Vipal Rubber is strengthening its collaboration with Honda, a leading player in Brazil’s motorcycle segment. Since June 2023, the Honda CG 160 Fan has rolled out of the factory fitted with Vipal tyres as standard equipment. By December of the same year, just six months after announcing the partnership, Vipal extended its tyre supply to include the Pop 110i model.The Pop 110i will be fitted with Street ST300 60/100-17 front tyres and Street ST300 80/100-14 rear tyres. “These products have already established a strong presence in the aftermarket, and gaining Honda’s endorsement further solidifies their reputation,” remarks Felipe Henzel, manager of Vipal Rubber’s Two-Wheeled Business Unit.
A notable feature of the selected tyre choice is that they are tube type tyres, unlike the tubeless models fitted in the Honda CG 160 Fan – Street ST600 80/100-18 (front) and Street ST600 90/90 -18 (rear). “This decision underscores Vipal’s technological versatility and its capability to cater to diverse customer and partner needs,” Henzel emphasises.
The Honda Pop 110i emerges as one of the brand’s top-selling models in a continually expanding segment. According to the Brazilian Association Abraciclo, motorcycle production witnessed an 11.3% growth in 2023, with sales up by 16.2% compared to the previous year.
The outlook suggests that the robust performance of the two-wheeler market will persist throughout 2024, further propelling the entire sector’s production chain. “Consequently, we’re gearing up to adjust our production capacity over the next 12 months,” Henzel highlights.
Having operated in the two-wheeler market since 2012, Vipal perceives Honda’s acknowledgment as a significant milestone in its operations. Manufactured at the Vipal factory situated in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Vipal motorcycle tyres are renowned for their quality, safety, resilience, and durability.
All tyres undergo stringent internal testing procedures. With the established partnership with Honda, they are additionally subject to evaluation based on the company’s stipulated standards. “This certification serves as a key advantage of being part of the original equipment. It assures compliance with all requirements, thereby positively impacting the product’s reputation in the replacement market,” Henzel underscores.
