Tyre prices 'to increase for motorcycles'
Date: 23/06/2008 16:45:56
Rises in the costs of raw materials and petrol are making motorcycle tyres more expensive, it has been revealed.
Motorcycle News reports tyre makers have confirmed rubber and steel are getting more costly and fuel prices are also impacting on transportation fees.
The publication adds many manufacturers are upping tyre prices to compensate, with others also struggling with the Sterling-to-Euro exchange rate.
Quoted by Motorcycle News, a spokesman for Bridgestone said: "The price of raw materials has doubled. Everyone else is in the same boat, but I know that's the last thing our consumers want to hear."
According to the magazine, Bridgestone is to raise the prices of its tyres by around three per cent from July 1, while Pirelli has recently upped price tags by four per cent and Dunlop has instigated a six per cent hike.
The increases will up the regular maintenance costs of motorcyclists, already struggling with rising petrol and tax costs.
However, motorcycling remains popular, and some riders could compare
motorbike insurance quotes to get a better deal and lower one regular cost.
The Motorcycle Industry Association recently said powered two wheeler registrations stood at 13,747 in April, more than ten per cent higher than the same period last year.