Table of contents

• Tire test 2013: 6 touring tires 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17 Touring tire test 2013
• Dry test
• The wear rating
• Wet test
• This is how MOTORRAD tests
• Bridgestone T 30
• Continental Road Attack 2
• Dunlop Roadsmart 2
• Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M / O
• Michelin Pilot Road 3
• Pirelli Angel GT
• The final score

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: the test requires a tire change every 30 minutes.

Jahn

3/20
A tire change every 30 minutes.

Jahn

4/20
Carrier vehicle for the current generation of touring tires: Suzuki Bandit 1250 S.

Jahn

5/20
Weight recording of the tires.

Jahn

6/20
The touring tires in the wet.

Jahn

7/20
Evaluation table: Touring tires wet road.

Jahn

8/20
Tires do not come up to temperature when wet on the 18 degree warm water film.

Jahn

9/20
The touring tires in the dry test.

Jahn

10/20
Evaluation table: Touring tires in new condition.

Jahn

11/20
Michelin Pilot Road 3: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Jahn

12/20
Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M / O: MOTORRAD verdict: 2nd place, 215 points.

Jahn

13/20
Dunlop Roadsmart 2: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Jahn

14/20
Continental Road Attack 2 – Best purchase: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Jahn

15/20
Bridgestone T 30: MOTORRAD judgment: 2nd place, 215 points.

Jahn

16/20
The final score. Conclusion: Anyone who has previously associated the Pirelli brand with sporty, tapered, fair-weather tires has to rethink. With the Angel GT, the Italians have designed a real all-rounder that not only pleases in sporty use on the country road, but also shines with great properties in the wet. Bridgestone’s new T 30 can keep up well on dry slopes, but does not come close to the qualities of the Pirelli when it rains. There is a lack of balance at Conti and Michelin.

Jahn

17/20
For the record: check the tire temperature.

Jahn

18/20
While the data recording is still being read out, new tires are already on the motorcycle.

Jahn

19/20
Evaluation table: touring tire wear.

Jahn

20/20
Pirelli Angel GT – test winner: MOTORRAD verdict: 1st place, 222 points.

accesories

tire

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

Tire test 2013: 6 touring tires 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17
Touring tire test 2013

The cool, rainy start to the season at the latest made it clear that a tire must perform at its best even in adverse conditions. Six current touring tires tested on wet and dry slopes.

Jorg Lohse, Karsten Schwers

05/23/2013

Where is the journey going now? In recent years, the classic touring tire has gained significantly in dynamism, which is ultimately also reflected in the manufacturers’ product descriptions. Hardly anyone wanted their tire to be understood as a pure touring tire, the attribute “sporty” was clearly evident in many places. And indeed: in our big tire test last year, when we compared the then current generation of touring tires with the sporty sister models on the Triumph Street Triple (MOTORRAD 13/2012), we didn’t want to leave any gaps on the crisp ride over winding Pyrenees roads.

Buy complete article

Buying tip touring tires (MOTORRAD 12/2013)
Continental Road Attack 2

10 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

Quite the opposite: especially in the early morning cold or on wet pass sections, the touring rubbers had an almost unassailable advantage. And have once again clearly underlined that they work very well even on motorcycles with a thoroughly sporty design. Even if the mostly extremely sporty initial tires ex works initially suggests that only a completely different category is effective. So it is said when changing tires: be courageous and confidently stand above the side wall scoring at the meeting point!

Just looking at the German climate underlines the idea of ​​placing more value on all-weather all-round properties when buying tires. Even in the middle of the motorcycle season (June, July, August), the percentage of hours of sunshine during the day is sometimes significantly less than 40 percent. The amount of precipitation is also considerable at over 80 millimeters per month. For comparison: Spain has an average of 60 percent hours of sunshine during the day, and the average rainfall there is only around 40 millimeters per month. At this point, we prefer not to write about the average maximum daily temperatures.

From a purely rational point of view, even drivers of a Fireblade or GSX-R 1000, unless they have booked a season ticket on the Nordschleife or are regular guests with the MOTORRAD action team, could put on a classic touring rather than thoroughbred sports tire for the classic motorcycle season from Easter to October . In any case, you will not be able to complain about a lack of lean angle enjoyment due to this choice of tires, even on long trips through winding regions.

Buy wheels and tires at markt.motorradonline.de

tire

MOTORRAD tire test 2013

6 sports tires of size 120/70 ZR 17, 190/55 ZR 17 in the test

read more

tire

Enduro tires in the 2013 tire test

Six pairs of enduro tires of size 110/80 R19, 150/70 R17

read more

Jahn

The same conditions for everyone: the test requires a tire change every 30 minutes.

In any case, similarly high demands are now being formulated when developing new touring tires as with the actual prestige objects – for example thoroughbred racing tires – which are also used by professionals in official racing series. At Bridgestone, for example, the same technology is used to develop the rubber compound for the new T 30 as for the construction of MotoGP tires: “First, the temperature window in which the tire has to work is determined. Then the optimal mixture for these temperatures is developed. And finally, the construction of the tire is optimized with what is known as finite element simulation technology, ”says press spokesman Tim Rothig, explaining the process.

tire

MOTORRAD tire test 2013

6 sports tires of size 120/70 ZR 17, 190/55 ZR 17 in the test

read more

tire

Enduro tires in the 2013 tire test

Six pairs of enduro tires of size 110/80 R19, 150/70 R17

read more

Jahn

While the data recording is still being read out, new tires are already on the motorcycle.

The second new product in this test, Pirelli’s Angel GT, also benefits from the expertise that the Italian tire label has so far acquired on the sporting stage. With a so-called bi-compound compound on the rear wheel, the Gran Turismo tire also uses a technology derived from the sports segment: a harder rubber compound in the center of the tread is intended to increase the service life through less wear, and a softer compound in the shoulder area In conjunction with a high silica content, it is intended to increase the grip on high slopes, especially in wet conditions. With this technology, the Angel GT is loud Pirelli Not only ideal for long tours with pillion rider and luggage, but also recommended for super athletes. The use of this multi-zone rubber compound in touring tires has been an issue for other manufacturers for a long time. Michelin had already designed the predecessor of the current Pilot Road 3 with the so-called 2CT version in different mixtures at the front and rear. Dunlop’s Roadsmart 2 is also equipped with a harder mixture in the middle and softer shoulders. at Continental The technology is called “Continuous Compound”, which combines a resistant tread center with strong outer surfaces.

However, a look at the test results, especially with the test subjects from Conti and Michelin, shows that the use of this multi-zone or multi-zone technology alone does not automatically guarantee an optimal performance in one or the other test field. Or that extreme advantages in one segment are bought at the price of massive disadvantages elsewhere.

Dry test

Jahn

Evaluation table: Landstrasse / Autobahn in new condition.

After a comparatively light, extremely manageable motorcycle was used as a test vehicle for our test tires in last year’s tire test with the Triumph Street Triple, the choice this year fell on a classic candidate for touring tires. Suzuki’s Bandit 1250, inherently rather sluggish, can gain dynamism by changing tires to this type of tire. The only question that remains is to what extent this is desired. This depends heavily on what preferences the driver sets or what his everyday driving habits are like.

Let’s take a look at the table in detail: Someone who attaches great importance to maximum fun on bends will look at the assessment of the tires primarily from the point of view of maneuverability. Here are the touring rubbers from Conti and Michelin at almost the same level. Those who want to steer the 1250s on fast, narrow lines through winding terrain are well served. However, with the Road 3, the pilot has to be prepared for a slight tilting in on steep inclines. If you can shoot it, you will not find it a shortcoming, but this nervousness is not for everyone. This is also evidenced by the clear deductions in steering precision and, above all, in cornering stability Sport. The Conti, on the other hand, remains at a high level.

Jahn

The touring tires in the dry test.

Conclusion:
Heavy tourers like Suzuki’s Bandit 1250 benefit from the extremely handy Conti Road Attack 2, with which the motorcycle becomes significantly more agile without getting nervous. In this chapter, the Michelin Pilot Road 3 shows how quickly handiness can turn into restlessness. Those who place more value on balance will get the new touring tires from Bridgestone and Pirelli find reliable partners.

The wear rating

Jahn

Evaluation table: wear evaluation.

The mileage of motorcycle tires cannot be reliably assessed without great effort: one bike has to be sent out on the track for each pair of tires, only by driving in a closed group are actually comparable values ​​on paper. The full program was donated to enduro tires this year (see Part 1 in the last issue of MOTORRAD). Since the number of new releases for touring tires is manageable, the table below is still informative. In 2012, the six touring tire models on six Triumph Street Triple were chased a total of 4,000 kilometers through Europe, in a mix of thirds on motorways, well-developed country roads and winding Pyrenees passes.

Overall, the abrasion of the entire test field was very close, the Bridgestone BT 023 finally achieved the best values. It remains to be seen whether the successor model, the T 30, will be able to maintain this level. Compared to its predecessor, the T 30 has gained in driving dynamics thanks to its suppleness on country roads and in wet conditions. In our experience, however, an expansion of these qualities is usually at the expense of mileage. The same applies to the Pirelli Angel GT as the successor to the ST, although according to the manufacturer it has been optimized for its mileage.

Wet test

Jahn

Evaluation table: wet track.

After Michelin had beaten the competition by a clear margin on the wet road for many years, the picture has changed significantly, especially in the last two years. Especially in the Pirelli Group, which also includes the tire brand Metzeler heard, the specification sheet was clearly tuned in favor of the highest possible rain performance. In 2012, the well-known Metzeler Z8 Interact managed to overtake the Michelin Pilot Road 3 in the wet test by updating the rubber compound – recognizable by the specification M (front) and O (rear). The “stepsister” of the Z8, Pirelli’s new Angel GT, is now in the same direction. His legacy was particularly heavy. The predecessor Angel ST couldn’t really stand out on wet slopes. Especially with long braking distances, there was no feeling of security. With the GT, on the other hand, a clear development step can be felt, and the Pirelli is now top even on the brakes!

Jahn

Tires do not come up to temperature when wet on the 18 degree warm water film.

Conclusion:
The air for Michelin is getting thinner, the competition is moving ever closer to the former god of rain. Metzeler and Pirelli can be moved on the same level in wet conditions, as can Bridgestone and Dunlop still liked. Only Conti now urgently needs to catch up.

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Jahn

For the record: check the tire temperature.

The carrier vehicle for testing the current generation of touring tires was a Suzuki Bandit 1250 S. The driving behavior on dry and wet tracks was assessed on the Goodyear-Dunlop test site near Montpellier.

Handiness
Steering effort required to tilt the machine or to keep it in line in slow / fast alternating curves.

Steering precision *
Test 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 / pillion
Stability in (changing) curves and on bumps. Is tested in different modes (solo / with pillion rider) in a great incline when accelerating, in which tires can really rock up.

Liability in an inclined position *
Side guidance in maximum inclination on wet and dry asphalt. A tightrope walk that is only possible on a closed route.

Adhesion when accelerating *
Lateral guidance and power transmission in corners at different speeds. Is also tested in wet and dry conditions.

Straight-line stability
High speed on the highway. Does the motorcycle stay stable on course or does the commuting interfere with the journey??

Borderline behavior *
Controllability of the tire at the limit of grip. The test is carried out on both wet and dry tracks.

Erection moment
When braking in an inclined position, the motorcycle straightens up differently depending on the deceleration and tire contour. This reaction must be compensated by the driver 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 chapters marked with an asterisk can be transferred to motorcycles with a geometry similar to that of the Suzuki Bandit 1250 / S

Bridgestone T 30

Jahn

Bridgestone T 30: MOTORRAD judgment: 2nd place, 215 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.4 kg, rear 6.4 kg, country of manufacture: Japan, information / approvals: Bridgestone Germany, Tel. 0 6172/40801, www.bridgestone-mc.de

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (130 points, 3rd place)
A major weakness of the predecessor BT 023 was the moderate handiness and steering precision, and the BT 023 also stood up noticeably on the brakes in an inclined position. These points of criticism have now been significantly defused with the T 30. Even if it does not come close to the handiness of the Conti, the new T 30 can be steered lightly and neutrally around bends. The righting moment when braking in an inclined position is tolerable, the feedback from the tire in terms of grip reserves has improved significantly. The straight-line stability is also great with the T 30.

Wet test: (85 points, 4th place)
Last year the BT 023 shared last place with the Road Attack 2 on a wet track. The T 30 has now made a decisive leap and can clearly set itself apart from the Conti, but it does not achieve the adhesive strength of a Michelin, Pirelli and Metzeler tire. In the reference curve of our test track, the Bridgestone, which is equipped with a wide limit range, slides a little earlier than the Michelin and Pirelli, but has significantly more grip at the front than at the rear. In terms of lap times, there is no connection to the top.

Conclusion:
The new T 30 drives noticeably better on wet and dry roads than its predecessor BT 023. Above all, the Bridgestone pleases with its handiness, the feedback and wet grip.

MOTORRAD verdict: 2nd place 215 points

Continental Road Attack 2

Jahn

Continental Road Attack 2 – Best purchase: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.2 kg, rear 6.3 kg, country of manufacture: Germany, information / approvals: Continental Reifen, Tel. 0511/93801, www.conti-online.com

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (134 points, 1st place)
The Road Attack 2 is a real recommendation for the country road. With very good feedback, he spontaneously conveys trust for his custody reserves in an inclined position. Especially heavy and unwieldy motorcycles benefit from the handy properties of the touring rubber from Conti. No other tire from the test field can actually hold a candle to it in terms of maneuverability. He can be steered from one lean angle to the other with almost brilliant light-footedness. Real country road cracks will appreciate the razor-sharp steering precision, with which particularly tight lines can be driven and any course corrections can be implemented with little steering effort. The righting moment when braking in an inclined position is very low.

Wet test: (78 points, 6th place)
After the brilliant parade on the dry runway, the Conti dramatically loses ground on wet roads. The grip reserves are behind that of the competition, both when leaning and when accelerating out of corners. The border area is narrow and announces slides very late. The good handiness doesn’t help either.

Conclusion:
The agile Road Attack 2 is a real recommendation for the country road due to its outstanding handiness. Provided it’s not raining. Because the Conti cannot convince when it is wet.

MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place 212 points – best buy

Dunlop Roadsmart 2

Jahn

Dunlop Roadsmart 2: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.4 kg, rear 7.1 kg, country of manufacture: France, information / approvals: Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany, Tel. 06181/6801, www.dunlop.de

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (127 points, 4th place)
The sporty Roadsmart 2 impresses with its great stability in curves. In a cold state he is noticed by a somewhat restrained (“dry”) feedback, and he also wants to be brought into an inclined position emphatically. After the warm-up lap, the Dunlop likes it much better. When warmed up, it has decent reserves of grip on an incline, and thanks to better feedback, more confidence in the tire is built up. When turning into corners, it should still increase in handiness. The righting moment when braking in an inclined position can be clearly felt.

Wet test: (85 points, 4th place)
Despite good adhesive reserves, the Roadsmart 2 only comes in fourth when it is wet. And that despite the fact that its limit area is sufficiently wide and the acceleration on wet slopes is absolutely convincing. However, the competition from Metzeler, Michelin and Pirelli drives him a little away, as they can build up even more grip at the rear. On the other hand, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to the adhesion of the front tire. However, the handiness is only average, which is why wide arcs have to be driven when it rains. The delay values ​​are very good.

Conclusion:
The Roadsmart 2 shines with high stability and neutral driving behavior, but it can still improve in terms of feedback and maneuverability. Even in wet conditions, the Dunlop remains behave.

MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place 212 points

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M / O

Jahn

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M / O: MOTORRAD verdict: 2nd place, 215 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.3 kg, rear 7.2 kg, country of manufacture: Germany, information / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 089/14908302, www.metzeler.com

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (127 points, 4th place)
The Z8, available in the M / O special specification, was launched again this year. Compared to the standard version, the M / O is particularly impressive thanks to its improved feedback thanks to a modified rubber compound. Grip and cornering stability are at a very high level with Metzeler tires. The good straight-line stability at higher speeds is also positive. In the chapters of handiness and steering precision, however, compromises have to be made, here the otherwise well-made country road tire loses something to the competition. When braking in an inclined position, only a slight pitching moment can be felt.

Wet test: (88 points, 3rd place)
Caution: The good adhesive reserves in wet conditions only relate to the Z8 in the special specification M / O. As in the last year, this one convinces with a modified rubber compound with very good values ​​for adhesion in an inclined position and its pleasant feedback. Last year it was just ahead of Michelin Road 3. This year, however, it is just behind – despite almost identical cornering speed in the reference curve.

Conclusion:
Good feedback for every application and, on top of that, good wet grip: This is what distinguishes the Z8 in M ​​/ O design as a good all-round tire. Only a little more handiness is missing.

MOTORRAD verdict: 2nd place 215 points

Michelin Pilot Road 3

Jahn

Michelin Pilot Road 3: MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place, 212 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.5 kg, rear 6.5 kg, country of manufacture: Spain, information / approvals: Michelin Reifenwerke, Tel. 0721/5300, www.michelin.de

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (121 points, 6th place)
The heavy Suzuki Bandit 1250, which was used in this test as the reference motorcycle for the tire evaluation, does the Road 3 really well by making it noticeably more manageable. In this way, the Big Four can initially be turned very easily into curves from its neutral position. However, the Bandit with its Road 3 tires tilts at very high lean angles, which results in deductions in terms of steering precision. Depending on the lean angle, cornering stability also suffers from this effect. This nervous tendency of the Michelin will particularly unsettle inexperienced drivers, as will the noticeable righting moment when braking in an inclined position. In contrast, feedback and detention reserves are very good.

Wet test: (91 points, 1st place)
In the rain, Michelin tires traditionally perform well, including the Pilot Road 3. Maximum wet grip when leaning and when accelerating, extremely good maneuverability even when leaning in the wet and above-average steering precision. With these excellent characteristics, the Michelin achieved the second-best lap time on a wet track and is next to the Pirelli in first place.

Conclusion:
If you are looking for a great tire for bad weather, you will find a reliable partner in the Road 3. On dry country roads, the tendency to wobble takes a lot of getting used to.

MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place 212 points

Pirelli Angel GT

Jahn

Pirelli Angel GT – test winner: MOTORRAD verdict: 1st place, 222 points.

Info:
Weight: front 4.2 kg, rear 7.2 kg, country of manufacture: Germany, information / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 06163/710, www.pirelli.com

valuation

Country road / Autobahn: (131 points, 2nd place)
The already well-known Angel ST will be followed this season by the GT (“Gran Turismo”), for which the manufacturer has given the premises “more mileage” and “better wet grip”. On the country road, the GT appeals with its good sporty properties, which have already distinguished the ST. With great cornering stability, good grip up to high lean angles and good feedback, it is not only appealing for sporty driving. Even with cautious curve swing, the fishing rod drives like an angel and remains pleasantly neutral over the entire lean angle range. When braking in an inclined position, only a slight righting moment is to be registered.

Wet test: (91 points, 1st place)
There is no doubt that when driving on wet roads, the GT can go a step further than its predecessor. With very good reserves of grip when accelerating and on an incline, it not only achieves the highest speed in the reference curve, but also the best lap time, in addition to the Michelin Road 3. When braking hard, it shines with good deceleration values. Sliders can be controlled very well.

Conclusion:
What a debut. Thanks to the improved wet grip, the Angel GT sets itself apart from its predecessor, the ST, without losing its sporty properties on country roads. A top tire.

MOTORRAD verdict: 1st place 222 points – test winner

The final score

Jahn

The final score.

Anyone who has previously associated the Pirelli brand with sporty, tapered, fair-weather tires will have to rethink. With the Angel GT, the Italians have designed a real all-rounder that not only pleases in sporty use on the country road, but also shines with great properties in the wet. Bridgestone’s new T 30 can keep up well on dry slopes, but does not come close to the qualities of the Pirelli when it rains. There is a lack of balance at Conti and Michelin.

Related articles

• 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…

• 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…

• 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 sports tires in 120-70 ZR 17 and 180-55 ZR 17

  Topic special Everything about BMW Motorrad BMW, Markus Jahn, mps photo studio 17th pictures BMW, Markus Jahn, mps photo studio 1/17 We drove off with…

• Enduro tires in the 2013 tire test

  Jahn 44 pictures Jahn 1/44 Tire test 2013: 6 pairs of enduro tires: 110/80 R19, 150/70 R17. Jahn 2/44 Six enduro tires in country roads, wet conditions…

• 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”:…

• Test winner tire test part 1 – touring tires (MOTORRAD 12-2015)

  mps studio accesories tire Test winner tire test part 1 – touring tires (MOTORRAD 12/2015) Test winner tire test part 1 – touring tires (MOTORRAD…

• 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,…

• Comparative test touring tires

  Jahn 16 pictures Jahn 1/16 Until the pegs glow! A Suzuki Bandit 1250, which is still very popular, served as a test bike for the touring sports tires….

• Touring tire test 120 70 ZR 17 and 180 55 ZR 17

  markus-jahn.com, mps photo studio 28 pictures markus-jahn.com, mps photo studio 1/28 Six bikes, six riders, twelve bikes. The country roads and everyday…