Conti ‘Attacks’ sport/hypersport segment with new range

Continental’s big news for 2012 is the imminent launch of its new ContiSportAttack 2 tyre into the all-important and hotly contested sport/hypersport sector of the market. UK distributor of the Continental motorcycle tyre range, Cambrian Tyres, says that the latest compound technology has improved the performance of the SportAttack 2 compared with its predecessor in all performance criteria but especially in the areas of wet grip, mileage and handling. A further feature, Conti’s Traction Skin – a micro-rough finish to the tread surface that minimises the running-in procedure – has also been used in the new tyre, increasing rider safety when the tyre is new. Cambrian explains that the micro-roughness of the Traction Skin tread optimises mechanical adhesion to the road, reducing the distance required to scrub the tyre in.

The team at Conti points out with pride that the new SportAttack 2 has been chosen as original equipment on BMW’s S1000RR sports bike, quite an achievement for a motorcycle tyre in its first year.

RaceAttack

Conti is also launching a revised version of its RaceAttack tyre for fast road riding and occasional track days. Called the RaceAttack Comp Endurance, Conti claims high levels of corner grip and precise handling thanks to developments made in its European race programme. The extra grip and feedback that motorcyclists’ rely on is said to be the result of new compound technologies and changes to the profile that give a bigger contact patch at big lean angles.

RoadAttack 2

The popular ContiRoadAttack 2 range has been broadened by the addition of a new GT version, which has been developed for heavier sport-touring machines as well as big naked bikes. With an additional belt in the front and rear tyres, the RoadAttack 2 GT is said to deliver better durability, increased braking stability and improved consistency of performance throughout the tyre’s life when fitted on bikes such as the BMW R1200RT and Suzuki Bandit 1250.

The tyre features Continental’s Continuous Compound Technology (CCT) and Traction Skin. CCT was designed to improve mileage through a wear resistant central area and to increase safety in curves with higher grip in the shoulder area. CCT utilises a single compound tread, but thanks to complex temperature-controlled curing of the tyre during the production process it takes on the properties of a dual-compound tread, namely a flexible shoulder area for better corner grip, a wear resistant central tread area for better mileage. The tyre’s handling also has a more continuous transition feel as there is no step change from central to shoulder compound.

“The new ContiRoadAttack 2 GT shows Continental’s commitment to continuous development with genuine performance increases on heavier bikes,” commented Continental motorcycle brand manager, Graham Matcham. The GT version of the RoadAttack 2 is available in sizes 120/70 ZR17 (58W) and 180/55 ZR17 (73W), both of which are tubeless fittings.

Scooter tyres

In September, Cambrian released three new Continental scooter tyres into the UK market – the Scooty, Traily and Classic. The first of these is described as having the latest profile “We are delighted with these three new tyres,” said Continental two wheel UK product manager, Dave Humphreys. “Building on Continental’s traditional performance and safety they complement our Twist sports tyre and K62 traditional design and give dealers and consumers a wider choice from a trusted manufacturer.”