ample grip on wet, dry, and technical surfaces.
- They are a significant upgrade over stock tires in grip, stability, and rider confidence.
- They remain reliable even at triple-digit speeds, whereas the stock TVS tires developed micro-punctures and had to be replaced after 9,000 km.
Given that both sets of tires were subjected to the same daily commute, twisties, and highways, I believe it is not just luck that favors the Apollos.
Wet grip is impressive on and off-road, although I have experienced minor wheel slips while executing U-turns on asphalt.
On dirt and soft roads, the ST truly shines. Its compound, combined with its blocky tread pattern, allows for sustained decent speeds on gravel, dirt, or mixed terrain.
The Tramplr ST provides solid braking in all conditions, and when paired with ceramic brake pads, it becomes a very capable setup.
Despite not being a radial tire, I have never felt a loss of composure on twisty roads, nor have I noticed any negative impact on riding dynamics.
Conclusion
The Apollo Tramplr ST is a great all-rounder, offering affordability and strong performance. It is perfect for daily use while delivering the necessary characteristics for weekend rides on almost all road surfaces.
The Tramplr ST lives up to Apollo’s promise—a versatile tire for everyday riding.
Since it is targeted at smaller displacement motorcycles, discussing its track performance or cornering abilities is unnecessary. If you are looking for a more performance-oriented tire for both on-road and off-road applications, I recommend the Apollo Tramplr XR.
In this price range, I do not think there is a better option. This tire will likely outperform most, if not all, road-biased tires on tarmac as well.
Well done, Apollo. Well done.
