Modern tires for classic engines

Modern tires for classic engines, a world of difference

Tires are important, they are your contact with the road. For a few years now, German tire manufacturer Continental has been working on radially-built motorcycle tires in the sizes typical of classic engines, with the aim of revolutionizing driving characteristics.

And test drives show how clearly tire technology has also developed since the time that the 67 horsepower of a CB750 ensured that driving at the cutting edge was determined by the tires (which under such a CB are often less than 5000 km). But also a Bol d'Or, which was a bit further on in terms of development, is recovering incredibly from really new tires. Say 'tires 2.0'

An experienced motorcyclist experienced it that way

The 30 + year-old engine controls perfectly. With 190 km / h on the clock, the engine follows the chosen line tightly and the whole remains very stable. At the right end I tried to use a swing, but the engine immediately returned to the track. I am impressed by the improved stability. With my almost 40 years of motorcycling experience I know the limitations of diagonal and bais belted tires. These radial tires that can be mounted on the original rims are the good development for owners of such engines. They can significantly improve the driving characteristics of their engines without compromising the original appearance. "

Thomas Zöller, head of the Motorcycle R&D department explains the idea behind the Classic Attack: “We wanted to extend the concept of the Classic Race tires for the classic road bikes in order to give an improvement in driving characteristics here too. Many owners of classic motorcycles also own a modern motor and they expect - unjustly - a comparable performance from the tires among their classics ”.

But more is needed than modern tires

According to experts, there is a 'dark side' to the above. Modern tires are incredibly much better compared to the once originally mounted tires. They are so good that they can put the other limitations of the relevant engine in the spotlight. Think of slack frames, the limitations of the suspension and damping, not to mention the brakes. The advice is that if you want to get the most out of an upgrade like these radial motorcycle tires, you also need to upgrade other components on the engine to more modern technology. Fortunately, that is possible while maintaining the original 'looks'.

Will everything get better?

And with all those adjustments you can drive much faster on your classic car? Of course that's possible. Could that be possible. But what is more important is that a classic engine, while retaining its appearance, becomes a better engine. A motor that drives, drives and brakes more pleasantly - safely. The updates simply ensure that you are more comfortable with your classic. And how much more beautiful can life be?

What do other brands have:

Michelin has the Pilot Activs for our motorcycle tire sizes, but they do have a 'new' profile. They promise a long service life and optimum grip. And Michelin is a brand that delivers on its promises.
Bridgestone has the BT45, the ingenious 'Battlaxjes', which are also dual compound tires in many of the sizes for our classics. They do not have an exceptional classic profile, but they brake and steer fantastic. , also on the wet road.
Metzeler has the Lasertec, also a duo-compound tire based on new techniques but with a new profile.

Also for sidecar drivers

Heidenau also has perfect tires for our classics, including the classic profile. The K34 has the size 3.25 - 19 M / C 54H TT, so a suitable front tire. The K36 has the size 4.00 - 18 M / C 64H TL and is therefore a suitable rear tire. Heidenau is also one of the few suppliers of sidecar tires.
And then there is Avon, the inventor of the Dual Compound Cling Rubber from the seventies