Table of contents
- MOTORRAD tire test 2016 – touring tires New against top of the class
- Conti sets the bar on the country road
- Michelin dominates chapters “Wetness”
- Continental Road Attack 2 Evo
- Dunlop Roadsmart III
- Metzeler Roadtec 01
- Michelin Pilot Road 4
- Motorcycling and rain
- Motorcycling and racing
- Final ranking touring tires
- This is how MOTORRAD tests
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14th pictures
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1/14
Picture gallery: Touring tires 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 in the test.
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After enduro and sports tires, MOTORRAD is now testing touring tires. In the wet and on the country road.
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3/14
As a reference for the sporty country road hunt, our purchase tip Continental Road Attack 2 Evo wanders onto the rims of the 125 hp Honda. During his test debut in 2014, he impressed above all with his extreme greed for curves.
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Accordingly, in the classic season from Easter to October you can really let it rip on the house route or in winding holiday regions.
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Above all, the touring tire category scores with its wide range of uses. Even in the cool weeks of the pre- and post-season, the tires still work well
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Full nose? Even if everyone in the team is buzzing after three days of testing: no.
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Full control: the tire temperature check is also part of the test program.
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Full capacity: every 30 minutes, the Honda is in the pits to quickly change the tires.
Arturo Rivas
9/14
With your knee on the asphalt around the corner? It doesn’t really belong on the road, but it can be done without any problems with touring tires.
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On the permanently watered test track, the limit area can be driven out particularly impressively in the Omega when the tires are curled around this bend at the slip limit. The data recording documents that the Conti’s grip reserves are used up much faster than z. B. that of the butcher. With a speed increase of more than 5 km / h, the Roadtec 01 literally drives away from the Road Attack 2 Evo.
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For years the test section has been “Wetness” dominated by Michelin. And quite clearly. This year, however, the new competition provides a surprise.
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But Metzeler in particular has a knack to scratch. In 2014, the predecessor, the Z8 Interact, came second to last. Metzeler achieves this with tires that are fun both on the country road (even if Conti is ahead of the game!) And also provide an extremely high level of safety in the wet.
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Dunlop’s predecessor, the Roadsmart 2, took 4th place in the same test in 2014. And lo and behold: The developers at Dunlop have probably turned the right screws. All in all, the Roadsmart III impresses as a very balanced all-rounder.
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At the end of our test, the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 was right at the front with an extremely narrow two-point lead. It cannot overtake our reference, the Conti Road Attack 2 Evo, on the country road, but it pulls the competition a bit in the wet. After all, that’s enough for the coveted test victory – congratulations!
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MOTORRAD tire test 2016 – touring tires
MOTORRAD tire test 2016 – touring tires
New against top of the class
Two new touring tires add excitement to the genre. Can they take on the best in their class on the country road and in the wet? An exciting duel takes place on a Honda CB 1000 R in the MOTORRAD tire test final.
Jorg Lohse, Karsten Schwers
06/09/2016
Off to the showdown in Mireval. The Goodyear test track is worth the trip for the view alone. Surrounded by rugged cliffs with a fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea, you could easily go on holiday. But that’s not what we’re here in southern France for. The compressor is already buzzing in the pits, the first tires are on, the Honda CB 1000 R equipped with our incorruptible 2D data recording. On the permanently watered wet test track and the 3.8 kilometer long handling course, which was originally designed as a Formula 1 track (“Carland”), we want the two new touring tires from Dunlop and Metzeler to compete against the best from our last tests.
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Conti sets the bar on the country road
As a reference for the sporty country road hunt, our purchase tip Continental Road Attack 2 Evo wanders onto the rims of the 125 hp Honda. During its test debut in 2014, it impressed above all with its extreme greed for curves: handiness and agility at the highest level, plus first-class feedback – with the Conti, the trip to the winding terrain is at least as much fun. Only light? Okay, at high speed on the autobahn, minimal instability compared to the competition cannot be dismissed out of hand – but overall this unrest remains within the tolerable range. In the points balance, the Evo can also clearly set itself apart from the rest of the test field. Which the bar in the test chapter “Country Road” is extremely high.
Michelin dominates chapters “Wetness”
The one in the “Wet” chapter is no less important. This test section has been dominated by Michelin for years. And quite clearly. 2014 is also the debut year for the Pilot Road 4. And of course, in the best tradition, it is unbeatable compared to its predecessors on wet roads. With its extremely strong reserves of grip, it always gives the driver perfect feedback. And that is of course worth gold in adverse weather conditions. As with the Conti, the Michelin can clearly put the 2014 competition in its place. With this impressive lead in points and decent country road results, the Road 4 even secured test victory in 2014.
Let’s now let the two challengers take on. Metzeler in particular has a notch to scratch. In 2014, the predecessor, the Z8 Interact, came second to last. Dunlop’s Roadsmart 2 came fourth in the same test. And lo and behold: the developers of both brands have turned the crucial screws. Overall, both the Roadtec 01 and the Roadsmart III are very well-balanced all-rounders. Tires that are fun both on country roads (even if Conti is ahead of the game!) And also provide extremely high levels of safety in the wet. So one to zero for the newcomers, but the next duel is not far. Bet that…?
Continental Road Attack 2 Evo
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MOTORCYCLE purchase tip, country road: Continental Road Attack 2 Evo.
Weight: front 4.3 kg, rear 6.7 kg
Country of Manufacture: Germany
Info / approvals: Continental tires,
Tel. 05 11/9 38 01, www.conti-moto.de
valuation
Country road / everyday life: (138 points, 1st place)
In 2016, the Conti will remain our reference on winding country roads. When he made his debut two years ago, he impressed with his sovereignty in all respects on the Honda CB 1000 R. And nothing has changed in the picture to this day. This is not only due to its very good cold running properties. Above all, the Road Attack 2 Evo scores with its enormous handiness – combined with an absolutely convincing steering precision. In return, however, minimal compromises in straight-line stability and a slight righting moment when braking in an inclined position have to be accepted.
Wet test: (85 points, 4th place)
Although the Evo has caught up in the wet compared to its predecessors and continues to score with its handiness, its adhesive reserves are “used up” before the competition when accelerating and when tilting..
Conclusion: Sporty country road drivers will have a lot of fun with the Road Attack 2 Evo. Cornering stability and handiness are at the highest level with this Conti. When it rains, however, the competition drives away.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 223 points
place 3
Dunlop Roadsmart III
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Dunlop Roadsmart III.
Weight: front 4.3 kg, rear 7.2 kg
Country of Manufacture: France
Info / approvals: Goodyear Dunlop Tires
Germany, Tel. 0 61 81/68 01, www.dunlop.de
valuation
Country road / everyday life: (137 points, 2nd place)
In the predecessor Roadsmart 2, moderate handiness and average steering precision were particularly annoying. This is exactly where number three has been successfully revised. With a modified contour, the new touring tire is now much more maneuverable – but does not quite reach the level of the Conti. Its response behavior, or the feedback in the cold state, is now much better. When braking in an inclined position, only a slight righting moment is noticeable, straight-line stability and cornering stability are also at a top level.
Wet test: (93 points, 2nd place)
When it rains, Dunlop takes a significant step forward. With plenty of grip reserves, the Roadsmart III now even puts Michelin’s former rain god Pilot Road 4 in its place. Together with its wide limit range, the Dunlop also ensures that you always feel safe on wet roads.
Conclusion: Handy, precise, stable – and a full grip pad when wet. Its balance makes the Dunlop a real recommendation for demanding touring riders who are out and about in wind and weather.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 230 points
place 2
Metzeler Roadtec 01
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MOTORRAD test winner: Metzeler Roadtec 01.
Weight: 4.2 kg at the front, 6.4 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: Germany
Info / approvals: Pirelli Germany,
Tel. 0 89/14 90 83 02, www.metzelermoto.de
valuation
Country road / everyday life: (137 points, 2nd place)
The new touring tire from Metzeler impresses with its extremely fast response from the very first few meters. Immediately there is a good feeling for his custody reserves. In terms of cornering stability, the Roadtec 01 does not show any nakedness – even with a very sporty pace. In a direct comparison, however, the Conti keeps its nose ahead on the country road, above all thanks to its extremely high level of handiness. The Metzeler, on the other hand, impresses with its unshakable neutrality.
Wet test: (95 points, 1st place)
With its predecessor, the Z8 Interact, Metzeler had already made a big hit on wet roads. With the Roadtec 01, the Munich-based company up the ante when it rains and shines in our test with the best grip reserves. The lean angle values are enormous, and even at high cornering speed, the Metzeler always gives a safe feeling.
Conclusion: The profile design may look heavily old school. But when it comes to touring performance, the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 is a leader: a sporty, agile road rubber with extreme grip reserves in the wet.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 232 points
1st place
Michelin Pilot Road 4
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Michelin Pilot Road 4.
Weight: 4.2 kg at the front, 6.2 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: Spain
Info / approvals: Michelin tire works,
Tel. 07 21/53 00, motorrad.michelin.de
valuation
Country road / everyday life: (130 points, 4th place)
Unfortunately at the bottom of the table, but that doesn’t mean that Michelin can’t drive country roads. Despite this ungrateful place in a four-way comparison, the Road 4 can convince with good cold adhesion and quick response. With his noticeably handy manner, he is even hot on the heels of the Conti in this test section. However, the Michelin is noticeable due to its slight flexing movements in a very sporty gait. The competition is much more stable in this regard.
Wet test: (92 points, 3rd place)
So far, the wet test has been a benchmark for Michelin. And: It hasn’t gotten any worse either. The Road 4 continues to score with great grip – both when accelerating and when tilting. However, the two have
New releases from Dunlop and Metzeler have now clearly caught up and can overtake Michelin with higher grip reserves.
Conclusion: In this test, the Road 4 cannot stand out from the competition either in everyday life or on wet roads. He is and will remain a good all-rounder – but the young challengers can do some things better.
MOTORCYCLE rating: 222 points
4th place
Motorcycling and rain
Hand on heart – do you only unwind your kilometers with postcard panorama? Of course you are also out and about in bad weather. All of this works when it is wet.
That “everything” is now a hell of a lot. What has to do with the fact that the ultimate rain performance has become something of a hobbyhorse for some tire developers. Our tests over the last few years clearly show that the battle for the crown on wet asphalt has become something of a question of prestige. Not to the detriment of motorcyclists. Anyone who puts a touring tire of the latest design on the rims has to worry a little about an abruptly tearing adhesive film. Rubber compounds with a high silica content ensure that the tires do not harden into tough lumps, despite permanent water cooling, but remain so pliable that they can interlock well in the asphalt. The icing on the cake, however, is the design of the border area – in other words: How is the end of the flagpole conveyed to the pilot? Of course, the rear should slip in front of the front – it would be extremely stupid the other way around. And the type of announcement also plays an important role for the feeling of wellbeing on board. A limit area that is as broad as possible is ideal so that there is no risk of a fall from a possibly terrible reaction on the handlebars.
| maximum number of points |
Continental
Road Attack 2 Evo
Dunlop
Roadsmart III
Metzeler
Roadtec 01
Michelin
Pilot Road 4
Admittedly, this result surprised us. So far, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 has been unassailable on wet roads. Associated with the assessment: Actually, not much more can be done. However, this has to be revised with this year’s balance sheet. With even better cornering grip, the two brand-new challengers from Dunlop and Metzeler overtake Michelin. But: The Road 4 bravely holds on to the brakes. Best value in this test section!
Motorcycling and racing
Let’s be honest: With the potential of these touring tires, even power bikes and super athletes can be moved easily in everyday life.
Touring tires – of course you have already lost in the prestige rating at the motorcycle meeting place. But wait a minute, let’s take a closer look at the dynamic evaluation in everyday life. A huge advantage of the touring tires tested here is their extremely fast response. Almost as soon as you exit the garage, you immediately get a feeling of the rubber’s adhesive potential – with some super-sporty profiles, this warm-up phase takes significantly longer! Above all, this type of tire scores with its wide range of uses. Even in the cool weeks of the pre-season and post-season, the tires still work well. Accordingly, in the classic season from Easter to October you can really let it rip on the house route or in winding holiday regions. Anyone who pushes the tires to the limit in this environment has to be very life-negative and also ignore the essential basics of the regular road traffic regulations. And if you also consider that the developers were able to combine stability and sportiness with the rain suitability mentioned here … Hats off!
| maximum number of points |
Continental
Road Attack 2 Evo
Dunlop
Roadsmart III
Metzeler
Roadtec 01
Michelin
Pilot Road 4
The king is dead? No, the old king is alive – and how! As a reference, we put the Conti in front of the two challengers from Dunlop and Metzeler. Thanks to its outstanding handiness, for us it is the tire for curve hunters – like from a picture book. Even after the 2016 test, this cannot be shaken. Roadsmart III and Roadtec 01 love the sporty pace, score with stability and precision, but in the end the Road Attack 2 Evo actually closes the bag again.
Final ranking touring tires
Let’s not write around the bush for long. The new Metzeler Roadtec 01 is right at the front with an extremely short two-point lead. It cannot overtake our reference, the Conti Road Attack 2 Evo, on the country road, but it pulls the competition a bit in the wet. After all, that’s enough for the coveted test victory – congratulations! The balance of the second new release, Dunlop’s Roadsmart III, reads similarly: on the country road on a par with Metzeler, but also behind Conti. Better in the wet than the Michelin reference – and ultimately only a touch away from the Metzeler. And so you can also give this all-rounder a purchase recommendation without hesitation.
in the dimensions
120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17
Continental
Road Attack 2 Evo
Dunlop
Roadsmart III
Metzeler
Roadtec 01
Michelin
Pilot Road 4
This is how MOTORRAD tests
As two years ago, we had an incredibly neutral bike at our disposal with the Honda CB 1000 R as the basic motorcycle for comparing touring tires. And as in parts 1 and 2 of our tire test, all pairings were critically examined in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed here at the Goodyear Dunlop Proving Ground in Mireval (France):
Handiness is the steering force to tilt the machine and to keep it in line in alternating curves.
Borderline behavior* stands for the controllability of the tire at the limit. Tests on wet and dry roads.
Adhesion / acceleration* Denotes the lateral guidance and power transmission in corners of different speeds (wet / dry).
Liability / inclination* is the lateral guidance in maximum incline 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??
Erection moment refers to straightening when braking in an inclined position. This reaction must be balanced out 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 Honda CB 1000 R.
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