Tires are the most expensive part of our bikes we change out on a regular basis, and so it’s in our and the manufacturers’ best interest that we get the most bang for our buck. And nowhere is this more true than with ADV bikes, especially those with an inclination for off-road performance.
Tire tech has advanced leaps and bounds in recent years, with new manufacturing processes and multi-compound constructions making tires safer than ever before. And the same is true in the dual-sport and ADV segment, with tires now more capable both on and off-road than ever before.
Throughout the decades, the Continental TKC80 has set the standard, fitted on ADV bikes as both standard equipment and aftermarket options. These tires have become renowned for their performance in all sorts of terrain, but in recent years, not so much for their durability.
You see, Continental’s had its fair share of issues, with a recall on the TKC80 and other Continental tires in 2022 due to tread issues, particularly cracking and potential delamination.
So clearly, there was something wrong with the way Continental made its tires. But now, it ascertains that all these issues are well and truly in the past. In fact, Continental says that the updated TKC80 is stronger and more durable than before. They’ve employed a new rubber compound to give the tire improved performance, with the company stating that the new TKC80’s knobs are more resistant to chipping on rugged terrain.
To make the tires even more durable, Continental says that it has adopted an entirely new manufacturing process with improved compound mixing methods, new molds, improved breaker materials, and upgraded machines. So yeah, the new TKC80s are the best they’ve ever been—at least according to Continental.
How much better? Well, Continental says that the new TKC80 tires set a 3.8-second faster lap time in wet conditions than its predecessor. Street performance has also been said to be improved, all while the tire retains its aggressive, off-road-ready tread pattern.
Best of all, for 2025, Continental is rolling out new sizes to make the TKC80 accessible to a wider range of bikes. They’re now compatible with nearly all adventure and dual-sport bikes rocking either a 21-inch or 19-inch front wheel, and an 18-inch or 17-inch rear wheel. The new tires are set to hit dealers and retailers by January 1, 2025, with the two new sizes (110/80-19 and 150/70-17) set to hit the market in the second half of 2025.
Sources: Continental, ADV Pulse
