Table of contents
- Enduro tires 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 in the product test The 4000 kilometer test
- The driver types
- The bikes
- The streets
- The weather
- The tires
- Bridgestone A 40
- Review Bridgestone A 40
- Continental Trail Attack 2
- The Conti is primarily intended to please sporty road drivers
- Rating Continental Trail Attack 2
- Dunlop Trailsmart
- Dunlop suffers from high wear values
- Review Dunlop Trailsmart
- Metzeler Tourance Next
- Review Metzeler Tourance Next
- Michelin Anakee III
- Review Michelin Anakee III
- Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
- Rating Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
- The mission? Curves and kilometers!
- Country road / everyday life after 1000 kilometers
- Only eleven points separate the first and last placed
- Wetness
- Country road / everyday life after 4000 kilometers
- What does the result look like after 4000 kilometers?
- wear and tear
- Who will get the victory in the wear classification?
- Final scoring
- This is how MOTORRAD tests
- Opinions from the test drivers
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34 pictures
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1/34
On the way tip: on towel-wide single tracks through rustic forests, in between winding Carrera tracks, on which you can barely go beyond the permitted 90 km / h. The Massif Central in France is a hit with early season starters. Where to stop Well-kept rooms, a rustic bar, plus delicious regional specialties are available at the Hotel St. Jacques by Françoise and Daniel Blanchant in Saint-Flour (single room / breakfast 60 euros, www.hotelsaintjacques.com).
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Everything still fresh: driver and tires after 1000 km of travel to the Pyrenees. But from now on it applies.
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More wet than happy: exploring the limit area on a special wet course.
4/34
Measured as felt. Using the example of the Pirelli / Conti comparison, the data recording documents the strengths and weaknesses of two pairs of tires. In the Omega curve of our test track, the Conti Trail Attack 2 is much faster at the limit than the sticky Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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5/34
Just don’t let it tear off. The tried-and-tested motto of national coach Low also applies to the tire test: high discipline, men.
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6/34
We’re almost done. An extensive ride through the Massif Central, then off to Stuttgart for the final measurement of all profile depths.
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7/34
Classic photo finish on the Atlantic near Arcachon. But the picture is deceptive. So far only the Pyrenees have been milled off, the Massif Central is next in the road book. We’re still a long way from home.
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8/34
Stefan Kaschel’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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Jorg Jutzeler’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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10/34
Sebastian Schmidt’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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11/34
Gabriel Winters Favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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12/34
Karsten Schwers’ favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
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13/34
Great view. The early starters in the season beckon the Pyrenees, here at La Seu d’Urgell, with fantastically empty corner combinations.
mps photo studio
14/34
Bridgestone A 40: stable, neutral, economical.
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15/34
Continental Trail Attack 2: buckles quickly when wet.
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16/34
Dunlop Trailsmart: Convinced better in the 110/150 in last year’s tire test.
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17/34
Metzeler Tourance Next: also shows top marks from an economic point of view.
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18/34
Michelin Anakee III: too sluggish on country roads.
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19/34
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II: the measure of all things also in the broad dimension.
markus-jahn.com
20/34
…Before driving, Schwers suddenly insists on mounting the front and rear wheels …
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21/34
…Lohse calculates the final rating using tire temperatures …
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22/34
Tour diary, the end: “Jutzeler prefers to talk to Reifen than to Schmidt …
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23/34
… Lohse has finally understood the point system for tire evaluation … “
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24/34
… Kaschel can turn corners again …
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25/34
… Winter believes that the nozzle and the cigarette are not mutually exclusive …
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26/34
From the tour diary, part 2: “After five days, Schwers discovered the BMW navigation system …
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27/34
… Winter optimizes nicotine intake in smoking breaks that are too short … “
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… Lohse cannot be broken away from Madame Natalie …
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… Schwers has found a new gorge again …
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From the tour diary: “Schmidt’s caffeine concentration rises alarmingly …
31/34
But then one curve after the next lined up between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
32/34
The approach from Stuttgart via expressways was unavoidable.
markus-jahn.com
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Only data recording delivers reliable figures.
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…Winter hides in Cyril’s tire truck to smoke … “
accesories
tire
Enduro tires 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 in the product test
Enduro tires 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 in the product test
The 4000 kilometer test
From ice-cold passes down into sun-drenched valleys and quickly up again to the summit. During country hopping on the Route des Cols, MOTORRAD tries to test the limit of six current enduro tires on a 4,000-kilometer tour in the Pyrenees.
Jorg Lohse, Karsten Schwers
05/12/2016
Owners of travel enduros, recently known as adventure bikes, can never be stopped. As soon as the spring sun has eaten small holes in the snow cover, they take off. As the first up on the Hahntennjoch – perfect. How can the waiting time for the Stilfser Joch be shortened? As a finger exercise you chase superbikes over the house track until the pegs glow.
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Word of that must have got around to the tire developers by now. When you start designing new rubbers for GS and Co, things other than gravel, dust and rubble are now in your specifications. But what for? Let’s take a closer look at the scene.
The driver types
Real enduro pilots don’t know a season license plate. The motorcycle is always ready to go in the garage and has to work just as perfectly on a frosty December morning as it does on hot summer nights. Of course, they are also starving mile eaters. End the year with a five-digit growth rate on the clock? Sounds perfect.
Our Heinz model driver is also extremely demanding. Especially when buying new tires. Has tried a lot in the course of his two-wheeler career, has fallen on the flip a few times and is now cautioned. On the other hand, a certain thirst for adventure cannot be denied – he would otherwise be driving such a motorcycle?
The bikes
Let’s take Germany’s top seller as an example – the BMW R 1200 GS. An all-rounder. Perfectly balanced. Powerful. Endless pressure. Of course, full of electronics and numerous helpers: ABS, traction control, electric chassis, automatic gearshift. Together with 125 HP and 246 kilos live weight, this means endless stress for the tires.
With the 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 dimensions, serious off-road ambitions have finally been abandoned and the aim is to achieve maximum road performance. Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Triumph Tiger Explorer and Aprilia Caponord are now also using these wide tires. But there is also a prime example for the other side: Honda’s new Africa Twin, which with its 21-inch front wheel in 90/90 and 18-inch rear (150/70) also mechanically relies on good off-road traction.
The streets
The dream area for our big size adventure pilots are of course curves in all facets and shapes. But the cornering wonder is not always in perfect condition. Salt and grit residues lower the grip level, countless frost breakouts nibble on comfort, bitumen patchwork is like a slap in the sights – dangerous to the public anyway.
Second point: the journey. Anyone who does not strap their long-legged onto a trailer loosens up their luggage, asks the lady whether she wants to get on and then whistles along the motorway fully loaded at 200 km / h. Super handy and super stable? Now, at the latest, some tire developers break into a cold sweat.
The weather
Full grip in summer? Quickly checked off. But how can a full measure of security be achieved in adverse weather conditions? Rain performance is the critical factor when it comes to choosing new tires.
Comfort, stability, handling – all of this becomes secondary if the tire does not convey real safety in the wet, which can be felt directly on the handlebars and in the very bottom.
The tires
Let’s summarize at this point: We are looking for the perfect tire for a modern adventure bike, commonly known as a large enduro, in the 120/70 R 19 format at the front and 170/60 R 17 at the rear – handy, stable, rainproof, durable.
Off-road? No, the on-board program has to do this if necessary. What can our test field contribute to this??
Bridgestone A 40
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Bridgestone A 40: stable, neutral, economical.
It starts with the youngest participant in this test constellation. Last year, when we examined this type of tire in the “old” large enduro format 110/80 R 19 and 150/70 R 17 (issue 13/2015), it was Bridgestone A 40 not yet available. But now: welcome to the test! The A 40 finally replaces the worn out Battle Wing, which has not been on par with the competition for a number of years. Also new is the abbreviation in the model code, which on the one hand follows the internal model logic (T 30 for Tour, S 21 for Sport), on the other hand with the letter A for Adventure but deliberately not taking up E for Enduro.
The Battle Wing was considered stable and durable, and the Bridgestone A 40 should continue that. With tread design, carcass construction and a new rubber compound, you want to have significantly improved handling, cornering grip and wet grip. Our test notes show that the bottom line is that it actually succeeded. At the end of our tour, the Japanese can position himself in third place with balanced handiness, great stability, good-natured wet performance and low wear.
- Weight: front 5.2 kg, rear 7.8 kg
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Information / approvals: Bridgestone Germany, Tel. 0 61 72/40 81 73, www.bridgestone-mc.de
Review Bridgestone A 40
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 131 points, 4th place; after 4000 km: 128 points, 4th place)
The clear strength of the new Bridgestone A 40 is its good straight-line stability. Whether in solo operation or with a pillion passenger and luggage – the Japanese don’t get upset that easily. Compared to its predecessor, the Battle Wing, it has noticeably gained in format with better feedback and light and neutral steering behavior. Only a slight righting moment when braking in an inclined position tarnishes the positive image. The good properties are largely retained even with increasing mileage. - Wet test: (87 points, 4th place)
When accelerating, the Bridgestone A 40 scores with plenty of grip, and the values at full braking from 100 km / h are flawless. In corners, an early limit area prevents better lap times on our test track. - wear and tear: (83 points, 3rd place)
Moderate abrasion values at the front and rear make the Bridgestone A 40 interesting for frequent drivers.
Conclusion: stable, neutral, economical. Anyone looking for a balanced all-rounder with their travel enduro will be satisfied with the Bridgestone A 40. However, its inconspicuousness is not to everyone’s taste.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 429 points, 3rd place
Continental Trail Attack 2
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Continental Trail Attack 2: buckles quickly when wet.
The statement made by the Hanoverian tire bakers in the product description is unmistakable: “specially developed road enduro tires for the large and powerful travel enduros”. That is an announcement. After all: The original equipment tire for the KTM Adventure family (1190 Adventure, Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure) was Continental Trail Attack 2 has been available as ZR tires from the beginning (2013) and is therefore also approved for speeds above 240 km / h.
The choice of different dimensions is also impressive: With the Continental Trail Attack 2, you can not only operate classic travel enduros with 110/80 R 19 and 150/70 R 17, but even high-legged horsepower like the BMW S 1000 XR with super sporty sizes (120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17) soled. With a zero-degree steel belt you want to offer enough stability at high speed, using a special baking process (“multigrip”) to allow a more abrasion-resistant rubber mixture to flow softer towards the shoulders. The word terrain is consequently not used in the product description.
The Conti is primarily intended to please sporty road drivers
In short: The Continental Trail Attack 2 is primarily intended to please the sporty road driver. And that is also evident in our test. In the winding thicket of bends, the GS with Conti tires presents itself from its best side. However, the dynamics in bad weather are slowed down significantly by a very subdued wet performance – even the “specially activated silica mixture” according to the manufacturer does not help much. On top of that, a heavy loss of profile nibbles at the front. Which is why the Conti has to be content with fourth place in our test, despite the splendid splendor on the country road.
- Weight: front 4.8 kg, rear 7.7 kg
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Information / approvals: Continental Reifen, Tel. 05 11/9 38 01, www.conti-moto.de
Rating Continental Trail Attack 2
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 133 points, 2nd place; after 4000 km: 130 points, 2nd place)
Light-footed, handy, precise – and that from the first few meters. With the Continental Trail Attack 2 you can immediately feel the dynamic character of a typical Conti tire. And in no driving situation does the already very handy 1200 GS get nervous or wobbly. Great confidence is quickly established in the superb grip reserves. Despite the high wear values, the quality of the Trail Attack 2 remains at a high level. - Wet test: (81 points, 6th place)
On rain-soaked roads, the Continental Trail Attack 2 has to admit defeat to the much stronger competitors despite all the dynamics. His custody reserves are quickly used up, and due to the very narrow border area, little trust wants to be built up. - wear and tear: (81 points, 5th place)
Performance eats rubber. After 4,000 kilometers, the front tire has clearly lost tread.
Conclusion: Nothing like going into the cornering paradises of this world – that is the main discipline of the Continental Trail Attack 2. However, it becomes problematic if the path there is too long or even wet. Because then the Conti buckles too quickly.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 425 points, 4th place
Dunlop Trailsmart
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Dunlop Trailsmart: Convinced better in the 110/150 in last year’s tire test.
450 percent! This is how you calculate at Dunlop the evolution of the road enduro, based on the performance of the XT 500 from 1976 (28 hp) up to the current R 1200 GS (125 hp). So it should be clear by which standards a modern enduro tire from this company must be built. For a year now, the Dunlop Trailsmart has been saddling up on a highly successful but no longer available predecessor.
In 2013, the Dunlop Trailmax TR 91 landed in second place in the big enduro tire test (issue 11/2013). Above all, the TR 91 impressed in the country road classification (tied with Pirelli Scorpion Trail in 1st place) and drove in the wet (2nd place) together with the Metzeler Tourance Next (1st place) far away from the chasing field. Its big drawback: wear and tear (5th place). So the order for the development department was clear: more mileage!
Dunlop suffers from high wear values
At its test premiere last year, this evaluation chapter was not in our specifications – but in terms of functionality on country roads and in wet conditions, the Trailsmart in the old GS dimension (110/150) came second convincingly. The current finding is all the more astonishing: In the wide format 120/170, the Dunlop now blunders – unlike the agile narrow version – due to a noticeably sluggish handling. And unfortunately the Dunlop Trailsmart still suffers from high wear values, which only makes 5th place overall.
- Weight: front 5.0 kg, rear 7.5 kg
- Country of manufacture: France
- Information / approvals: Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany, Tel. 0 61 81/68 01, www.dunlop.de
Review Dunlop Trailsmart
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 128 points, 5th place; after 4000 km: 125 points, 5th place)
When it comes to straight-line stability, the Dunlop Trailsmart shines with top stability – regardless of whether you are sitting alone or in pairs and with a full load on the GS. And even if there is a provoked restlessness, the GS runs straight away like on the famous rails. But that is also the other side of the coin. In the winding area, the Trailsmart demands significantly more pressure than the competition, even tight bends are not his world. With increasing mileage, the sluggish turning behavior and its erection moment can be felt more and more clearly. - Wet test: (90 points, 2nd place)
With a great grip pad, the Dunlop Trailsmart again overtakes some competitors in the rain. On the brakes, it scores with the shortest stopping distance from 100 km / h. - wear and tear: (71 points, 6th place)
The sore point: the front and back of the Dunlop Trailsmart has deteriorated the most after 4000 km.
Conclusion: In the narrow 110/150 version, the Dunlop Trailsmart was able to convince significantly better in last year’s tire test. In the wide format, however, it is very sluggish. Top: the wet performance! Flop: the wear and tear!
MOTORCYCLE rating: 414 points, 5th place
Metzeler Tourance Next
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Metzeler Tourance Next: also shows top marks from an economic point of view.
World premiere Intermot 2012! That was a while ago. The enduro edition of the Munich Elephant is now entering its fourth season. But does old also mean worn out? the Metzeler Tourance Next can in any case build on one decisive advantage. Originally the original equipment tire for the new R 1200 GS, his development work was also closely linked to that of the water boxer. The Tourance Next apparently benefits from this intensive exchange with BMW to this day.
Of course, it should make the appearance of the GS perfect, which is why it was not only designed precisely for the new wide format, but should also convince with good wet grip, high stability at top speed and full load as well as comfortable self-damping. It ends its test premiere in 2013 (in the old GS dimension!) In first place. And the Metzeler Tourance Next remains the first choice at the moment. A sovereign all-rounder on dry and wet roads. And on top of that, with top marks in wear, a mileage miracle!
- Weight: front 5.1 kg, rear 7.5 kg
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Information / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 0 89/14 90 83 02, www.metzelermoto.de
Review Metzeler Tourance Next
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 133 points, 2nd place; after 4000 km: 130 points, 2nd place)
In terms of agility, both the Conti and the Pirelli are superior to the Metzeler Tourance Next. On the other hand, the Metzeler appeals from the very first few meters with its outstanding sovereignty. In curves, it impresses with its easy steering behavior and neutrality, while driving at a brisk straight line it always remains stable in all situations, inspiring confidence. These consistently positive driving characteristics are retained even with increasing mileage. - Wet test: (90 points, 2nd place)
Thanks to its easy handling and high steering precision, the Metzeler Tourance Next ensures a satisfied grin among the crew even on wet terrain. Blessed with fat reserves of grip, both acceleration and braking values are at a top level. - wear and tear: (93 points, 1st place)
Performance costs? Yes, but hardly any rubber. The Metzeler Tourance Next could do the tour again.
Conclusion: Even if the Metzeler Tourance Next has many years under its belt – the Metzeler continues to show top marks on the R 1200 GS (for which it was once co-developed). Also from an economic point of view.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 446 points, 2nd place
Michelin Anakee III
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Michelin Anakee III: too sluggish on country roads.
When it comes to original equipment for the BMW R 1200 GS, Michelin took over the scepter. All terrain boxers are currently rolling off the assembly line with the Michelin Anakee III, which has also been available since 2013. With its wide profile notches, the Frenchman clearly differs from its five competitors on the surface. And after all, the tire brochure still propagates ten percent off-road suitability – a word that is now avoided as much as possible with the others. But under its black rubber skin, the Anakee III is clearly designed for the best possible road performance.
So far, however, it has not been able to set real highlights in any of our tests. Above all, there is a noticeable lack of comfort on the Michelin-tyred GS due to the low internal damping. Even when wet, otherwise the domain of the French, the Michelin Anakee III remains very colorless. And in spite of its robust feel: the rear has to show significant losses in the wear rating. Why you have to wave the red lantern together with Dunlop.
- Weight: front 5.5 kg, rear 7.6 kg
- Country of manufacture: Thailand
- Information / approvals: Michelin Reifenwerke, Tel. 07 21/53 00, motorrad.michelin.de
Review Michelin Anakee III
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 126 points, 6th place; after 4000 km: 124 points, 6th place)
As long as it goes straight ahead, the Michelin Anakee III impresses with its absolutely sovereign directional stability, even if its low self-damping when driving over bumps and the loud rolling noise result in noticeable losses in comfort. But as soon as you turn into winding terrain with the big enduro, the picture changes significantly with very restrained agility and a noticeable righting moment when braking in an inclined position. In terms of quality, hardly anything changes even after 4000 kilometers – neither for better nor for worse. - Wet test: (82 points, 5th place)
In other tire categories, Michelins are usually on the podium in the rain classification. The Michelin Anakee III is very atypical with little grip and long braking distances. - wear and tear: (82 points, 4th place)
Little at the front, a lot at the back. A result that is too ambivalent determines the abrasion rating.
Conclusion: The first tires of the BMW R 1200 GS do not really want to convince in our test. The Michelin Anakee III is too sluggish on country roads, too slippery in the rain, too unbalanced when it is worn. Others give the 1200 enduro more pepper.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 414 points, 5th place
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
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Pirelli Scorpion Trail II: the measure of all things also in the broad dimension.
Similar to the Conti, the Pirelli takes account of the fact that the new adventure bikes should mainly turn around the corner in a sporty way. Which is why the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II is largely based on the Angel GT touring model. There is no doubt that the original equipment requirement for the Ducati Multistrada, which is already very sporty, had a significant influence on the conception of the tire. The look at the available dimensions up to the superbike format 190/55 ZR 17 underlines the street sporting touch of the Pirelli.
In the new 120/170 large enduro format, it is only available as a high-speed ZR tire. And Pirelli is the only manufacturer to equip the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II with a bicompound rubber compound for the rear wheel, in which a wear-resistant center is framed by softer shoulder areas. It finished the test premiere in 2015 in first place. However, without a wear rating, in which the previous model failed completely. The more exciting the question of how this handling and rain wonder would cope with the 4,000-kilometer tour. We are honest: we would not have expected this longevity. If a tire profiler is now really satisfied with their specifications, it will probably be in Italy. Congratulations on winning the test.
- Weight: front 5.2 kg, rear 7.1 kg
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Information / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 0 61 63/7 10, www.pirellimoto.de
Rating Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
- Country road / everyday life: (new: 137 points, 1st place; after 4000 km: 135 points, 1st place)
With great steering precision and outstanding stability, the Pirelli-tyred GS is at its best on winding country roads. It couldn’t be more sporty. And even when driving at a brisk straight line, the BMW R 1200 GS remains astonishingly stable despite these rubbers designed for agility. Those who provoke it will indeed feel a minimal amount of unrest, but this remains absolutely in the uncritical area. And even after 4000 kilometers have nibbled on the rubber, the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II remains in pole position in the dynamics classification. - Wet test: (95 points, 1st place)
Accelerate, brake, into the curve. Even on wet asphalt, the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II scores with first-class feedback and plenty of grip. Particularly great: the wide limit range. - wear and tear: (91 points, 2nd place)
Yes, we are amazed. We would not have expected this abrasion in terms of performance.
Conclusion: The Pirellis in the narrow enduro format (110/150) were already in first place last year. And the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II are also the measure of all things in the wide 120/170 dimension (which is only available as ZR tires).
MOTORCYCLE rating: 458 points, 1st place
The mission? Curves and kilometers!
markus-jahn.com
On the way tip: on towel-wide single tracks through rustic forests, in between winding Carrera tracks, on which you can barely go beyond the permitted 90 km / h. The Massif Central in France is a hit with early season starters.
Unwind the average mileage of a season within a few days, but reduce dull highway booby to a minimum. That was the goal in the 2016 tire test as well. So off to country hopping in the Pyrenees. Burn a spectacular mileage on the speedometer in the shortest possible time? This is not a problem on well-developed expressways. Zack, and the abrasion test for the MOTORRAD tire test would be in the can. However, the considerable number of kilometers indicated would then be countered by a rather poor pattern of wear and tear. Because when setting the pace on the track, the loss of profile is actually very limited. The tires are much more stressed when going from one bend to the next on small, grippy country roads – preferably with a king-size motorcycle that builds up real pressure. And you can literally feel how the rubber coating on the wheels is practically melting away. Of course, the Alps would be the perfect area, especially since the test tires are mounted on six BMW R 1200 GSs.
Unfortunately, so early in the season (test period usually at the end of March / beginning of April), many attractive pass heights are usually closed, the temperatures are low and the days are accordingly short. For those who are addicted to high altitude, there is a perfect alternative: the Pyrenees. The very spectacular ones (e.g. Tourmalet) are usually not yet open, but there are a multitude of other highly attractive ascents and descents between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. On the way from the westernmost point of our this year’s tour on the way back from Arcachon (south of Bordeaux) to Stuttgart there was another, extremely attractive mountain-and-valley region in the crosshairs, in which the rubbers could be heated up again vigorously: that Massif Central west of Lyon.
Country road / everyday life after 1000 kilometers
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Everything still fresh: driver and tires after 1000 km of travel to the Pyrenees. But from now on it applies.
The watchword? End of story, nothing to add! High weight, high top speed. The trend that enduro tires should work more on the road than off-road can no longer be stopped. And so the six test candidates fight each other on the first rollout on the BMW R 1200 GS. Could it be that the terrain assessment in this test chapter fell under the table? Before the reader’s question, which is absolutely justified, flutters onto our desk, let’s send the answer ahead at this point. A really meaningful off-road comparison does not really make sense with this type of tire.
Some manufacturers officially state the off-road suitability of these so-called enduro tires with a maximum of ten to 15 percent. Anyone who has really serious ambitions in the direction of gravel and rubble has to switch to real coarse-knuckles à la Conti TKC 80 and Co. And accept a number of losses on asphalt (including tire speed limit, tendency to swing, ride comfort). Conversely, each of our test tires would complete an excursion over forest and meadow paths equally well or rather equally poorly – putting this in points is the bottom line of the Hornberg shooting. That means in practice – regardless of whether a Bridgestone, Dunlop or Michelin from this test field is installed – they would all master a dust passage, but they would all fail equally on a mud runway.
Only eleven points separate the first and last placed
On the other hand, the differences become much more apparent when our GS troop flies south on the motorway at brisk travel speed or dives into the cornering paradise of the Pyrenees. Those who place more value on ultimate stability with a full load at 200 plus km / h will have to put on a different tire than the spoiled curve enthusiast.
If you would like the detailed MOTORCYCLE points assessment for this category, you can purchase the article as a PDF.
| maximum number of points | Bridgestone A 40 |
Continental Trail Attack 2 |
Dunlop Trailsmart |
Metzeler Tourance Next |
Michelin Anakee III |
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
total score | 150 | 131 | 133 | 128 | 133 | 126 | 137 | placement | 4th. | 2. | 5. | 2. | 6th. | 1. |
Only eleven points separate the first and last placed in the dynamics classification when new. Above all, this means that all manufacturers have done their homework correctly.
Dunlop and Michelin are not bad tires just because they finish 5th and 6th. Above all, they are designed for maximum stability, but this comes at the expense of handiness. It is interesting to see what a broad field the Pirelli can cover.
Wetness
Measured as felt. Using the example of the Pirelli / Conti comparison, the data recording documents the strengths and weaknesses of two pairs of tires. In the Omega curve of our test track, the Conti Trail Attack 2 is much faster at the limit than the sticky Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
With ABS and traction control, people are in a good mood even in bad weather. And these are the best rain tires for the GS class. Actually, it doesn’t matter which tire I put on. The electronics will take care of it … The objection is justified, but depending on the tire concept, decisive meters can be gained or given away on a wet surface. Is actually relevant faster – because who drives a race on the home track when it rains?
For our test, however, the lap times on a permanently watered track provide solid statements about the grip quality: which tire spins too quickly, which has a limit area configured too narrowly? A lot can of course be felt with the famous Popometer, but only data recording provides reliable figures. The distance measured during an emergency braking from 100 km / h is of particular relevance for all days. It turns out that one and the same motorcycle, depending on the choice of tires, comes to a standstill several meters earlier in the event of an emergency braking on wet, slippery asphalt. And that can sometimes be decisive for the war.
If you would like the detailed MOTORCYCLE points assessment for this category, you can purchase the article as a PDF.
| maximum number of points | Bridgestone A 40 |
Continental Trail Attack 2 |
Dunlop Trailsmart |
Metzeler Tourance Next |
Michelin Anakee III |
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
total score | 100 | 87 | 81 | 90 | 90 | 82 | 95 | placement | 4th. | 6th. | 2. | 2. | 5. | 1. |
The Pirelli dominates this test chapter by a clear margin to the two runners-up from Dunlop and Metzeler. The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II impresses above all with its extremely good grip qualities in curves – matching slides are always safe for the pilot thanks to an excellently designed border area. But the two in second place are also worth mentioning: The Metzeler Tourance Next is just as dynamic as the Pirelli in wet conditions, and the Dunlop Trailsmart is almost unbeatable when braking from 100 km / h.
Country road / everyday life after 4000 kilometers
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Just don’t let it tear off. The tried-and-tested motto of national coach Low also applies to the tire test: high discipline, men.
Test new tires? A comparatively simple exercise. Get out of the shelf, up on the rim, drive, done. But we still add something: the function check of all tires in the worn condition – a standard in the MOTORRAD tire test. Probably every motorcyclist knows the wow factor of fresh tires. But the wow effect is even more interesting when it is possible to assess how the quality can decrease differently despite the identical mileage in the case of six equally stressed tires. Of course, such a test requires a strictly adhered to lead-up time. This results from the tire wear test. For this test, six motorcycles of the same but different tires are sent on a long journey. Fixed driving in the group plus regular driver changes guarantee that all test pairs are subjected to identical loads.
At the end of the tour, however, it is not only possible to determine the pure wear value of all tires. In addition, many qualitative statements about the tires are now possible. So at the end of our 4,000-kilometer tour, the dynamics protocol of the evaluation is dug out again in new condition. And all six pairs of tires go through the function check again – but this time in a badly maltreated condition. Over the years, our tests have shown that the mileage has little or no influence on basic properties such as adhesion or behavior in the limit range. Significantly more compromises have to be made when it comes to dynamic features – such as a noticeably reduced steering precision or the increased pitching moment when braking in an inclined position.
What does the result look like after 4000 kilometers?
If you would like the detailed MOTORCYCLE points assessment for this category, you can purchase the article as a PDF.
| maximum number of points | Bridgestone A 40 |
Continental Trail Attack 2 |
Dunlop Trailsmart |
Metzeler Tourance Next |
Michelin Anakee III |
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
total score | 150 | 128 | 130 | 125 | 130 | 124 | 135 | placement | 4th. | 2. | 5. | 2. | 6th. | 1. |
Although the mileage differs significantly in terms of tread depth, the actual function remains within an acceptable range, especially in the chapters of maneuverability and steering precision, even with heavily worn tires (Continental Trail Attack 2, Dunlop Trailsmart). However, with the Dunlop Trailsmart the already pronounced set-up moment is now more noticeable and makes it even closer to the last-placed Michelin Anakee III.
wear and tear
markus-jahn.com
We’re almost done. An extensive ride through the Massif Central, then off to Stuttgart for the final measurement of all profile depths.
After six days of driving and 4,000 kilometers, the moment of truth strikes: Which enduro tire left the most rubber on the track, with which one could this tour be lifted again? We come to the test section, which should be of particular interest to the rationally calculating buyer: the actual wear and tear of all twelve tires. However, the following must be sent in advance of this measurement result. The wear and tear of motorcycle tires cannot be generalized. Anyone who, as a long-distance driver, usually drives on well-developed highways, has completely different wear values than someone who constantly throws himself from one lean angle into the other in cornering areas. Braking and accelerating (especially with heavy, high-horsepower bikes) stress one tire more than the roll mode on long connecting stages.
The asphalt also plays a decisive role. In some southern European regions, the road surface is significantly more abrasive than you are used to in Germany. Nevertheless, the personal experience of wear and tear can be related to our rating. After all, the test constellation already described (identical motorcycles, driving in a group, change of driver) put all six pairings under exactly the same load. And only in this way is it possible to make a solid comparison of all six pairs of tires with one another. But also a lot more: After all, anyone who has had their own experience with one or the other tire model can convert the other candidates accordingly using a simple rule of three.
Who will get the victory in the wear classification?
If you would like the detailed MOTORCYCLE score for this category, as well as the wear measurements, you can purchase the article as a PDF for download.
| maximum number of points | Bridgestone A 40 |
Continental Trail Attack 2 |
Dunlop Trailsmart |
Metzeler Tourance Next |
Michelin Anakee III |
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
total score | 100 | 83 | 81 | 71 | 93 | 82 | 91 | placement | 3. | 5. | 6th. | 1. | 4th. | 2. |
Already on the way there was a clear tendency that caused astonishment. Because in the past, it was precisely the dynamic miracles or rain gods that failed in the wear rating. The motto: A lot of performance also costs a lot of rubber. After this assessment, a thorough revision is required. Because the top performers on the country road (Metzeler Tourance Next, Pirelli Scorpion Trail II) hardly lose any profile. Clear distance to the field: Dunlop’s Trailsmart.
Final scoring
markus-jahn.com
Classic photo finish on the Atlantic near Arcachon. But the picture is deceptive. So far only the Pyrenees have been milled off, the Massif Central is next in the road book. We’re still a long way from home.
In the four individual ratings, the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II clearly asserted itself and showed no real weaknesses. This points to an overall victory in the 2016 enduro tire test. But who will make it onto the podium? Time for the final bill. In our tire master test, in which four individual ratings (there are even five for sports tires!), There are always a few surprises in the final balance. Then things can sometimes go like the Tour de France: never win a stage, but end up as the winner. Because you always got involved. In our enduro tire test this year, however, there was no such winner.
Because with first-class interim results (three times 1st place, once 2nd place), the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II has already achieved important stage victories. It is astonishing that, despite these brilliant dynamics and first-class rain performance, no loss of wear and tear has to be accepted. Above all, it shows that the developers drew the right conclusions from the performance of the predecessor in the 2013 Enduro tire test (the last one in wear!) And readjusted it in exactly the right places. The Metzeler Tourance Next is and will remain a real all-rounder. It appeared in 2013 together with the Wasserboxer-GS and can easily keep up with many a younger challenger. And the surprise on the podium? Definitely the Bridgestone A 40! In the individual ratings, the Japanese can’t really stand out in the limelight. It wins its place through perseverance: it keeps up dynamically, works properly in wet conditions and hardly loses profile.
| in the dimensions 120/70 R 19 and 170/60 R 17 |
maximum number of points | Bridgestone A 40 |
Continental Trail Attack 2 |
Dunlop Trailsmart |
Metzeler Tourance Next |
Michelin Anakee III |
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
| Country road / new everyday life | 150 | 131 | 133 | 128 | 133 | 126 | 137 |
| Country road / everyday life after 4000 km |
150 | 128 | 130 | 125 | 130 | 124 | 135 |
| Wetness | 100 | 87 | 81 | 90 | 90 | 82 | 95 |
| wear and tear | 100 | 83 | 81 | 71 | 93 | 82 | 91 | total score | 500 | 429 | 425 | 414 | 446 | 414 | 458 | placement |
3. |
4th. | 5. | 2. | 5. | 1. |
This is how MOTORRAD tests
markus-jahn.com
Six pairs of tires fought for victory in the 2016 enduro tire test.
The basic motorcycle for this year’s enduro tire test is the BMW R 1200 GS. The wear and tear was determined with six differently tyred copies. The high-speed tests took place on the A 81. At the Goodyear-Dunlop tire test site near Montpellier, it was primarily the dynamics and behavior in wet conditions that were assessed.
The testers focus on these criteria:
- Handiness …
… is the steering force to tilt the machine and keep it in line in alternating curves. - Limit range behavior * …
… stands for the controllability of the tire at the limit. Tests on wet and dry roads. - Liability / acceleration * …
… describes the lateral guidance and power transmission in corners of different speeds (wet / dry). - Liability / inclination * …
… is the lateral guidance in maximum inclination on wet and dry asphalt. A tightrope walk that is only possible on a closed route. - Steering precision * …
… in passages of different speeds with complicated curve radii. Provides information about whether the motorcycle is following the desired course, which is specified by the steering forces, or whether clear line corrections are required. - Cornering stability …
… tests the build-up in (alternating) curves and on bumps. Is tested in different modes (solo / with pillion passenger) and in a great lean angle when accelerating. - Straight-line stability …
… is tested at high speed. Does the motorcycle remain stable on course or does the commuting disrupt the journey?? - Setup moment …
… refers to straightening up when braking in an inclined position. This reaction must be compensated for with a counterforce (pressure) on the inside of the handlebar end. - Filling pressure in the test
2.5 bar at the front, 2.9 bar at the rear.
* The sections marked with an asterisk can be transferred to motorcycles with a geometry similar to that of the BMW R 1200 GS
Opinions from the test drivers
markus-jahn.com
Which rubber compounds made the most fun on the tour across the Pyrenees and on the excursion to the Massif Central, which pairing received the red lantern in the perception of the test drivers?
And what does the famous Popometer say, far from all point grids, lap times and measured values? As every year, after the kilometer orgy, the personal favorite tires are free. Which rubber compounds made the most fun on the tour across the Pyrenees and on the excursion to the Massif Central, which pairing received the red lantern in your own perception? The vote for first place in 2016 was astonishingly clear, but even behind that, there was a wonderful disagreement. As it should be for a regulars’ table …
markus-jahn.com
Stefan Kaschel’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Stefan Kaschel (50), MOTORRAD sports director and avowed full throttle junkie:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Conti Trail Attack 2
…
6. Dunlop Trailsmart
markus-jahn.com
Jorg Lohse’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Jorg Lohse (46), MOTORRAD Service Manager, but the last man at the tire test:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Conti Trail Attack 2
…
6. Dunlop Trailsmart
markus-jahn.com
Jorg Jutzeler’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Jorg Jutzeler (50), guest tester, doesn’t speak much, but works all the more:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Metzeler Tourance Next
…
6. Michelin Anakee III
markus-jahn.com
Sebastian Schmidt’s favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Sebastian Schmidt (35), regular tire test guest, ironed out the mistakes from the clipper:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Metzeler Tourance Next
…
6. Michelin Anakee III
markus-jahn.com
Karsten Schwers’ favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Karsten Schwers (44), mastermind of the MOTORRAD tire test, cannot be overtaken:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Metzeler Tourance Next
…
6. Michelin Anakee III
markus-jahn.com
Gabriel Winters Favorite: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.
Gabriel Winter (51), screws, smokes, philosophizes, smokes, accelerates, smokes:
1. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
2. Metzeler Tourance Next
…
6. Dunlop Trailsmart
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