It's a long walk home

[ribbert]

For any one out there running Conti Road Attack 2's for the first time, (the ones without the tread in the centre of the rear) If walking up to your bike for a day ride you notice this pattern in the middle of the tyre, cancel the ride. There aren't many miles between this appearing and riding on canvas.



I'm used to it now but it did catch me out badly the first time.

From what I've been reading, a couple of coats of the Generals coffee might get another 1000 km's out of it.

Noel

[X-Ray]

How many kms has that done Noel?

[ribbert]

How many kms has that done Noel?

Hmmmm, good question. That is a replacement tyre after a puncture and I lost track of the mileage. I don't know. That's my third set. If I do some big trips in the Winter with lots of rain that pushes the mileage out. If it's Summer and lots of day rides in the twisties, it cuts it right back. Of the first 2 sets I got 10,500 and 7,000 if I remember correctly. I'm not too fussed about recording these things.

Noel

[fintip]

The General's coffee? 

[markmartin]

I'm on my second set of Conti RA 2's.  5000 miles (8000km) is what I got out of the first set.  The front still had tread but the rear looked just like yours Noel and you're not kidding, when you see that pattern, the cords are only a few miles away. It's my only complaint about the tire.  

[Bill_Rockoff]

I'm up to about 6500 miles (10,500 km) out of the Metzeler Z6s on the bike now (160/60-17 in back.)  This has been pretty typical for Metzeler sport-toury radials.  I ride like a wuss so they last longer / I don't need the extra stick of sportier tires.  

I have a set of Z8s (170/60-17 in back) waiting to go on next month.

You lot are braver than I am, I toss 'em before they get to showing cord in the middle....

[ribbert]

I'm on my second set of Conti RA 2's.  5000 miles (8000km) is what I got out of the first set.  The front still had tread but the rear looked just like yours Noel and you're not kidding, when you see that pattern, the cords are only a few miles away. It's my only complaint about the tire.  

Like you Mark, the lack of tread, or at least markers, is my only complaint. I have done my usual research and can't find anything else yet that seems worth trying. So, it will be set #4.
They have got a GT version for heavy bikes now (they mention FJR's) that wasn't quite available last time. I believe the only difference is a stiffer carcass but comparison information is a bit scant. I'll do some research before I choose.
I recently read a review on why the rear tread pattern is like that, interesting, but they could still have dots like on a slick.

Below is how my front wore, I'm pretty happy with that.



The dual compound Michelin's and Dunlops I had before triangulated really badly giving progressively worse cornering.