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2 bikes, one brand of tires: Conti Road Attack
Mine mounted on a Sprint ST and my friend on a CBR 929.
Me riding 2 ups with tank bank and 3 cases, he riding solo with back pack on the rear seat.
Chosen road for the test. From Montreal to Deals Gap and back. Total ride distance was 5800 km (3625 miles). The pace was fairly aggressive, enough to test the tires.
The tires have seen all kind of possible roads. The tires have a sportier profile than all the other sport touring tires I have tried. They are actually quite similar to Michelin Pilot Sport. The main difference is that the front tire profile matches the rear tire. You will reach the edge of the rear tire with a little left in the front. This does provide the front with more rubber on the pavement and it is easily felt. A very nice plus noted on the front tire, no cupping at all and that is while braking hard for curve entrance and throwing the bike in the curves.
First thing I noticed is that the grip under braking is one of the best I have felt on a front tire. To make sure I was not dreaming, I asked my riding partner if he noticed anything different from is usual Pilot Sport. His comment was that they are a lot smoother and the front is grippier. A test made in Europe has the Conti braking faster on wet pavement than the Avon 45 on the dry.
Back to profile, they are very easy to turn and stay solidly planted at the chosen angle. Contrary to Pilot Road, on which you have no chicken stip making a U turn, I have a chicken strip of 1/8 of an inch in the back and that is with scraping the pedals. I kind of like this since I am sure I have rubber on the pavement at all angles. Stable at all speed we drove, they are not disturbed by grooved pavement and metal bridge. My friend worked very hard to try to have the rear tire loose traction. He was successful in sliding it in a few curves and the tires never gave the impression that it was going to leave you unannounced.
My only problem is the same as usual, mileage. Riding 2 up loaded does put a lot of weight on the back tire an I can expect another 2 to 3 thousand km at the most. One thing is sure is that I get better mileage than the Pilot Sport. I had to replace a completely worn out Pilot Sport at 5800 km. My friend should make it to 10,000 km or 6000 miles before the end of the Conti which is not bad considering that we are not too mellow while riding. I think that for price versus quality it is the best deal out there.
Conclusion: We now have 2 riders that will buy more Conti Road Attack.
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In doubt, crank the throttle.
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