Table of contents

• 8 motorcycle tires for classics and youngtimers in the test Dimensions 100 / 90-18 and 120 / 90-18
• 1st place: Continental Road Attack 2 CR / Classic Attack
• 2nd place: Michelin Pilot Activ
• 3rd place: Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart
• 4th place: Bridgestone Battlax BT45
• 4th place: Continental ContiGo!
• 6th place: Metzeler Sportec Klassik
• 7th place: Pirelli Sport Demon
• 8th place: Avon Roadrider

markus-jahn.com

22nd pictures

markus-jahn.com

1/22
The tire test for classics and youngtimers was made with a 1991 Yamaha XJ 900 F..

markus-jahn.com

2/22
Test eight sets of tires in two days on the handling course, in the high-speed oval and in the wet. That also means hard piecework for the screwdriver crew

markus-jahn.com

3/22
Dry road, one curve chasing the next – that is the ideal of the biker. On the other hand: what to do if it wobbles straight ahead without end? A tire test has many facets

markus-jahn.com

4/22
Walking a tightrope: test on the watered handling course to see when the end of your retention reserves has been reached. In fact, our XJ did not suffer any injuries

markus-jahn.com

5/22
Our mechanic heroes Sebastian (left) and Peter: no loss of good humor. And after dozens of tire changes, they could now be hired by a MotoGP team

markus-jahn.com

6/22
Joy of beautiful sparks of the gods: Even an old lady like our 91-series Yamaha XJ 900 F makes the joy of driving visible with appropriately high-grip tires

markus-jahn.com

7/22
With full throttle through the legendary Conti steep face and again and again the exciting question: When does it wobble and with which tire?

mps photo studio

8/22
Continental Road Attack 2 CR / Classic Attack: When it comes to sportiness and safety (especially in wet conditions) there is nothing better.

Michelin

9/22
Michelin Pilot Activ: The name says it all. The handy Pilot Activ can be steered around the corner like no other cross-ply tire.

Bridgestone

10/22
Bridgestone Battlax BT45: In good weather on the country road, the BT45 impressively shows that it is still up to date. It only bends slightly when it is wet.

Continental

11/22
Continental ContiGo !: When it comes to stability, it is right at the forefront, plus it scores with grip and comfort.

Dunlop

12/22
Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart: Especially with its convincing performance on wet floors, the Streetsmart secured a remarkable third place in the test.

Metzeler

13/22
Metzeler Sportec Klassik: On the country road it remains too colorless, and in the wet it quickly falls behind.

mps photo studio

14/22
Pirelli Sport Demon: On the test Yamaha, the Pirelli loses a lot of points due to its sluggish character and poor grip.

Avon

15/22
Avon Roadrider: Restless, uncomfortable, little feedback, sluggish and also afraid of water.

16/22
Results of the country road / everyday test.

17/22
Results of the wetness test.

18/22
Final results of the motorcycle tire test for classic and youngtimer tires.

19/22
Diagonal tires can be recognized by the hyphen in the size designation (e.g. 4.00-18). Hidden under the tread (1) are several crossing (diagonally arranged) carcass plies (2), which form the stiff basic structure of the tire, but become unstable at high speeds. Next development step: diagonal radial tires (B in the size specification) with belt layers arranged over the carcass

20/22
More modern, more stable successor that cannot be distinguished from the cross-ply tires by the tread (1) alone. The external identifier is an “R” in the designation (e.g. 180/55 ZR 17). The carcass ply, which gives the radial tire its name, is located under the two intersecting belt plies (2) that are wound in the direction of travel and the thread course points towards the center of the wheel (3)

markus-jahn.com

21/22
The first number on the sidewall indicates the tire width in millimeters (1), followed by the slash is the ratio of height to width in percent (2). After the horizontal line (diagonal tires!) Is the rim diameter in inches (3), followed by the abbreviation M / C for motorcycle (4). What is still missing? Coded information on load capacity (5) and maximum speed (6)

markus-jahn.com

22/22
The four-digit DOT number provides information on the week and year of production. This tire was manufactured in the 34th week of 2005 and should be changed urgently at this proud age

accesories

tire

Motorcycle tires for classic and youngtimers in the test dimensions 100-90-18 and 120-90-18

8 motorcycle tires for classics and youngtimers in the test
Dimensions 100 / 90-18 and 120 / 90-18

Eight motorcycle tires in dimensions 100 / 90-18 and 120 / 90-18 for youngtimers, classics and those who want to become one, tested on very steep, very curvy and sometimes very wet roads.

Jorg Lohse

02.03.2017

“Should I use the BT45 again, or is there something better in the meantime?” Like no other he has Bridgestone BT45 established in the classical music scene. He seems almost aloof with his almost two decades that he carries on his black shoulders. After consulting with colleagues who were also able to contribute one or the other personally colored driving impression, the question was quickly clarified: The BT45 is still a recommendation. You didn’t go badly with this advice, but what about when you work through this question accurately using a test protocol? This is exactly what this article is about: a motorcycle tire test for classics and youngtimers.

Buy complete article

8 motorcycle tires for classics and youngtimers in the test
Dimensions 100 / 90-18 and 120 / 90-18

14 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

1st place: Continental Road Attack 2 CR / Classic Attack

Weight: front 4.7 kg, rear 6.5 kg
Country of manufacture: Germany
DOT numbers (v / h): 23/16 and 36/16

mps photo studio

1st overall: Continental Road Attack 2 CR / Classic Attack.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (1st place):
As expected, the only radial tire in this test cannot quite hold a candle to the diagonal tires in terms of straight-line stability. But that is also the only point of criticism. Shimmy is a foreign word for this Conti pairing. Even if you persistently provoke it, the handlebars will not bang in the cold or warm state. The CR version of the Road Attack 2 (front) or the Classic Attack (rear) reaches its full size with a sporty pace on winding country roads: extremely handy, great feedback, lots of grip and high comfort!

Wet test (1st place):
When it rains, the Yamaha with radial tires literally drives the diagonal field into the ground. The grip reserves when accelerating as well as in an inclined position are gigantic, and this Conti scores with great maneuverability and rich feedback.

Conclusion: A brave step to now establish the radial tire concept in the classic warehouse. A look at the points balance shows, however, that it is the right step! When it comes to sportiness and safety (especially when it is wet) there is nothing better.

2nd place: Michelin Pilot Activ

Weight: front 4.9 kg, rear 6.6 kg
Country of manufacture: Czech Republic
DOT numbers (v / h): 18/16 and 19/16

Michelin

2nd place overall: Michelin Pilot Activ.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (2nd place):
Regardless of whether it is cold or warm – the Pilot Activ shows no tendency to flutter the handlebars, even if you deliberately provoke the shimmy effect. Also in terms of self-damping the Michelin no nakedness, blows when driving over transverse grooves are comfortably ironed smooth. His favorite discipline is the brisk drive through winding terrain, where he can be steered neutrally and precisely around the corner. Also great: its great feedback, so that the pilot quickly feels a secure feeling for the grip reserves. He only seems a bit too nervous when walking straight ahead.

Wet test (4th place):
The Michelin continues to impress with its handiness on wet roads, and the grip cushion in curves is sufficient. In a direct comparison, the level in wet conditions remains below that of the class leader Dunlop.

Conclusion: The name is program. The handy Pilot Activ can be steered around the corner like no other bias tire – a rubber for sports fans in the oldie league. Not really great when it is wet, but it is still a long way from being shaken off.

3rd place: Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart

Weight: front 5.0 kg, rear 6.6 kg
Country of manufacture: France
DOT numbers (v / h): 27/16 and 09/16

Dunlop

3rd overall: Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (4th place):
Handlebar flutter? Negative! From the first few meters, the Streetsmart on the XJ appeals with its unshakable calm. Even if bumps are passed on to the driver from road bumps, he does Dunlop Also in the comfort rating, it does a good job and scores with overall good self-damping. While the straight-line stability is still exemplary, small compromises in handling have to be accepted. The Streetsmart is a bit too sluggish for committed street surfing. The righting moment when braking in an inclined position, on the other hand, is tolerable.    

Wet test (2nd place):
Despite its somewhat sluggish basic character, the Dunlop scores points on a wet track with its wide limit range, great feedback and plenty of grip when accelerating and on an incline. Best cross-ply tire in the rain!

Conclusion: Especially with its convincing performance on wet floors, the Streetsmart secured a remarkable third place in the test. If you are looking for a great rain tire, you are welcome to use the Dunlop. Its drawback: the tendency to laziness. 

4th place: Bridgestone Battlax BT45

Weight: front 4.1 kg, rear 6.2 kg
Country of manufacture: Japan
DOT numbers (v / h): 16/16 and 26/16

Bridgestone

4th overall: Bridgestone Battlax BT45.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (3rd place):
During the first few kilometers, the BT45 also has a slight tendency to shimmy, but this quickly disappears when warm. A particular strength of the Japanese is its stable directional stability, whereby Metzeler and Dunlop, however, are a little further ahead. The BT45 collects plenty of plus points on winding roads, where it can show its good handiness. Compared to the diagonal competition, the Bridgestone stays exactly on the targeted course and can be steered precisely around the corner. The righting moment when braking in an inclined position remains tolerable overall.

Wet test (5th place):
When it rains, the test shows that the BT45 is getting on in years when compared to the partly much younger competitors: somewhat narrow limit range, little traction when accelerating and only moderate feedback.

Conclusion: Our oldie in the test is doing well. In good weather on the country road, the BT45 impressively shows that it is still up to date. The Japanese only bends slightly when it is wet – you can now expect significantly more performance.

4th place: Continental ContiGo!

Weight: front 4.6 kg, rear 6.0 kg
Country of manufacture: South Korea
DOT numbers (v / h): 16/15 and 44/15

Continental

4th place overall: Continental ContiGo!.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (4th place):
When it comes to stability, the Conti says go from the very first few meters! Even when cold, the annoying shimmy effect does not occur, and the straight-line stability is also convincing – compared to the BT45, the Go! a tad more nervous though. In terms of comfort, too, it can convince with good self-damping on bumpy roads. Thanks to its handiness and the good feedback for its grip reserves, the Conti-tyred Yamaha can be steered confidently through winding terrain. However, the righting moment when braking in an inclined position is clearly noticeable.

Wet test (3rd place):
Despite its somewhat narrower border area, the Go! great feedback for his full custodial reserves. Coupled with good handiness, the Conti is therefore fun even in bad weather.

Conclusion: The diagonal tire from the Hanoverian tire baker pleases with its balanced design. In terms of stability, it is right at the forefront, plus it scores with grip and comfort. Above all, however, it does not wilt even when it rains.

6th place: Metzeler Sportec Klassik

Weight: front 5.1 kg, rear 6.7 kg
Country of manufacture: Brazil
DOT numbers (v / h): 21/15 and 17/15

Metzeler

6th place: Metzeler Sportec Klassik.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (6th place):
When cold, the classic immediately catches the eye with a pronounced shimmy effect. The handlebar flutter is noticeably less warm, but when you consciously stimulate it, it subsides much more slowly than with the competition. The Metzeler can still convince when it comes to straight-line stability, but many other points remain too unsatisfactory. Its handiness is too sluggish, its feedback for the existing adhesive reserves too dry. Correspondingly unsure of the level of maximum grip, you feel your way around the corners. The clear pitching impulse when braking in an inclined position is also annoying.  

Wet test (6th place):
When accelerating, the rear tire spins quite early, and the adhesive reserves are used up too quickly even in a leaning position. Its narrow border area doesn’t make you feel good when it rains.

Conclusion: Although the Metzeler has only been available for a short time, it is not really up to date, especially when compared to the equally young competition. On the country road it remains too colorless, and in the wet it quickly falls behind. 

7th place: Pirelli Sport Demon

Weight: front 5.2 kg, rear 6.5 kg
Country of manufacture: Brazil
DOT numbers (v / h): 46/14 and 15/16

mps photo studio

7th overall: Pirelli Sport Demon.

Evaluation of rural roads / everyday life (7th place):
If you provoke it, you also have to Pirelli accept a strong shimmy. Without a suggestion, however, it remains calm, which is why the Sport Demon in this chapter can set itself apart from the Avon Roadrider, which is similarly placed far back. With sluggish turning behavior, poor feedback, little grip reserves, spontaneous slides when bending quickly and a noticeable pitching moment, the Pirelli-tyred XJ cannot catch up with the better tires in the test. The Sport Demon only scores with solid stability when running straight ahead.

Wet test (7th place):
If the flu pad is used up quickly under ideal conditions, no miracles can be expected when it is wet. Balance in the rain: wide arcs in curves, premature spinning when accelerating, narrow limit area, little feedback.

Conclusion: One of the longest-serving tires in this test can no longer set any accents. On the test Yamaha, the Pirelli loses a lot of points due to its sluggish character and poor grip. The rain performance is also very poor.

8th place: Avon Roadrider

Weight: front 5.0 kg, rear 6.6 kg
Country of manufacture: England
DOT numbers (v / h): 27/16 and 09/16

Related articles

• Motorcycle touring tires 120-70 ZR 17 and 180-55 ZR 17 in the test

  Jahn 30th pictures Jahn 1/30 mps photo studio 2/30 Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact: MOTORRAD verdict: 6th place, 212 points. mps photo studio 3/30 Michelin…

• Inexpensive motorcycle tires in the product test

  Jahn 20th pictures Jahn 1/20 No-name, exotic or cheap brands: Regardless of which label you want to overwrite the third part of our tire test with – this…

• Six super sports tires in a comparison test

  markus-jahn.com 16 pictures markus-jahn.com 1/16 When it is wet, there is only a fine line between grip and take-off. Good skins offer a wide range of…

• Test winner enduro tires (MOTORRAD 11-2013)

  Jahn accesories tire Test winner enduro tires (MOTORRAD 11/2013) Test winner enduro tires (MOTORRAD 11/2013) Metzeler Tourance Next Jorg Lohse, Karsten…

• Road tires 2019 for large travel enduros in the test

  Markus Jahn 17th pictures Markus Jahn 1/17 Which tire pairing has the edge after the tour over streets of all stripes?? Markus Jahn 2/17 If you value…

• MOTORRAD tire test 2016 – touring tires

  markus-jahn.com 14th pictures markus-jahn.com 1/14 Picture gallery: Touring tires 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 in the test. markus-jahn.com 2/14 After…

• Sports tires in the 2013 tire test

  Jahn 23 pictures Jahn 1/23 The 2013 MOTORRAD sports tire test. Jahn 2/23 The sports tires on the country road and motorway. Jahn 3/23 Where did the…

• Touring tires 120-70 ZR 17, 180-55 ZR 17 in the test

  markus-jahn.com 58 pictures markus-jahn.com 1/58 In the wet test, the tires beat quite differently. markus-jahn.com 2/58 Givi holding system “Tanklock”:…

• Tire test 2013: touring tires 120-70 ZR 17, 180-55 ZR 17

  Jahn 20th pictures Jahn 1/20 Tire test 2013: 6 touring tires of the dimensions 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17. Jahn 2/20 The same conditions for everyone:…

• Enduro tires 120-70 R 19 and 170-60 R 17 in the product test

  markus-jahn.com 34 pictures markus-jahn.com 1/34 On the way tip: on towel-wide single tracks through rustic forests, in between winding Carrera tracks,…