The Continental ContiTrac SUV tire stands out for its versatility. This model is offered by a German manufacturer in a wide range of standard sizes. This makes it suitable for even the largest SUVs. In addition, it is positioned as an all-season model, which allows it to be operated both in summer and in winter. At the same time, it demonstrates excellent performance, regardless of the characteristics of the road surface and weather conditions.
Controllability and high efficiency when braking on dirt roads
The shoulder tread area of this tire is characterized by an open design. It contains a large number of individual blocks. Two longitudinal ribs are formed from them. The blocks located closer to the center of the tread are small, while their counterparts at the edge of the tread are massive. These differences are due to their functional purpose. Small blocks improve longitudinal traction on unpaved surfaces, while massive blocks next to them improve maneuvering stability and short braking distances on country and asphalt roads.
Multifunctional drain grooves
Thanks to its open design, the tread pattern of this tire contains a large number of drainage grooves. They differ not only in that they do a good job of removing almost any amount of water from the contact patch, but also in their ability to perform functions unusual for them. We are talking about the ability to independently clean up from soil particles and small stones that are stuffed into the drainage grooves. Especially for this, they have a conical shape in the lateral projection, literally pushing out foreign objects.
Good directional stability
Another of the key tread features of this tire is the central longitudinal rib. This element, due to its design features, provides most of the excellent performance on the highway. It is distinguished by the absence of breaks along its entire length and by its rather massive dimensions, which gives it deformation stability. This significantly increases directional stability at high speed, and also reduces the reaction time of the tire to steering turns, making it faster and more accurate.
Continental tires aren't the first thing that comes to mind if you're thinking of replacing rubber on a high-performance sports bike, but the German tire tycoon is about to fix that. We were recently invited to try the latest offering from Continental motorcycle tires for the sports segment, the CONTITRACK. On our track in Hanover, Germany dubbed the Contidrom. I couldn't miss this event, so I jumped at the opportunity to try these tires!
Ten years ago, the company decided to reorient motorcycles, and the ContiAttack tire family was the result of that resolution. Since then, significant growth has been achieved in all key markets. Now with the CONTITRACK, Continental is coming, proving they have what it takes to be the best in the sports tire segment.
The Continental CONTITRACK summer tire is designed for motorcycles in all conditions. It perfectly combines the qualities of touring and sports tires. Therefore, this model has excellent speed characteristics and increased reliability. This was achieved thanks to new materials and innovative technologies used in the manufacture. This model is very popular with motorcycle manufacturers. It is used in the basic version of Honda and BMW motorcycles.
Optimized frame design
The new carcass is made of steel tape and reinforced cord, therefore it perfectly withstands increased loads and provides reliable protection, preventing damage and punctures. Even on long-distance trains, the tire offers increased comfort, excellent stability, and increased safety.
According to the manufacturer, the new tires offer increased grip on wet surfaces, made possible by an improved tread pattern that accelerates water drainage. The new silica compound also improved grip in rainy weather.
The Continental CONTITRACK features Grip Limit Feedback Technology, which increases safety at high lean angles, as the tires inform the driver in advance of the possibility of a critical situation. The tire design was specially developed for modern sports bikes and provides the necessary stability and handling, including due to the increased contact patch. MultiGrip technology in combination with a large contact patch and low void ratio in the center of the tread increases the service life.
During development, more than one hundred prototypes with various cages, profiles, and compounds were tested on the track in Uvalde (Texas, USA), the Contidrom proving ground, and race tracks in Germany. The goal of the developers was to achieve the optimal balance between safety on wet roads and m, maximum, stability on the racetrack.
The Continental CONTITRACK tires will be available in several sizes with 17-inch diameters, with sales expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016. All tires are handcrafted in Germany. The novelty is intended to close the gap between the touring Continental ContiRoad Attack and the racing Continental ContiRace Attack.
Main features of the Continental ContiTrac tire
- good performance on unpaved and winter surfaces due to the open design of the shoulder areas containing a large number of blocks with sipes cut into them;
- the conical shape of the longitudinal drainage grooves allows them not only to divert water from the contact patch but also to push out foreign objects and soil particles when driving on country roads;
- excellent directional stability and perfect handling due to the solid construction and massive dimensions of the longitudinal rib in the center of the tread.
Riding on the track is very enjoyable when direction changes are quick, shifting the bike from one side to the other with a constant sense of control. The grip quality is impressive. Even with the recommended street pressure, the tire holds well and feels great on slopes. It is only when you persistently open the throttle in a lean that you get the rear-wheel slip. Even at that moment, it is predictable and easy to control. Never once did I suddenly lose grip.
After spending several hours on the road, was hit the oval end of the Contidrom to test the stability of the CONTITRACK at high speeds. In this part of those 100, I was worried and thrilled at the first glance at the incredibly steep climb. The outer edge of the concrete surface is tilted 80 degrees! We’re told that if you We’rego too fast, overloading can lead to the darkening of the eyes. For three laps I had a Triumph 675 and at the edge of the Contidrom oval, the CONTITRACK tires were rock-stable.
There's no more extreme test than the Contidrom's oval race. CONTITRACK is flawless. When I tried to hold my head, the muscles in my neck burned and my vision became worse. It was an exhilarating and exhausting race, but the CONTITRACK never failed. These tires are like rock, they are built for really scary speeds and loads.
Constant streams of water on straight sections and corners, just a little more and the track will become more a lake than a space for testing tires. The Conti's grip was as much as you'd expect from a high-performance tire for a high-performance sports bike. At a reasonable pace, the grip on the sidewall of the tire is sufficient. Open the throttle with a jerk and you will get out. Riding in heavy rain is perfectly possible, but as long as you practice common sense.