The New TKC 80 Generation 2: Continental’s Strongest Off-road Motorcycle Tire

Hanover, Germany, October 29, 2025. With the new TKC 80², Continental presents the all-new second generation of its legendary TKC 80 motorcycle tire after four decades and sets new standards for the travel enduro and adventure motorcycle segment. The demand for off-road experiences is growing worldwide[1] – an increasing number of motorcyclists are seeking challenges away from the road. At the same time, big and more powerful adventure bikes are placing the highest demands on tires: more road performance; more traction; more adventure. As the strongest off-road product in Continental's Motorcycle Tire portfolio, the TKC 80² offers a feeling of freedom without compromise.

The Continental TKC 80² was developed from the ground up to meet the demands of modern adventure motorcycles. At its heart is a new tread design: Larger, rearranged tread blocks with additional contact edges, staggered outer tread blocks and optimized block geometry improve mechanical grip on loose surfaces and ensure excellent self-cleaning – a decisive advantage when riding through mud, sand, or gravel. With a larger contact patch, the tire delivers improved stability whether riding upright or leaned over – extremely beneficial on extended rides.

In particular, the tread blocks on the front tire, which are steeply sloped downwards in the direction of travel, improve grip when braking off-road, while the block design on the rear tire, which is designed in the exactly opposite direction, provides optimum traction during acceleration.

Maximum balance: 50 percent on-road, 50 percent off-road

One highlight is the optimized carcass construction: It has been specifically designed for a 50:50 ratio of on-road to off-road use and provides stability when fully loaded, at high speeds and on demanding off-road routes. The optimized damping behavior increases riding comfort in all conditions.

The new rubber compound offers better balance between grip on various surfaces and provides wear resistance. The TKC 80² not only impresses with its mileage on long journeys, but also with its secure grip in cold and wet conditions thanks to the Continental RainGrip technology. This is a big advantage for adventure riders riding in all weather conditions. “Our new flexible rubber compound adapts perfectly to the micro-roughness of the asphalt, providing excellent grip. At the same time, we’ve worked intensively to resolve the conflict between on- and off-road performance in the best possible way. The tire tread combines maximum flexibility for safe wet grip with high block stiffness for stability and mechanical grip,” said Raphael Michels, Product Manager for Motorcycle Tires at Continental.

Its on- and off-road capability and high level of puncture protection make the Continental TKC 80² the ideal choice for motorcycle enthusiasts who don't want to compromise – whether on asphalt, or on the Trans European Trail, on the Backcountry Discovery Routes in North America, or on expeditions around the globe.

Availability and further information

Thanks to the wide range of sizes – four front sizes in 19 and 21 inches and six rear sizes in 17 and 18 inches – the tire is suitable for travel enduros and adventure motorcycles from renowned manufacturers such as BMW, KTM, Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati. “With the TKC 80², we’re setting new standards in terms of versatility, robustness, and off-road performance. The combination of innovative tread design, new rubber compound and optimized carcass offers adventure riders maximum safety, control and riding pleasure on a wide variety of terrains,” explained Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires at Continental.

The new TKC 80² – also recognizable by the new icon on the tire sidewall – will be available starting in the spring of 2026 at all Continental partners and specialist retailers. Further details on dimensions, approvals, and technical information can be found at www.continental-tires.com/motorcycle/.