Continental Win Tire Test for Retro Bikes
- ContiRoadAttack 3 CR and ContiRoadAttack 4 take first place in the MOTORRAD tire test
- Winning combination performs highly in dry and wet conditions
- Comparative test underscores Continental's expertise in retro motorcycles
Hanover, Germany, September 23, 2025. Continental sets the standard for tires on modern retro bikes. In the tire test conducted by the German trade magazine MOTORRAD (edition 20/2025 published on September 12, 2025), the combination of ContiRoadAttack 3 CR (front) and ContiRoadAttack 4 (rear) won the test in the retro bike segment.
While the ContiRoadAttack 3 CR with its radial carcass is suitable for powerful classic sports and superbikes and offers exceptional handling even on narrow wheels, the ContiRoadAttack 4 represents the best of both worlds: It combines outstanding touring characteristics with the agility and precision of a super-sports tire, making it the ideal original equipment tire for current motorcycles such as the BMW R 12 nineT. However, it is also the perfect upgrade for older models, allowing them to unleash their full performance in terms of agility and stability.
The continuing trend of classic and retro bikes
The trend towards more retro bikes continues to grow and is now being served by almost all brands. Retro bikes combine state-of-the-art technology, and feature assistance systems such as ABS and traction control but are reminiscent of earlier models when motorcycles primarily embodied riding pleasure, escape from everyday life and the feeling of freedom. As much as retro motorcycles stand apart from extreme power and expressive sportiness, their riders naturally demand that they still offer modern safety and agility. The magazine MOTORRAD determined which tire does this best in an extensive comparison test with five competing models. The test motorcycle was a Triumph Bonneville T120.
A Continental combination – mastering all disciplines
The Continental tire combination came out on top in all evaluation criteria in the points assessment on a country road – cold running conditions, handling, steering precision, cornering stability, cornering grip, straight-line stability, limit behavior, shimmying characteristics and lift-off moment. The duo also dominated in wet conditions with outstanding performance such as braking distance from 100 km/h and in the overall rating of speed, lean angle and lap times.
The verdict of the MOTORRAD editorial team was: “Confidence makes you fast and, above all, safe! The Conti combination of RoadAttack 3 CR and RoadAttack 4 CR is the high-flying rubber for the Triumph. The sport handling comes 'free of charge' alongside the best riding characteristics in wet and dry conditions.”
Radial technology – modern safety for retro motorcycles
Both test-winning tires are based on a modern radial construction. The belt under the tread ensures high stability and significantly reduces centrifugal force deformation at high speeds. While a comparable bias tire "grows" by about two centimeters in diameter at 210 km/h, a radial tire expands by only a few millimeters. The result is higher high-speed stability, less heat buildup in the sidewall and consistent performance.
“Radial tires bring modern riding dynamics to classic motorcycles – recognizable by the 'R' in the size designation. Retro bikes with classic tire dimensions in particular benefit enormously from this technology,” said Sagren Nair, Product Manager for Motorcycle Tires at Continental.
The perfect match for retro character
The German magazine MOTORRAD, published by Motor Presse Stuttgart, has been conducting motorcycle tire tests for various segments for decades. “The test victory confirms our consistent development work for classic motorcycles and retro bikes. We offer maximum safety and precise handling without compromising the authenticity of the vehicles," explained Sagren Nair. The test victory is already the second award Continental has received this year for its ContiRoadAttack 4 hyper-touring tire after the “purchase tip for wear” of the GS sizes in edition 06/2025.
Comprehensive portfolio also for classic and modern classic bikes
Those who prefer original classics to retro bikes will find specially tailored solutions for a wide variety of models at Continental. These tires – such as the ContiGo! as a versatile diagonal tire for all-around use or the ContiClassicAttack as a high-end radial tire – are specifically designed for newer classics and offer the optimal solution.
"Whether it's an authentic classic or a modern retro interpretation, we have the right tires for the character and requirements of every motorcycle," said Sagren Nair.
Sample recommendations:
BMW R 90 S (from 1973):
- Front 3.25-19 M/C 54 H TL ContiGo!
- Rear: 4.00-18 M/C 64 H TL ContiGo!
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans I/II (from 1976)
- Front: 100/90 R 18 M/C 56 V TL ContiRoadAttack 3 CR
- Rear: 110/90 R 18 M/C 61 V TL ContiClassicAttack
Suzuki GSX 750 SZ Katana (from 1982)
- Front: 100/90-19 M/C 57 H TL ContiGo!
- Rear: 120/90-18 M/C 65 H TL ContiGo!
For further combinations and vehicle-specific recommendations, please refer to the Continental tire search by vehicle: http://www.conti-fitmentguide.com/tireapprovals.html?lang=en
Melina Kostmann
Motorcycle Tires
Manager Marketing Communications
Specialty Tires
Continental Tires