SV650.org - SV650 & Gladius 650 Forum - Continental Tyres *Updated*

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Continental Tyres *Updated*

Just got some new Continentals which are rather amusingly called "Road Attack", if you should forget what they are titled, a brief glance will soon remind you as it's actually written in the tread pattern, (don't try this when moving, dummy).
Only done about 1000 miles on them so far but have been impressed by precise steering and good grip, I've only used them once in the rain, yesterday, they are confidence inspiring and grip well.
Best bit about them is that they are cheap, and depending on life, about which I will report on later, could be a useful alternative choice for the fiscally sensitive.

Example prices - taken from TyresalesUK.co.uk
SV1000: Front (120/70-17): £64.21, Rear (180/55-17): £78.50
SV650: Front (120/60-17): £61.36, Rear (160/60-17): £71.36

Just done a deal with Oxford motorcycles for a pair of Continental Road attack tyres for £160 quid for the pair fitted and balanced including VAT!!!!

just hope they're good! I'll post a review up here as soon as I've had some decent riding out of them.

CHeers

ooooooh... new rubber. Had a full set of conti road attack fitted this morning.
I've only done 10 miles, but first impressions are....

they are more rounded than the stock dunny's so the bike feels like it's tipping into corners easier, which is quite offputting, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
The tread is DEEP!! Whether this will lead to longevity or whether it's a compromise to allow stickier compound, I don't know, but hopefully they'll have a decent lifespan.

I know they need scrubbing in so am being ultra cautious, but the prospects are good so far, no misaventures, but then so decent speed either!!
I will report more later.

the deep tread pattern put me off these tyres last year, but they seem to be ok. I have seen many bikes fitted with them, and retrofitted too.

I will stick with Metzelers RoadTech for another 3000 miles. nicely scrubbed in and rounded off :P

ok, done a couple of hundred miles on these tyres and they are........

FANTASTIC!

took a while to get used to due to the different profile to the stock D220's but they grip like glue. I've already had more lean and carried better speed through corners than I did on the Dunny's. And the chicken strips are still at 1-2 cm on the rear. Still not got those pegs down but I think that's me running out of balls rather than the tyres struggling.

I can't speak about longevity yet (obviously), but if anyone wants a cheap alt. to Bridgestones or others then these are the business.

Enjoy... I am!!!

I've got the attacks' too. (on 650S)
Done about 500 miles. I like 'em. They felt good form the outset, feel ok from cold & I like the 'cut slick' look they have. The profile should give long life as long as they don't square badly 'cos the TWI is off-centre.
They've felt ok on damp roads. I avoid rain if possible.

Word of warning. They are not a tyre for the diy fitter. The guy who did mine races bikes & uses both levers & machine. He says the sidewall on these is VERY stiff........no way they could be done by hand.

Keep these reports coming, I might just be persuaded.

.

I'd be tempted to try some. I read a tyre review in MCN a couple of years ago that rated Conti's highly.

Here's the Road Attack page with pix and reviews:

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/contibi...yle/attack.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDBD59

i seen these tyres on your bike at the rideout, thing i was wondering was how hot do they get? as im sure i seen they were rated to over 170mph, and was just thinking whether the sv was gonna be able to keep these tyres warm, bikes that will do 170 will have a lot more power to heat the tyres up and keep them warm

no problems on the heating front our WeeGaz!!!

they have max speed 174 mph stamped on them, which I believe is Z rating. Isn't this the same as the stock tyres and the 020 /010 's???

Quote:

Originally Posted by rukus

no problems on the heating front our WeeGaz!!!

they have max speed 174 mph stamped on them, which I believe is Z rating. Isn't this the same as the stock tyres and the 020 /010 's???

your maybe right with regards to the rating as i cant remember what the mez4 was, only reason i was asking is that quite a few people have had problems with rubber that was rated quite high as they couldnt keep it warm on the road with the sv (think it was mich pilots if i remeber correctly)

They're only the 2nd pair of tyres I've had on the bike, & I don't remember feeling the previous 010's so can't compare........but the Attack's get hot.....hotter than I expected anyway.
I won't know what they're like in winter 'cos the bike won't be used, but so far there are no warming-up issues.
They're ZR rated which the SV requires, I believe.

There is some interesting reading at the www.sport-touring.net forum

Here is a post (I cut it out), that is a respond to some negative comments about the RoadAttack:

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjroamer at [url

www.sport-touring.net][/url]
Continental N.A. Replies

Taken from fjrowners.com:

Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 10:09 pm:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnxman - I know, it's too early to get back into this, but there are a few comments I would like to make. I will do my best not to offend anyone, but if I do, Oh well - the facts are the facts.

I spent almost an hour with Continental on the phone yesterday. Thier customer service is unbelievably good. This was in response to an email I sent through thier website. I took two pages of notes. I will publish them later, but just a couple things to highlight. Continental NEVER said the Road Attacks were not recommended for the FJR. From all the people up there, what was said was something like - For your weight, plus a passenger, your given situation, perhaps they are not the right choice for you. This is a far cry from not recommended for the FJR.

Continental was able to intelligently discuss and dismiss any myths about the Road Attacks. These are indeed awesome tires, designed with the latest technology.

Oh, and per the professionals, if a tire ever does slip on the rim, the result is severe tire deflation, usually ending up in a catestrophic loss. So routine slippage is very doubtfull.

Now, my only negative observation about the slight shimmy around 40 - 55 mph (depending on the situation). These tires are indeed designed for Sport-Touring machines. The FJR is unique in this category (yes, we owners knew this). All other sport touring bikes balance the weight more evenly between front tire and back tire. And is what the front tire was designed for. Thus, the front Road Attack has a "Flatter" surface with more contact patch going straight. However, the FJR is more "sport oriented" and has much more weight on the front tire - like a sport bike. So the FJR will handle much better if we use the Conti Force Max because of the profile of the tire alone. That is why Yamaha approved the Conti Force Max. It has a "Sharper" profile and will handle even better. However, the Road Attack is still an excellent choice for the rear. Awesome grip to mileage ratio. Matter of fact, we will probably wear out the rear Road Attack at the same time as the front Force Max and be stuck like glue the entire time.

Continental was nice enough to answer all of my questions in a professional, knowledgable manor and are sending me a new Conti Force Max front tire as we speak. I will mount it when I recieve it, do a full on test and see if the 40 - 55 mph shimmy is gone.

Oh, and about that article that said new bikes like the GSXR1000 on a race track could over-run the Road Attacks? (My two cents worth, I didn't ask Conti about this) We all should remember - the Road Attacks were designed as a "Sport-Touring" tire, not Sport or Race. I think a good rider on a new hyper-bike can over-run ANY Sport Touring tire.

When I say the following, it comes from my experience and others in the area who are also running Road Attacks and have years of motorcycle experience. The new Continental rubber is an awesome choice. If you don't at least try the Force Max front and Road Attack rear, you are missing out on some of the best tires going - if not the best!!!

Again, I will post more technical details from Conti and direct experience with the Force Max front once I have logged several hard miles.
liquidsilver
FJR Top Gun
Username: liquidsilver

Post Number: 1380
Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 10:58 pm:

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quote:
Oh, and per the professionals, if a tire ever does slip on the rim, the result is severe tire deflation, usually ending up in a catestrophic loss.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No argument intended, but just for general information, I've spun tube tires... and tubeless tires on rims without losing pressure.

Also, a high school buddy with a gorgeous '75 383 c.i. Challenger had spun the rims in the tires so badly at the dragstrip, you could watch him smoke between the wheel and the tire... they never lost pressure. (and I don't recall seeing balls in the tires either, but steel cords showing at the bead... they'd been spinning a lot)

FWIW.

david1300
Moderator
Username: david1300

Post Number: 996
Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 12:34 am:

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fjroamer
Farkle Trainee
Username: fjroamer

Post Number: 78
Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 01:30 am:

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How interesting N.M.

I was gonna lay low on this but since you already "broke the ice", I also talked to Greg yesterday concerning the Conti Quandry. Following is todays follow up e.mail:

---------------------------------------------------------

Hi Robert!
It was a pleasure talking to you yesterday. I spoke to Seattle Cycle Center and I sent a 120/70-17 Conti Force MAX to his attention to replace the 120/70-17 Road Attack that's currently on your FJR.

... there is nothing wrong with the Road Attack tire. ... .., the Road Attack (is) not a good match for (some) FJR's based on (their) own individual criteria,heavy load and riding style, (but this is) not a blanket statement for all FJR riders. In addition, it's not correct that the "Road Attack is no good for heavy, powerful bikes ridden to their performance envelope" The fact of the matter is that in Germany ,where due to higher speeds allowed on the autobahn and inclement weather, tires must be tested by the bike manufacturers and approved for use on each individual bike. Both Suzuki & Yamaha approved the Road Attack for use on the GSX-R1000 & YZF R1 which are the premiere "high power" sport bikes on the world market.

I've spoken to a lot of FJR riders who have ridden the Road Attack on their bikes who have not experienced any negative handling. It all depends on each individual rider and their bike set up. In Germany where approvals are required (as mentioned above) Yamaha approved our Conti Force MAX high-performance sport radial for the FJR1300. In fact, the European press also tested the Force MAX on the FJR and recommends it as a best choice for this machine.

The "mushy/moving around" that you are feeling when riding your FJR in "all out efforts" is coming from your front end. For your individual needs we recommend changing your front tire to our 120/70-17 Force MAX and keeping the 180/55-17 Road Attack on the rear. The main difference between the front Force MAX and the Road Attack is the contour and there is no problem to run a front Force MAX with a rear Road Attack. The Force MAX is a high performance sport tire which has a more "peaked" contour when compared the Road Attack which has a "flatter" contour. Due to the unique nature of the FJR it responds better to the "peaked" contour of our Force MAX and thus for your needs is a better match. Note from our technicians, they recommend running 42 cold psi in both the front and rear for the FJR.

Feel free to contact me with any other questions, and let me know how the Force MAX does for you once you get a few miles on them.
Safe Riding & Best Regards,
Greg Reich
Continental Tire North America, Inc.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

some editing (parenthetical) done

Well..., draw your own conclusions folks

conti road attacks

great tyres,

warm up fast,

grip sooo well compared to stock D220's,

roll in fast so makes the bike nice flickable, and has a grin factor all of there own.

no issues in the wet, and they've seen more rain than dry recently,
(commute 50miles a day on them)

give lots of confidence, managed to scuff the right hand side within mm's
of the edge on the roundabouts, (i was about 15mm from the edge on the D220's)

and at £165 fitted and balanced were cheaper than the usual suspects by about £50 fitted.

and they look like no other.

great tyres.

Had a new rear 020 fitted today for £115 at Bedford tyres and although they don't keep the Road Attack as standard they quoted me £140 fitted, which er makes it somewhat attractive and will almost definitely be the next set I put on which should be around the end of Feb.

.

my first choice for replacements was to be the conti's however all the tyre places i spoke to warned me off them,wether this was because none kept them in stock or not is open to interpretation though

Finally worn thru the MEZ4s and replaced them with a lovely pair of Road Attacks. I totally agree with some of the write ups about the profiles being rounded. Have done 50miles on them so far and slowly getting used to the grip. I got a pair fitted for £165 at motorcycletyresuk.co.uk.
I too was warned off them by a few dealers..I'm a commuter and weekend rider so longevity is important.

What reasons did the dealers give for not recomending them?

i wonder if they just make less money selling them.

My dealer also warned my about them. He said he even had a customer who came back a week after having them fitted to get them replaced by Bridgestones. Since i was interested in them as my next fit, i asked around and indeed there are real issues with the roadAttack, but most come from high powered bikes like a TL1000, VFR or Gixxers. It seems that as long as you use them on "low" powered bikes like the SV650 and don't do trackdays, you will be fine.

Since i don't want to take any chances on tyres, i going to fit a pair of Metzeler Z6 RoadTecs just be be safe. :lol:

I can only laugh wholeheartedly at that.

Me too, in my bout of insomnia the other night I had them to within about 5mm of the edge on the back and could have had it over further,

'Don't believe the hype'

ffs, who to believe? everyone cant be right! cant they?

If Sid Squid says they're alright on his SV thou, then I for one would give that a fair amount of credence. Dealers tend to tell you about what they want to sell you.

.

Also recommended to me by a guy who has them on his Fazer 1000.

I think they're great on my 650.

Just had a set of these fitted to replace the factory D220's, very good tyres IMO, dealer actually recommended them where I was :?

Anyway, bike feels much more secure especially in the wet.....although my old rear was very square. Most importantly, they're cheap :lol:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kebabman

Most importantly, they're cheap :lol:

Yeah, I like that too. :lol:

Anyone know what kind of mileage these tyres are getting?

sorry, I'm on my second rear cos of a darn nail so not sure as yet... was on 2000 with pleeeeeenty left when I had to get a new one though

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixxilla

Anyone know what kind of mileage these tyres are getting?

The rear Conti on my SV1000 has ~6500/7000 miles on it, gone a bit square now - but that's down to the use it's had of course, loads of town commuting - but I'm very pleased with how long it's lasted, I guesstimate another 1500-2000 left in it. Front is barely marked.

I'd be interested to see how long they would last on an SV 'Lite' :D , less weight and torque could possibly even make these 10,000 mile tyres.

Initial inpressions of grip and handling have been reinforced in the time I've had them, and they are particularly good in the wet.

I cannot possibly understand what 'issues' have been raised over these tyres, they are excellent all rounders, particularly so in the wet, sensibly priced and definately long lasting, these are very clearly tyres intended for road use, and their function is obviously biased toward that, if that's what you need, buy some, I heartily recommend them for that.

If you want tyres that are shagged in 1500 miles, so that everyone can see what a 'geezer' you are, spend your money elsewhere.

Road Attacks are great! Done 500 miles on them now, and I've been leaning more and taking corners quicker since I rode out of the shop (previously D207s).

At 160 quid for the pair, can't beat them, at least for my use - commuting and IAM at the weekends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixxilla

Anyone know what kind of mileage these tyres are getting?

I'd be interested to see how long they would last on an SV 'Lite' :D , less weight and torque could possibly even make these 10,000 mile tyres.

I only got 3k out of the rear because a nail ruined it, could only get an 020 to replace it. The front now has 6.5k on it and is a bit squared off; they follow ridges quite majorly now. I think it'll certainly last the next 2-3k that the 020 has on it, though.

The rear's dead, killed by a screw this afternoon, not worth a repair as it's nearly on the markers.

The edges are well razzed though, nicely rolled up and frazzled :twisted: , prior to the flat, this afternoon they were most enjoyable.

The final result: 8150 miles.

Little bargain.

Probably going to try the Z6s next, I hope they're as good, for the money the Conti's will be a hard act to follow.

On the recommendations on here the next set of tyres for me WILL be the Road Attacks. I'm perpetually skint so anything that handles well and wears even better is good for me. Especially like the good comments about how they handle in the wet, as I am probably the worlds worst wet weather rider. :roll:

Quote:

as I am probably the worlds worst wet weather rider.

clearly u've never been behind me when the road is wet.

Done 1700 mile on my attacks and have lost about 1.5mm on the rear, and the print around the centre of the front tyre is still as visible as when new! had them over to about 1cm off the edges and not once had them attempting to slide :) . far better in the wet than my previous azaros. Definately recomend them!!

Rear: (highlighted where u can just make out edge of remaining lettering) Then Front:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ttackrear2.bmp
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...tackfront2.bmp

I've now done 600 odd miles on the attacks and seriously impressed. The day I went to have them fitted, it was lashing it down. As I was going to get both changed at the same time I was going to cancel and book another day, but decided to be brave and go get them changed anyway. Got them fitted for £165 which was nice, and then left to get back to work in the rain. Well after I went round a couple of roundabouts I realised that the tyres were giving a whole lot more grip than I expected. These tyres were brand new but still gave me grip and feel.

I am a crap wet weather rider but these tyres inspire confidence. I really don't mind pushing it a bit even when its damp, loads of feedback and lets you know nicely when the tyres want to let go.

Also tested them in the dry around the local roads. Love them. I'm down to 10mm or so from the tyre wall and this is without moving my **** off the seat one little bit.

Superb tyres. Only thing left is to see how long they last. I have noticed that the writing on the rear is all but gone after these 600 odd miles. The front though is still legible

Im suprised to hear you have noticed tyre wear after such a short distance? having said that my tyres seemed to not wear for ages then suddenly start to disintigrate :cry: !
i have done nearly 4000 miles on them now and i only have about 3mm tread depth left i think! altho i did a stint with my rear tyre at 38psi which didnt help!
I try to keep it at 42psi which seems to handle and wear better :)

anybody found that too little or too much air in the tyre affect there wear rates? and where was your happy medium?

I've messed with the tyre pressures before but found that I prefer the stock 33/36.

NIce!

I get mine fitted tomorrow.

Good choice! You wont be dissapointed! :twisted: