Today, we’re exploring the Continental Trail Attack 3. As a fun fact, Continental Tire is the oldest tire company still operating today, based in Germany.
The Trail Attack 3 tires are handmade in Germany, where quality truly matters. Additionally, they have a nine-mile test track in Texas, USA, where all their research and development takes place.
The Trail Attack 3 was introduced in 2019 as a replacement for the Trail Attack 2. Whenever Continental relaunches a tire, they ensure improved mileage, grip, and handling.
Continental Trail Attack 3
Features
- Good For Large Capacity Bikes
- Delivers Superior Stability and Comfort
- Quick Warm-Up and Limited Break-In Period
The Trail Attack 3 is one of the best touring motorcycle tires and is designed for heavyweight adventure touring motorcycles like BMW GS, and KTMs. In fact, they come as original equipment (OE) tires on some of these bikes.
Tire Focus and Other Models
The Trail Attack 3 is about 90% street-focused and 10% dirt-oriented. Continental also offers two other models for adventure touring bikes: the TKC 70 and TKC 80. The TKC 70 is a middle ground, while the TKC 80 is more off-road focused.
Trail Attack 3 Sizing Chart
| Tire Model | Position | Size | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Trail Attack 3 | Front | 120/70ZR-17 | 4.5 |
| Continental Trail Attack 3 | Rear | 170/60R-17 | 5 |
Key Technologies and Performance
Continental utilizes a single compound process called multi-grip. By controlling the temperature during the curing process, they create a harder compound in the center of the tire for mileage and a stickier compound on the edges for grip. This provides a predictable feel and consistent performance throughout the tire’s life.
The tread pattern on the Trail Attack 3 is minimal in the center to reduce road noise and more aggressive on the sides for better grip when cornering or riding on fire roads.
The grooves on the edges are wider to allow for self-cleaning and efficient water or gravel removal.
The tires also feature Continental’s wet grip technology, a high-silica compound offering excellent grip in wet and dry conditions.
Inside the tire, a zero-degree steel belt prevents growth at higher speeds, ensuring a stable ride on the highway.
With traction skin technology, the tires have a pre-scuffed, dull finish and require minimal break-in time. Lastly, all Continental tires come with three-year roadside assistance for flat tires, adding value and peace of mind.
My Likes and Dislikes
The Trail Attack 3 is a dual-sport tire primarily designed for road use, but I found it to be an excellent all-around option.
Handling and Performance
I first fitted these tires on a very wet day and anticipated a somewhat shaky experience on the freshly rained-on roads.
However, the traction skin molding made them feel quite stable as if they were already well-scrubbed tires.
The scrubbing-in process was swift, taking less than 100 miles, and I felt comfortable riding on the edge of these tires. They quickly reach their operating temperature, which is a significant advantage.
Switching from the stock Bridgestones to the Continental Trail Attack 3 made my bike feel lighter and more agile. The front tire seemed to turn in more eagerly, making the entire bike feel nimbler.
Wet and Dry Tarmac Performance
I felt confident on dry tarmac but even more on wet tarmac. The performance difference between wet and dry conditions is minimal, making me feel comfortable even on twisty wet roads. The tires are predictable, providing consistent traction without sudden loss of grip.
Off-Road Capabilities and Limitations
On dry, hard-packed fire trails and gravel roads, the tires perform well, with the deep groove cut providing traction. However, they struggle in muddy conditions.
They can handle a small amount of surface mud, but anything more than that compromises traction. I would not recommend these tires for wet, muddy off-road situations.
Wear and Durability
After covering approximately 2,000 miles, the tires show no signs of uneven wear or squaring off. They appear to be quite sturdy, and I believe they have plenty of life left in them.
My tires experience a lot of wear from riding on tight, twisty country lanes and rough surfaces, but these tires show no signs of needing replacement anytime soon.
Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Traction Skin | Provides stability and quick scrubbing-in |
| Wet Performance | Minimal difference between wet and dry conditions |
| Off-Road Capability | Good on dry, hard-packed trails and gravel roads |
| Durability | No signs of uneven wear or squaring off |
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Continental Trail Attack 3 tires have improved my bike’s handling, perform well on both wet and dry tarmac, and can handle some off-road conditions as long as it doesn’t get too muddy.
They also seem to be wearing well and provide a comfortable ride. I highly recommend these tires for adventure bikes, primarily ridden on-road but with some off-road capability.
I will provide further updates as I continue to put more mileage on these tires. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns that I haven’t addressed, please leave them in the comments section below. Until next time, thank you for reading, ride safe, and take care.
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