Continental ContiEscape Review

Delays with the ’91 KTX and a New Opportunity

As motorcycling enthusiasts might understand, there’s an occasional wait for parts. Currently, I find myself in this exact situation with my ’91 KTX, eagerly awaiting the arrival of crucial springs and other components.

But every cloud has a silver lining. The hold-up has provided me a chance to shift my focus to another essential aspect of motorcycling – the tires, specifically, the Continental ContiEscape tires that grace my KL.

My KL’s Unique Setup

The KL, as some may know, has been outfitted with engine guards, panniers, and a top case.

This additional equipment effectively increases the bike’s weight, making it about 50 pounds heftier than a stock version. Having ridden approximately a thousand miles on the Continental ContiEscape tires, with an estimated 10-20% of that distance on trails or dirt roads, I’ve gathered enough experience to provide a meaningful review of these tires.

The Essence of Continental ContiEscape

For those who haven’t had an introduction to the Continental ContiEscape, here’s a brief overview. These tires cater to the adventure touring segment, with a design inclined towards 70% on-road and 30% off-road usage. This composition means that while they’re prominently street-biased, they don’t shy away from the occasional dirt path or trail. Comparatively, they lean more towards street performance than the Continental TKC 80 or the Shenko 804/805, which are recognized choices for this bike and are more dirt-centric. Conversely, if you were to put them next to a tire like the Metzler Tories, the ContiEscape proves to be more adventurous with a better off-road capability.

Positioning in the Market

Adventure touring bikes require tires that can handle both the smooth highways and the unpredictable off-road terrains. The Continental ContiEscape, with its balanced design, seeks to cater to riders who wish for the thrill of trails without compromising the ease and stability on highways. Their slightly more road-focused design compared to other popular tires means they offer excellent stability and longevity for long highway stretches. Yet, their ability to tackle dirt roads ensures they don’t leave the adventure seekers wanting.

A Personal Experience

Given my KL’s enhanced weight and the diverse terrains I’ve ventured into, the ContiEscape tires have displayed remarkable resilience and performance. The grip on both tarmacs and trails instills confidence, ensuring the ride’s safety and enjoyment. Whether you’re an avid tourer or someone who enjoys occasional dirt paths, these tires are worth considering for their balanced performance.

Personal Experience with Continental ContiEscape Tires

In the duration that I’ve been using the Continental ContiEscape tires, I’ve garnered quite an understanding of their capabilities. Their performance on-road, especially, has been noteworthy. Riding my KLR, I’ve tested these tires up to speeds of 70 to 75 miles per hour, which is essentially reaching the performance pinnacle for the Gen2 version of the KLR. Throughout this range, I did not experience any peculiar vibrations or disturbances. Moreover, the grip during cornering met my expectations, ensuring a stable and confident ride. Although I’ve not extensively sought to find the extreme traction limits, there hasn’t been any noticeable, unsettling rollover at the tire edges, which can sometimes be a concern with knobbier tires.

Transitioning Off-Road: A Mixed Bag

Transitioning from smooth roads to off-road terrains can be a true test for any tire, and the Continental ContiEscape was no exception. My findings, however, were that the performance could vary significantly based on the specific nature of the terrain.

Performance on Hardpack and Rocky Trails

When it came to riding on hardpack dirt or navigating rocky trails, the ContiEscape tires shined. I distinctly recall my journey up Rogers Pass, a challenging yet rewarding experience. To my surprise, the tires seemed to outperform the knobbies on my buddy’s bike, who was riding ahead of me. The traction felt reliable and made the ride smooth and enjoyable.

Muddy Terrains and Sandy Paths

However, when confronted with muddy patches, the tire’s design revealed a slight shortcoming. The spacing between the tread blocks is relatively tight. In conditions like mud, this resulted in the treads getting clogged rather quickly, reducing their efficiency. Sand presented another set of challenges. The design, with its compact tread blocks, didn’t offer the breadth necessary to maintain optimal traction on sandy terrains. Given the weight of the KLR, this meant that it became imperative to ensure weight distribution was managed to prevent excessive stress on the front wheel.

A Balanced View of the ContiEscape Tires

Motorcycle tires, much like any other component, are about finding the right balance. While the Continental ContiEscape tires performed remarkably well on hard surfaces, both on and off the road, certain terrains like mud and sand revealed areas of improvement.

Still, for riders primarily treading city roads and occasional hardpack trails, these tires offer a reliable and competent option.

A Deep Dive into the Continental ContiEscape Tires

When selecting tires for your motorcycle, it’s crucial to factor in where you primarily intend to ride.

The right choice can significantly enhance your riding experience. Having used the Continental ContiEscape tires, I’ve put together an evaluation that might assist fellow riders in making an informed decision.

Performance on Mud and Sand

If your adventure includes trudging through muddy terrains or cruising along sandy paths, then the Continental ContiEscape may not be the best choice. In these specific conditions, the tire’s performance tends to wane. They struggle to provide the needed traction, and the design doesn’t favor muddy or sandy situations, making the ride less than ideal.

Handling Gravel Roads

On gravel roads, the tires delivered an average performance. There were instances when the back felt a bit squirrely. However, with the right steering and throttle inputs, it’s something manageable. It requires a bit of adjustment and understanding of the tire’s behavior, but once you get the hang of it, navigating gravel becomes reasonably straightforward.

Where Do These Tires Shine?

For those who have an adventure touring bike and use it predominantly on the streets with occasional dirt excursions, particularly on hardpack terrains, the Continental ContiEscape is a commendable option. Their performance is optimized for these conditions, providing a stable, confident ride. If you, like me, prefer to avoid mud and sand terrains due to their challenging nature, these tires align well with such preferences.

Considering Rougher Terrains?

If you possess a larger bike and aspire to embark on challenging journeys like the Nevada backcountry discovery route, known for its deep sandy patches signified by those daunting flags, this might not be the tire for you. For such adventurous and demanding routes, a more aggressive tire design would be apt, offering better grip and control in extreme conditions.

A Gist of the ContiEscape Performance

Every tire has its strengths and areas of improvement. The Continental ContiEscape tires offer a reliable performance for regular road and hardpack dirt terrains. However, when it comes to challenging terrains like deep sand or mud, they might not be the ideal choice. It’s essential to assess your primary riding conditions and choose a tire that aligns well with your needs.

Concluding Thoughts on the Continental ContiEscape Tires

In the realm of motorcycle tires, the Continental ContiEscape stands out for its versatility on both streets and hardpack terrains. Their performance excels in specific conditions while faltering in more demanding terrains like mud and deep sand. As with any product, it’s essential to align its strengths with your requirements. For urban riders with occasional off-road aspirations, these tires are a commendable choice. However, for those venturing into more challenging terrains, seeking a more aggressive tire might be beneficial. As always, understanding and prioritizing your riding conditions will guide you to the best tire choice for your adventures.