The Continental KKS 10 summer tire is specially designed for small motorcycles that can be used on any road surface. When developing this model, all the nuances of operation were taken into account, so the main emphasis was placed on increased stability and long service life. To achieve this, innovative solutions and modern equipment were used. A large number of sizes, allows the tire to be used on a variety of motorcycles.
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. 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!
Continental Tire has been supplying rubber for over 140 years. Founded in 1871 in Hannover, Continental launched its first motorcycle tire in 1904 and has proudly produced rubber for all motorcycle segments ever since. While the manufacturer is leading the car market, it admits that it is lagging in the popularity of the two-wheeled world.
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.
Advanced rubber compound
The Continental KKS 10 uses a new and improved rubber compound. It not only increased the running parameters of the tread but also accelerated the recovery properties of the tire. Silica was used to increase grip on wet road surfaces. Even in rainy weather, the tire has confident handling and stability. The service life of the tire was increased by silicon, which increases the wear resistance.
To obtain improved driving performance, new components were used in the rubber compound. Silica was used to increase the elasticity of the tread. Due to this, the tire has excellent grip on any road surface and quick recovery properties. Silicon helped to increase the wear resistance of the tread, which increased the life of the tire. The new rubber compound has increased speed parameters and reduced braking distances. Even at high speeds, the tire has excellent handling and increased stability.
Aggressive tread design
An aggressive tread pattern, consisting of rather large tread blocks, was used specifically to increase stability and passability. They are displaced in relation to each other at a certain distance, due to this, the necessary stability is obtained on any road surface. In the lateral zone, the blocks have an elongated shape, which increases stability during maneuvers. The extended shoulder area provides excellent protection against damage and puncture. The special edge prevents loss of stability when the motorcycle is tilted sharply.
Deep drainage channels of unusual shape and different depths increase stability and controllability even in heavy rain. The reinforced shoulder area with a special sharp edge provides excellent stability in all tilts of the motorcycle. The extended profile of the Continental increases straight-line stability. The use of grooves of different sizes has reduced driving noise, making the ride as comfortable as possible.
The new tread structure allows for optimal pressure distribution within the tire, increasing the contact area with the road. Special small slots on the blocks reduce driving noise, making the ride more comfortable.
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.
Main features of the Continental KKS 10 motorcycle
- increased mileage is achieved due to the use of silicon in the rubber compound;
- excellent grip in all weather conditions was obtained by optimizing the tread pattern and using special components in the rubber compound;
- excellent directional stability is provided by the reinforced central part of the tread;
- increased stability during sharp maneuvers is ensured by the optimal structure of the shoulder area;
- excellent driving performance in all weather conditions.
After laying out all the advantages of the tire, it's time to test the rubber on the Contidrom. It was just an acquaintance with the track, the test itself will be later. First of all, there was a dry run-in for testing Traction Skin. The tire provides excellent grip after just a few bends of brand new tires. Incredible!
The one-part compound in the center and on the sides of the tire has proven better grip in wear than the two-part counterparts! Was tested the tire on a street pace track and found the grip to be excellent. Found the limits and got an idea of working with new tires. Highly trained Continental test racers guided us around the track and the pace increased. "fell" on fresh tires without breakdowns for two minutes at a full-tilt with a "knee". This is an impressive, brand-new street tire with uncompromising ride capability! I would say Traction Skin works and works well.