The Legacy of Continental Tires
Diving into the world of motorcycle tires, one cannot overlook the legacy of Continental Tire. Established as the oldest tire manufacturer still operating, Continental has its roots in Germany, a nation globally recognized for its precision engineering and unparalleled quality. It’s not just their historic origins that set them apart; these tires are meticulously handcrafted in Germany, underscoring their commitment to excellence. Furthermore, Continental’s dedication to rigorous testing and research is evident from their nine-mile test track in Texas, USA.
Here, amidst the vast landscapes, they rigorously test their products, ensuring that every tire can withstand the challenges posed by different terrains and conditions. It’s worth noting how they’ve admirably navigated the recent supply chain disruptions, maintaining their position at the forefront of the industry.
ContiAttack SM Evo: A Class Apart
The ContiAttack SM Evo has been a talking point among biking enthusiasts, especially those who’ve transitioned from other popular brands like Michelin or Dunlop. Many users who’ve made the switch to Continental have found themselves pleasantly surprised, even to the point of reordering. Personally, I’ve experienced the exceptional performance of these supermoto tires on my EXE 500, and it’s truly impressive. Designed meticulously for lighter weight sport bikes and Super Moto machines, Continental has effectively incorporated the technology from their full-load capacity sport tires and optimized it for these bikes. The available sizes are 17s in the front, ranging from 110 to 120 in width, and 140 to 160 for the rear. And when it comes to price, the front tires fall in the range of $170 to $200, while the rears range from $210 to $240.
Value for Money: The Continental Promise
Tire pricing in the market is dynamic, often fluctuating based on various factors. However, one constant you can rely on is Speed Addicts’ commitment to offering competitive prices. Boasting a network of over 15 warehouses, they ensure prompt deliveries, making your investment worthwhile. But what truly sets Continental Tires apart from the rest is their innovative multi-grip technology. Unlike other manufacturers who rely on joining multiple pieces of different compounds, Continental seamlessly blends the compounds. This results in a tire that has softer sides for better grip during turns and a harder center for increased mileage, without the need to stitch separate sections together.
Unveiling Continental’s Innovative Tire Technology
When it comes to advanced tire technology, Continental stands out, not only for its rich legacy but also for its innovative approach to design and performance.
One of the salient features of Continental’s tires is the manner in which they approach the construction of their compounds.
The Single Compound Philosophy
While many manufacturers opt for using multiple pieces of compound, Continental takes a different route, one that champions the merits of a single compound. The reason? Multiple compound pieces, over time, can result in noticeable transitions, especially during cornering. This can compromise the predictability of the tire’s handling, an element crucial for riders. On the other hand, Continental’s choice to use a single piece of compound eradicates this issue. Their technique involves curing the compound hotter down the middle, rendering it harder, and a tad cooler on the sides. This ensures the desired grip, all achieved using just one piece of material.
Performance and Design Features
Beyond the compound, another standout feature of Continental’s tire is its aggressive tread pattern. This design offers efficient performance even in slightly damp conditions. However, it’s essential to note that this isn’t an all-season tire. Lying beneath the visually evident tread pattern is Continental’s zero-degree belt system. This innovative system plays a pivotal role in ensuring the tire doesn’t expand or “grow” at higher speeds, further bolstering the tire’s stability and overall performance.
Understanding the Zero-Degree Belt System
The zero-degree belt system is an ingenious innovation that plays a critical role in the performance of the Continental ContiAttack SM tire. At higher speeds, tires have a natural tendency to expand, which can jeopardize stability and safety. To counteract this, the zero-degree belt system has been incorporated, effectively “locking down” the tire and preventing unwanted growth. This ensures that riders enjoy a stable and consistent riding experience, irrespective of the speed.
The Unconventional Matte Finish
A quick glance at the ContiAttack SM tire reveals a distinct matte finish, contrasting with the shiny appearance commonly seen in many tires. This unique finish isn’t just aesthetic; it’s the result of Continental’s traction skin technology. Most manufacturers use a release agent when removing tires from their molds, which imparts a shiny finish and, unfortunately, can make the tire’s surface slick during its initial rides. Continental, however, has revolutionized this process. By eschewing the release agent, not only do they achieve the matte appearance, but the tires also benefit from a significantly reduced break-in period.
This ensures that the ContiAttack SM Evo tires are grippy and safe, straight off the shelf.
Roadside Assistance: A Unique Perk from Continental
Beyond performance and design, Continental further distinguishes itself by offering unparalleled customer support. Every purchase of the ContiAttack SM Evo tire, as with all Continental tires, qualifies for a three-year roadside assistance program. Should riders encounter a flat tire during this period, they can simply reach out to Continental’s roadside assistance for timely help.
To avail of this service, riders need to register their tires on the Continental website post-purchase, securing peace of mind with three years of free roadside assistance. This commitment to customer care, coupled with the tire’s nimble handling and impressive mileage, makes the ContiAttack SM Evo an excellent choice for both supermoto and lightweight sport bikes.
Final Thoughts on the ContiAttack SM Evo
In the realm of motorcycle tires, Continental’s ContiAttack SM Evo emerges as a beacon of innovation and quality. Its zero-degree belt system offers unmatched stability at high speeds, while the traction skin technology ensures a safer and quicker break-in period. The unique matte finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but is a testament to Continental’s forward-thinking manufacturing process. Furthermore, the three-year roadside assistance program epitomizes the brand’s commitment to its customers, promising support when most needed. Whether you’re into supermoto or sport bikes, the ContiAttack SM Evo is a testament to tire technology, offering an amalgamation of performance, safety, and value.