Vee Rubber Makes It Big
It is already some 18 years since South Gate, California based Metalsport introduced Vee Rubber motorcycle tires in 2005. "Vee Rubber helped us introduce the first 26" tire for our prototype motorcycle wheel," says Metalsport's Lizette Hotinger.
"That was the one that first appeared on Matt Hotch's bike, 'The Vincent'. The big 26" tire created a learning curve for the industry. For a start, how do you mount a big wheel, low profile tire properly? Vee Rubber wanted to eliminate future mounting problems, so it re-engineered the bead seat to make it much more user-friendly, and as time went on, everyone got used to mounting big tires without damage and it's fair to say that their availability utterly changed the custom market.
"In 2007, with the popularity of the 26" big wheel and tire combo continuing to grow, Metalsport decided to carry the full line of the 302 tires from Vee Rubber. In the next few years, with the collaboration of Vee Rubber and Metalsport, the partnership led to more sizes becoming available."
In 2010, Vee Rubber approached Metalsport about expanding the 302 tire line to include a whitewall option. Metalsport suggested sizes for both front and rear applications and Vee Rubber decided to manufacture all the sizes that Metalsport had recommended. Vee Rubber invested more than a million dollars in tooling and now offers the largest selection of tire sizes for the whitewall aficionados.
That was followed by Metalsport working with Vee Rubber again to create new fat front tire sizes. These new high-speed V-rated tires sizes are 180/50/21, 180/50/23, and 180/50/26.
In the past few years, Metalsport and Vee Rubber have reviewed and improved the 302 tire line by upgrading load ratings and their commitment to quality has also resulted in updated specifications during the manufacturing process.
"With the success of the 302 tire line, Vee Rubber approached us again," says Lizette. "This was in late 2019, and this time it was to take on the exclusive distribution of the 302 tire line. In January 2020, Metalsport officially became the exclusive distributor of the 302 tire line in the USA.
"Per the agreement between Vee Rubber and Metalsport, Vee Rubber agreed to upgrade manufacturing of the 302s again - to the same quality standards that it uses in its production of tires for two of the largest OEM automotive companies in the world. Additionally, the 302s would carry a newly established lifetime warranty - along with a one-year road hazard warranty. We believe this is one of the strongest warranties in the industry."
The road hazard warranty is a one-year full replacement warranty from date of purchase regardless of tread wear. For more detailed information on this warranty, visit the Metalsport website.
"Additionally, all our tires are covered by a five-year manufacturing or material defects warranty based on the DOT serial date stamped on the tire sidewall. All we ask is that customers go to the same store where they bought the tire for the tech inspection and claim if there is to be one. Again, we simply need riders to have the original tire purchase receipt.
"Vee Rubber is a company that can create big tire sizes and was willing to collaborate with us. It produces its tires in Thailand - one of the largest natural rubber-producing countries in the world - enabling it to offer tires for more types of vehicles than most other manufacturers.
"Since 1977, Vee Rubber has grown into three large facilities that produce more than 25 million tires. Just hold that thought for a moment and try to imagine just what 25 million tires can even look like! Its 25 years of experience in research and design and developing manufacturing processes and technology means Vee Rubber can ensure that its manufacturing standards are second to none and that its facilities are state-of-the-art. It processes and procedures have earned it coveted ISO 9000 certification, and part of that is a tire design and engineering team that constantly supervises tread performance and quality assurance."
Thanks to its consistent growth throughout the last few decades, the Vee Rubber Group has established itself as one of the most successful vehicle tire manufacturers and exporters, supplying both to OEM and replacement markets.
Formed in 1977 as a manufacturer of bicycle and motorcycle tires and tubes by CEO Vitorn Sukanjanapong, its sales quickly spread throughout Asia, Western Europe, USA, Canada, Latin America and all corners of the world. It has more than ten branches situated all over the world, now employing more than 4,000 people.
Vee Rubber has invested more than 100 million US dollars in its domestic market, and recognition of Vee Rubber's outstanding performance was evidenced by the 1995 and 1998 Prime Minister's Export Awards. The Vee Rubber Group is now known worldwide in the market segments in which it competes and many of the private label customer brands that it manufactures also achieve recognition, although indirectly - the Group supplies OEM and replacement tires to several of the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.
The 302 tire line offers twin and monster sizes. Specifications include:
- High-mileage compound
- All-weather construction
- Tubeless construction
- DOT H-rated or V-rated approved
- E-mark approved
METALSPORT WHEELS