Continental Proves Its Expertise in Retro Motorcycles
Continental sets the standard for tires on modern retro motorcycles. In the tire test conducted by the German specialist magazine MOTORRAD (issue 20/2025, published September 12, 2025), the combination of the ContiRoadAttack 3 CR (front) and ContiRoadAttack 4 (rear) came out on top in the retro motorcycle segment. This combination stands out for its high performance in both dry and wet conditions.
While the ContiRoadAttack 3 CR, with its radial construction, is perfect for powerful classic sport bikes and superbikes, providing exceptional handling even with narrow wheels, the ContiRoadAttack 4 combines excellent touring characteristics with the agility and precision of a supersport tire. This makes it the ideal original equipment tire for modern motorcycles like the BMW R nineT. It is also a perfect upgrade for older models, allowing them to fully unleash their potential in terms of agility and stability.
The Continuing Trend of Classic and Retro Motorcycles
The trend toward retro motorcycles continues to grow, with almost all brands offering models to meet this demand. Retro bikes combine cutting-edge technology, such as ABS and traction control, with the nostalgic charm of earlier models when motorcycles were mainly about riding pleasure, escaping daily routines, and the feeling of freedom. Although retro motorcycles are less extreme in power and sportiness, riders naturally expect modern safety and agility. MOTORRAD tested which tire performed best in an extensive evaluation with five competing models. The test bike was a Triumph Bonneville T120.
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A Continental Combination: Excels in Every Discipline
The Continental tire combination excelled across all evaluation criteria for country and rural roads: cold handling, precision, cornering stability, cornering grip, straight-line stability, limit behavior, and shimmy control. The duo also dominated in wet conditions, with outstanding performance in braking distance from 100 km/h, overall speed ratings, lean angles, and lap times.
The MOTORRAD editorial team concluded: “Confidence makes you faster—and, above all, safer! The ContiRoadAttack 3 CR and ContiRoadAttack 4 combination is a high-flying tire for the Triumph. Sporty handling comes ‘free’ along with the best riding characteristics in both wet and dry conditions.”
Radial Technology: Modern Safety for Retro Motorcycles
Both winning tires are based on modern radial construction. The belt beneath the tread ensures high stability and significantly reduces centrifugal force deformation at high speeds. While a comparable bias-ply tire “grows” about two centimeters in diameter at 210 km/h, a radial tire expands only a few millimeters. The result is greater high-speed stability, less heat buildup in the sidewall, and consistent performance.
“Radial tires bring modern riding dynamics to classic motorcycles, as indicated by the ‘R’ in the tire designation. Retro bikes with classic tire sizes particularly benefit from this technology,” said Sagren Nair, Motorcycle Tire Product Manager at Continental.
MOTORRAD, published by Motor Presse Stuttgart, has been testing motorcycle tires across various segments for decades. “Winning this test confirms our ongoing development work for classic and retro motorcycles. We deliver maximum safety and precise handling without compromising the authenticity of the vehicles,” explained Nair. This victory is already Continental’s second award this year for the Hyper-Touring ContiRoadAttack 4, following the “wear purchase recommendation” for GS tire sizes in issue 06/2025.
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