I've just had an informative two plus hour meeting with the Continental tyre rep for the Asia Pacific region and the Aussie distributor rep for Conti. Besides time spent selling me on the reasons to use Contis over the rest, 'Florian' told me that they are currently working on a variety of new tyre sizes that will allow us to use radials on the 18" and 17 " wheels of early K bikes and Airheads, etc., in sizes that will include sizes like the 130/90R17 we have out back and 100/90R18 for the front.

He said their in-depth research has shown there are a lot of older model motorbikes out there that are ridden hard and often and that their customers are seeking tyres that enhance the riding pleasure over standard bias ply tyres - and a desire for extended tyre life as well. No word yet on price or when they'll be available worldwide but with the new price list he handed me and the fact that they've dropped their prices to below the competition, in many cases quite substantially, it looks like we might have a good option for choice when using the standard wheels on our bikes.

Also, their tyres are being made now with what they call 'Traction Skin' - this means no scrub-in to wear off potentially slippery 'mold release compound' since the tyres have a gritty or tactile feel to them from new. As well, they offer a gradient dual compound that isn't actually two different compounds with a seam between them as is standard with Michelin and the like, but a gradual change to softer edges from a harder centre due to controlled temperatures of the 'curing' rubber. 'Black Chili' is what they're calling the new continuous compound silica for significantly faster warm-ups on cold road surfaces due to a very dense molecular structure of the rubber compound - apparently no loose molecular ends means a very soft rubber compound for quicker and better grip. Choice is good.

I have ordered a set of Conti Road Attack 2 to use on my K1100 wheels and will report as to how they compare with the recently shagged Pirelli Angel STs - I've got 17000kms on the back tyre so far and it's flattening off well, 3000kms more than a bias Sport Demon at the same level of mileage. The front tyre is not even significantly worn yet after those same 17000 kms! I like these tyres so will place a very critical eye on the new Contis, since I'm paying for them - ain't no freebies to brag about.

I'll keep you informed as things happen with the new radials coming along.

Thanks for taking the time to post this G in the H. It would be great to be able to have this upgrade in the future.
Cheers,
dee why

Great info GITH. Thanks for letting us know!

Watching these developments with interest GiTH.
88

I used Pirrelli radials when they were first available in the 80's but when a huge chunk of rubber disappeared sometime during a trip home from Germany, leaving a large patch of canvas, I changed to Dunlop radials. Now that the Dunlops are no longer available I'm back to cross plies (Bridgestones).
Paul.

G'day G I T H ,
are the Conti's on yet ? , did you try a 120/70/18 on the front as you mentioned in the "K100 Wide Wheels" thread ?

Ta

Ciao

JR

Melbourne Australia

No new Conti radial tyres info as yet after a quick search. I decided on staying with the 110/80ZR18 as it turns in quickly and already the bike is Titanic in wheelbase. I feel no reason to make it even more ship-like in its ability to change directions, or go round a bend without some extra effort.