The fashion of Harley-Davidson in Southeast Asia is partly based on the motorcycle culture there. Part of the appeal is the pursuit of more sex, which has a definite racing influence. Another factor is Thai street racing, which is illegal night-time street racing that happens along quiet sections of the Bangna Trad Highway and other outer city locations. Drag racers use skinny motorcycle tires because they reduce weight, friction, and drag.
Car tires are less expensive
Many Southeast Asian countries have lower car tire costs, as the average price of a new set of tires in the region is considerably lower than the U.S. market. For instance, Thailand’s new car scheme triggered an eight percent increase in car tire sales during the first eight months of 2016. Meanwhile, demand for replacement tires dropped by three percent in the Philippines and Indonesia. While the United States and other western countries have relatively high car tire prices, Southeast Asian countries still offer competitive prices and opportunities for new tire sales.
In addition, the United States Department of Commerce has announced preliminary antidumping duties on imports from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. These imports are expected to cause the U.S. dollar to drop in value, and a decrease in purchasing power will negatively impact the domestic economy. The United States also has imposed anti-dumping duties on imported truck tires and other automotive products from these nations. However, there are many reasons why car tires in Southeast Asia are cheaper.
The booming tire industry in Southeast Asia is one of the reasons why the region’s economy is enjoying a stable economic climate. The availability of raw materials from local refineries, including natural rubber, has led to an increase in tire production. Many major tire manufacturers in Southeast Asia have opened factories to meet the increasing demand. As a result, tires have become more technologically advanced, and S-SBR (silicone) is a key ingredient of tire treads. In addition, rising energy conservation concerns have led to a growing demand for high-performance tires with S-SBR treads.
They provide longer tread life
The benefits of thicker, tamer motorcycle tires can’t be overstated. Compared to their thicker counterparts, motorcycle tires can last twice as long. For this reason, these tires are more popular in Southeast Asia. Thicker motorcycle tires are more suitable for heavy-duty street bikes, while thinner motorcycle tires are better for touring. While some people are concerned about the weight of these tires, the truth is that these types of motorcycle tires are better for longer-range travel.
They are easier to round curves
You might have wondered why motorcycles have skinny tires, which have a rounded profile instead of the square one used by cars. The answer is the shape of a motorcycle tire: it’s shaped like a U, and this shape is more comfortable for rounding curves than square ones. You can demonstrate this effect by using an empty soup can or a tapered coffee cup with larger and smaller diameters.
They are more suitable for rough roads
Motorcycle tires that are made of thin material are more suitable for the rugged terrains of Southeast Asia. Besides the standard size, it is also important to know what type of terrain you will be riding on. A good rule of thumb is to buy a tire that is the same size as your bike. Choosing a thicker tire will mean that you are sacrificing mileage and grip, but if you need to go off-road you can opt for a thicker one.
They are more common in Southeast Asia
Why are motorcycles with skinny tires more common in Southeast Asia? It’s not because the motorcycles are any worse. Most motorcycles in Southeast Asia come with stock tires that are not too thick or too thin. They simply lack a high-quality rubber compound, which will compromise grip and performance. You can get thinner tires by lowering the height of the wheels, but that will not change the height of the tires.
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