Continental Road Attack 4

Was going to put them on the Panzer(GS1200) but no availability when I wanted them so got some Scorp 2’s.

 

Just read that and concluded that my French reading is as bad as my French speaking…….

 

I've been using RA 3's for years. Absolutely cracking tyres. If the 4's are better again I'll certainly be trying them. Can't get on with the Michelins. I find them lacking stability. And I prefer the single compound of the Contis.

 

Those look like the original Road Attacks. They were good dry tyres but not great in the wet. The 3's are are a whole different ball game and they're excellent in the wet. But the standout feature for me is the bite from the front. Both the Road Attacks and the Sport Attacks fell absolutely glued down at the front and give great confidence under late braking. They also provide masses of feedback. I've heard journalists describe that as "noise" through the handlebars but it's noise that's telling you what's happening underneath you and I like that.
And I like the fact that Contis are made without release agent and effectively come pre-scrubbed. Once they've had a couple of heat cycles you're good to go right to the edge, and you can feel that. There's none of that diffidence as you venture onto what the seat of your pants is telling you is virgin rubber.

If you were happy with the original Attacks I think you'll be delighted with the latest version.

 

I never tried the Road 6's. The 5's appealed because they offered a lively sports tyre profile on a sports touring compound, and this was on an adventure bike with a 19" front wheel that I couldn't get sports tyres for. I liked the wide sticky outer edge that made them feel really secure when heeled right over but the transition between central and outer compound where you spend most time riding was odd and I found the central band lacked straight line traction. I have a habit of late turning and trail braking through turns and a few times I felt the rear unload with the R5's and skitter. And a couple of times when pulling out of a junction into traffic and gunning it to keep ahead of following cars the rear span up and the TC light started flashing. And that was on a dry road. that never happened with the Contis.
I tried another set to give them the benefit of the doubt and then I realised it was hard work getting the bike to stick to a line through fast bends. I went back to the Road Attacks 3's after that and in comparison they cornered like the bike was on rails.
I don't think you'll be disappointed.

They lasted well too. The only drawback, if you can call it that, is that if you get into the habit of making full use of that sticky front and braking deep into bends the front facets and goes thruppenny bit and although there's still loads of tread left when the rear is worn out you have to change both as a pair every time, which runs to money but what price sweet handling..?

 

I think the main difference will be the edges of the tyres, when compared with the previous 3s.
Been through at least ten pairs of the CRA3 and obviously really rate them. Wear evenly and keep their shape, grip in all conditions, predictable. When making real progress in hot conditions they can get a little greasy on the edge, to me this seems good, as a very gentle ‘drift’ occurs rather than a sudden lack of grip. I am talking about at the edge of the tyre action though.
Looking at the design of the 4, there should be an improvement as tread/sipes do not go right to the edge. They can start to lift a little a bit like the Michelin Road 4s did previously if pushed. As I said though, they continue to perform to the last, they just become a little sensitive to tyre pressure at very end of life (after much abuse though..).
Ran them on 1290GT, R1200gs and use nothing else on my R1250gs. Rated

 

Yes I forgot to mention the Conti shuffle when you're right on the edge of the tyre. I never found it alarming. It was a faint squirm letting you know you're on the limit, which is no bad thing, and I've never had a proper step out with the Contis. have with plenty of other brands. And it's only the rear, no doubt as J biker says, due to the sipe pattern. It's the front you want to worry about. If that lets go it's good night nurse and I've yet to find a more planted front tyre than a Sport Attack or Road Attack.

As to pressures, across a range of bikes I've found the sweet spot to be 38R and 34F. I agree they're pressure-sensitive. Find the magic zone that works for you and if you go 1 PSI either side you can feel it.

 

^^plus 1 on change as a pair. The front may look ok, but if the rear is worn enough to change, the handling will be off with the part worn front.

 

The Conti 3 is the stand out bargain.
Angel 2s, very good all round tyre but seem to be on the edge of the tyres before even pushing. Profile related no doubt. I think the 1290 gt came with them on in 16/17. They worked well on the ‘13 Multi too for touring purposes. Michelins, I would not have issue with.
The Metzler M9rr, if similar to the M7rr, excellent, but will not last long. Esp on a 1290. Somewhat making the price irrelevant compared to the others.

 

The front faceting effect seems to be more pronounced on adventure bikes with a 19" front rim. I have an older KTM adventure that doesn't have semi-active suspension so there's more weight transfer - hence my habit if trail braking to keep the chassis level. I think that puts more stress on the front tyre. A sure test is to stand up while moving and look down at the front tyre. If there's any faceting it will be clearly visible and if it's got to that stage I can guarantee the rear will be getting near the end.
Also, as the rear goes past the halfway wear point and the profile stars to flatten it slows the steering and makes it heavier. Sometimes I'll up the pressure a couple of PSI at this point. Again, I think that effects bigger front rims. I don't get it on the 1098.

That's what I would do. I don;t think you'll regret it and you'll have pristine tyres for the best part of the season, early summer before the insects and holiday traffic are out in force. Maybe refit the Michelins to get you through next autumn/winter.

 

The gen 1 GT did indeed come with Angel 2's. Good tyres but not as agile and offer less lean than the RA3's.

I ran M7RRs for years on my 1098, until I discovered Sport Attacks. Good tyres with a nice neutral roll in bends but the Contis feel a league ahead in terms of feedback and security. Haven't tried the M9s.

I fitted an M7rr rear which I'd had on the shelf for ages for an MOT last year so I could save money by only buying a new front. I replaced them both with RA 4's after about 1200 miles. They felt last generation in comparison.

 

Unfortunately the KTM's suspension, though not semi-active is electronically adjustable and there isn't a cartridge kit available and it can't be revalved - except with original parts. The R version is manually adjustable and can be re-cartridged but that's longer travel again.
I don't find it soggy tbf and it has it's advantages on rough surface which is sails over at silly speeds while stiff sports bikes get all out of shape. I guess I've adapted my riding style to match.