Honda Adventure Riders Forum
Honda XL1000V Varadero - The bike that started our community! => Varadero tyre centre => Topic started by: Two Plugs on May 01, 2013, 01:23:33
-
@ All
Both Varadero's are refitted with the brand new Conti Trail Attack II. Newest thing... they came with 'traction skin'. So to say, no more 'Oops' moments leaving the motorcycle mechanic on new tires with the slippery silicon layer still on the fresh rubber!
And honestly... it does do the trick. Please notice, I still did not have the courage to go to the edge (between my ears my mind still whispered 'carefull, new tires are slippery') but after doing the first 300 km in cold and rainy weather, I must say it does provide more 'security' during the ride.
Its still to early to state weather the TA2 is that much improved towards the AT1. In any case, there is no such thing as 'shimmy' in the steering. Solid as a rock, on both bikes (2012 MK2 Varadero and a 2000 MK1).
Just to provide a proper reverence... My bike is - this time - on stock suspension.
I'll keep you posted on the progress; the next upcoming tour through UK and Ireland will be the ideal test-grounds.
-
The first 1.500 km are done, from which the last 500 under hard conditions: steep climbs up to 30% in the Lake District, bad road surfaces covered with dirt, gravel and water, and fully loaded (packed for a 3 week trip).
I feel so much confident with this new Conti! It was no secret that I loved the MK1 too, but this new Trail Attack 2 really is exceeding my expectations for 200%. I am still curious what the TA2 will to on terms of livespan. The MK1 was, after all, good for at least 16.000 km (10.000 miles) and even on that level, replacement was not direct necessary...
Looking forward to the remaining tour the next 2,5 weeks which is still ahead of us. Today its off to catch the UK-Ireland ferry to Dublin.
-
The TA 2 performs amazing! The complain about bad handling with the TA 1 and a after- 2007 MK2 Varadero on stock suspension can NOT be confirmed, since my latest Varadero is (still) on stock suspension. Ireland is the ideal proving ground for tyres and suspension: lots of rain, mud, gravel and flooded roads, or even a fort passing (fully loaded) with algae covered cobblestones in a tight bent: the bike with the new Conti's just ploughed through it if it was an AmTrack train...
I was convinced by the TA1. But I am even more convinced with this new TA2. Even if they last not as long as my previous TA1 did.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247172_572990386074423_1316873414_n.jpg)
-
6.000 km (3.750 miles) down in 3 weeks under various conditions: Rain, even snow, steep mountain passes, fully loaded, highway, and (very) battered road conditions in Ireland.
The TA II is the better choice. Don't be tricked with the TA I out of stock. Date of manufacturing should be at least 2013 - March. On the side it says 'Trailattack 2', so any mix-ups can be avoided.
Got the impression that the tire is slightly more sensible for irregularities in lengthwise direction; but generally spoken... I love them.
We are now planning a 2-up trip to the South of France somewhere in high summer (apr 3.000 km / 1.875 miles in one week) on motorways and route national. Keep you posted on the progress.
-
Replaced the Pirelli Scorpion Trail front and rear with the Continental Trail Attack II and already very positive about these tires!
They felt that confident that I had my footrests on the ground after only 15 minutes of driving (so maybe the Traction Skin did help here).
In a few weeks a trip is planned to France. Aprox. 3000km in 5 day's so that will be a serious test run for the new Conti's. Will post my experience here when I'm back from this trip...
-
In a few weeks a trip is planned to France. Aprox. 3000km in 5 day's so that will be a serious test run for the new Conti's. Will post my experience here when I'm back from this trip...
Looking forward to read your report mate.
-
The France trip is changed to a car trip due to family issieus (nothing special, but we are now officialy an 'international moving truck'... ;D )
Had a very, very good go in the German Teutenburgerforrest last weekend though! There is some video footage which I am hoping to post later. 750km in 3 days, and I never had the bike cornering like that (speed vv cornering that is). 7.000 km done and still going strong.
-
I've put on shiny new Trail Attack 2 tires on my vara and they are awesome. Grip is 100% straight from the store (no protective coating).
Tried them on all kinds of roads even sand and they perform perfect. My last tires on my last vara were battlewings which were 100% road tires
and now I would never go back.
-
Battlewings sucks! Dont even think about it to go back. ;)
-
6.000 km (3.750 miles) down in 3 weeks under various conditions: Rain, even snow, steep mountain passes, fully loaded, highway, and (very) battered road conditions in Ireland.
The TA II is the better choice. Don't be tricked with the TA I out of stock. Date of manufacturing should be at least 2013 - March. On the side it says 'Trailattack 2', so any mix-ups can be avoided.
Got the impression that the tire is slightly more sensible for irregularities in lengthwise direction; but generally spoken... I love them.
We are now planning a 2-up trip to the South of France somewhere in high summer (apr 3.000 km / 1.875 miles in one week) on motorways and route national. Keep you posted on the progress.
Hey Bernard i ve just fitted a pair of these .The dates of manufacturing are 10th and 11th week of 2013 (1013 -1113) and on the side says Trail attack 2.
Im not so confident so far , i guess i have to wait a couple of miles in order to feel more free .I read your report and im realy looking forward to test them on a wet terain.
-
Having had an abysmal experience with Conti Trail Attacks I am certainly not tempted to try them again despite the reviews in this forum. In 2010 I had fitted a set of Contis which at cruising speed almost tore my Varadero in half. I ditched the Contis as soon as I returned home and had them replaced with Bridgestone Battlewings. Three years later the tyres have performed beyond my expectations in both wet and dry.
But having said that there are so many good tyres available for the adventure bike segment that I can only say to each his own. I mention only Contis and Bridgestones because these are the tyres I have had experience with since I bought the Dero in 2008.
-
Had a go on a Crosstourer last weekend which was fitted with the Battlewings.
They are called 'Deadwings' and that is not for some reason.
The Trail Attack II behaves differently than the TA I, there for an objective comparing can only be made if you have ridden on it.
And to be honest, Brian... I still don't understand anything about your experiences, especially since I now also own a '11 (latest model) Varadero which I still run on the original suspension...
The TAII behaves - again - absolutely bulletproof, like the TA I did on my previous bike.
@ Manos: I think - no I am certain! - that you won't get a good mileage of 20.000 km on this tires like you did on the Metz! ;D
-
@ Manos: I think - no I am certain! - that you won't get a good mileage of 20.000 km on this tires like you did on the Metz! ;D
You think so? It doesn't matter if i'll get satisfied . ;D ;D
So far i was replacing the tires every 15-18 months or 12000-15000 kms . Here in south we have the privelege to use our Varas almost 365 days per year.
I paid 240 euros for them and as a matter of fact how much did they cost you the new Contis 2?
-
Labour of fitting the tires... ;D
-
Replaced the Pirelli Scorpion Trail front and rear with the Continental Trail Attack II and already very positive about these tires!
They felt that confident that I had my footrests on the ground after only 15 minutes of driving (so maybe the Traction Skin did help here).
In a few weeks a trip is planned to France. Aprox. 3000km in 5 day's so that will be a serious test run for the new Conti's. Will post my experience here when I'm back from this trip...
Hi all,
Took some time before I could give you all an update about my experience with the Trail Attack II tyres... The 3000km trip was done with a lot of luggage. It was the first time we did a trip that far going from Hotel to Hotel, so afterwards I can say that I took too much luggage with me. But I also wanted to have some driving experience without the luggage…
Up to now, my opinion about the Trail Attack II is not 100% positive.
From handling point of view they are fantastic! I have never had such a confidence in grip and driveability in short curves like hairpins and roundabouts. It’s almost standard that I have the footrests on the ground in these conditions!
But stability at high speed is a lot worse than with the Pirelli’s. The first few 100 miles with the GIVI cases fully loaded were very unpleasant. I could not drive much faster then 110-120 km/h. At higher speed the bike started to wobble/shimmy… After changing the tyre pressure it was a bit better, but cruising at higher speed than 120 km/h was still not an option.
Later that trip I found out that after replacement of the steering head bearing, the bearing was not mounted tight enough. After adjustment of the head bearing, the steering improved a lot and also the stability improved. But wobble/shimmy still appeared at higher speeds than 140km/h.
In the meantime I needed to do other maintenance (driving chain needed to be replaced, valves needed adjustment, and there was a serious issue with afterburning in the exhaust system), so it was not before yesterday that I could test the stability without luggage. The result up to now is that I still have a wobble/shimmy effect from approx. 160km/h.
I will proceed in finding improvement, planned to do a bubble check on the head bearings and will also go for suspension check at one of the Hyperpro service centers. If anyone of you has other ideas, please let me know!
But if this will not improve, I’m not convinced that the next set of tyres will be Trail Attack II’s again…
To be continued…
-
Indeed, I do have an idea for you - dump the overrated Trail Attacks and fit a set of decent tyres like Bridgestone BattleWings. I assure you that your bike will remain stable at any speed.
-
Currently 10.000 km done on the TA2. I use the bike on high speed on the German Motorway (including full luggage, 2x H&B Alu Panniers and the giant Honda OEM topbox) and the bike is as stable like a train (not a Spanish one... ) on railtrack.
Even with strong side winds and heavy rain. And in contrary to my previous Varadero which performed EXCELLENT on the Trail Attack I, my new bike is on original suspension.
I even feel more secure with the Trail Attack 2 than I felt on the TA1.
So, I really can not understand any of the remarks made about stability.
- Have you put your complains back to Continental?
- Are the tires properly mounted on the bike, not mounted the wrong way around (sounds silly, but you really won't believe how many mechanics do make this mistake - follow the arrow on the tyre which indicates the right direction)?
- Do you use the right pressure in the tyres (Conti, but also Michelin need more pressure than Honda dictates, up to 2,4 front and 2,7 rear)?
Administrator modus on...
Please only add remarks in this section if you have used the tyre yourselves. Help our members with valid consumer experiences, bad or good, but not with assumptions. C:-)
-
- Have you put your complains back to Continental?
- Are the tires properly mounted on the bike, not mounted the wrong way around (sounds silly, but you really won't believe how many mechanics do make this mistake - follow the arrow on the tyre which indicates the right direction)?
- Do you use the right pressure in the tyres (Conti, but also Michelin need more pressure than Honda dictates, up to 2,4 front and 2,7 rear)?
Tires are definitely mounted correctly. That will not be the issue.
I've used the tire pressure that Honda dictates (2,5 front and 2,5 rear solo, 2,5 front and 2,9 rear solo loaded). I did not have information the pressure should be more (also not from the website of Conti). What is this information based on or coming from about this pressure that it should be different?
I did not think about addressing my complains to Continental. What will this help me?
-
Renelle...
Dutch custommer satisfaction regulations dictate, that any manufacturer or supplier which delivers an product or service, which does not perform as requested / prommissed, should be refunded or at least, replaced for an alternative. But: this 'reclaim' has to be done within an certain period of time after the purchase, via the supplier.
I had an sort-off discussion with PON (Dutch VAG importer) about warranty claims for my previous car (corrosion on the rims) which was even supported by my Legal Assistance Insurance... ;)
Google on 'Consumentenbond', I guess they can provide you with detailed information.
The issieu of tirepressure was told to me by an Continental (and Michelin) spokesman at the Intermot International Motorcycle Exhibition, 3 years ago.
-
Dutch customer satisfaction regulations dictate, that any manufacturer or supplier which delivers an product or service, which does not perform as requested / promised, should be refunded or at least, replaced for an alternative.
Does this apply to all "services" provided in the Netherlands ?
-
Does this apply to all "services" provided in the Netherlands ?
Me thinks the services on the red light district are exluded... However... That is considered as 'proper' 'services' in the Low Lands... ;D
-
Just checked the Continental website. The advised tyre pressure: 2,5 front, 2,9 rear.
-
@Two Plugs: Do you also increase the tyre pressure when you drive with luggage? If so, how much?
-
High speed stability (or lack of) was a problem on my Pan and investigation revealed this to be caused by the top box. A friend found it so bad on his Yamaha that he left it en route to Spain and collected it on the way home. Problem gone.
I have not had the same problem with the 'Dero but it might be a 'size of rider' issue, causing turbulence. Panniers don't seem to cause the instability, so just try it without the to box to isolate the cause.
JK
-
Just checked the Continental website. The advised tyre pressure: 2,5 front, 2,9 rear.
In what condition? With no second passenger or side luggage for instance .. ;)
-
Just checked the Continental website. The advised tyre pressure: 2,5 front, 2,9 rear.
In what condition? With no second passenger or side luggage for instance .. ;)
As you can see on the attached screen dump, that is not mentioned...
-
High speed stability (or lack of) was a problem on my Pan and investigation revealed this to be caused by the top box. A friend found it so bad on his Yamaha that he left it en route to Spain and collected it on the way home. Problem gone.
I have not had the same problem with the 'Dero but it might be a 'size of rider' issue, causing turbulence. Panniers don't seem to cause the instability, so just try it without the to box to isolate the cause.
I did not have the top case with me. Only used the two panniers...
-
Hi Renelle,
The only thing I change on the Dero when riding with luggage, is the pre-setting of the rear suspension.
I keep the tire-pressure as it is advised by the manufacturer, perhaps a little higher during long intensive trips, but not that much more.... About + 0,2 / 0,3.
-
Update...
Have been away for the weekend to the German Eifel area. Wonderful place to drive, specially in autumn. Excellent grip in wet conditions with all kind of rubbish like leaves, branches and other stuff that falls from the trees in autumn. So as long as it's not going faster than 120km/h, there is no problem.
But, even with 2,7 at the front and 3,1 at the rear tire and a head bearing a little bit more tight, still unstable at higher speeds that 130km/h.
Tomorrow I'm going back to the supplier. They will check if they can find anything that could be the cause of the instability...
To be continued...
-
Renelle, what kind of panniers are you using? Honda original or after marked ones?
With my 'small' Hebco & Becker Alu Standards (37L version) and on original suspension I can hunt the Dero up to its topspeed on the German motorway and it still acts like a train on a railroad...
I do use the original (large...) Honda topbox.
-
This morning my supplier has checked the front wheel and discovered some dis-balance. The front wheel was newly balanced, now using the dynamic method (they told me the normally used the static method for these kind of motorcycle wheels).
The first impression is that this definitely improved the stability. I have not tested it with the two panniers, but the stability was solo OK up to 180-190km/h. I will test it with luggage later, but this gives hope!
I use the small GIVI Trekker 33L panniers, not the original. They are not that aerodynamic, but are a bit similar to the Alu panniers of Hebco & Becker.
-
:)
Good to hear that you have found the cause of the instability and that it was not a problem with the TAII!
-
I agree with Jos (posting above) and feel very happy for you that the problem is solved...
The panniers you use are indeed similar to my H&B's, so I guess they could not be a problem or cause.
And now... up on the road again and enjoy every aspect of those 'overrated Trail Attacks' on the last few days of this autumn! ;D
Had a go today in to the forests of the province of Drenthe, did some cobblestone roads as well, visiting my nice near Exloo. Despite all the mud invested roads (due to the wood- and potato harvesters) and the leaves on the roads I never felt more confident than with these tyres... I would even dear to state that they give me even a more secure feeling than the TA I did which I already loved!
-
Still i'm interested in other Varadero drivers that have experience with the Trail Attack II!
So please, if you have done some miles on the Trail Attack II, please tell us here about the (good or bad) experience!!
I can close this issue and move to other more pleasant things to work on, on my Varardero: creating the ability to use hazard lights and see if I can find a nice pare of fog lights that fit the Varadero.
-
For foglights I can really recommend these:
http://www.vci-forum.com/index.php?topic=218.0 (http://www.vci-forum.com/index.php?topic=218.0)
-
Very glad you solved your stability poblems and that it was a question of wrong balancing of your tyres. Unfortunately mine was not the case with TA 1s having been balanced in Malta, in Austria and in Italy to no avail.
Have no experience with TA 2s and to be honest am not keen to have any.
-
Smart outfit! Hope that problem is fixed.
Why no hazard lights surely they are standard?
On that subject, has any one thought to rewire the switches on a 'Dero so the dip switch is the hazards and vice versa?
The Pan is that way round and even after 10,000 km, I still struggle to find main/dip beam in normal driving and hit the hazards, or miss completely in a rush!
JK
-
On that subject, has any one thought to rewire the switches on a 'Dero so the dip switch is the hazards and vice versa?
Agreed ...let us know how you get on if you try the "transplant" ...theoretically it should be possible but I've never looked at the internals
-
Almost forgot about this topic... ;)
Just before leaving for VUK last September (Varadero UK meeting) I changed my rear tyre.
It has lasted for over 16.000 km!!!
The best part... when I was still running on Michelin (T66x and Anakee) the Michelin's always let me knew when it was time to replace.
The Conti Trail Attack 2 really gave grip and grunt till the last millimeter of rubber.
The front tyre still is on the bike. I think I can manage another 5.000 km with it before it has to be replaced.
I am only more and more convinced that the TA2 is close to be the perfect tyre for the Varadero!
-
Almost forgot about this topic... ;)
Just before leaving for VUK last September (Varadero UK meeting) I changed my rear tyre.
It has lasted for over 16.000 km!!!
The front tyre still is on the bike. I think I can manage another 5.000 km with it before it has to be replaced.
you gonna do envy here! :o never seen that! Roads are not made the same tarmac here!
-
Almost forgot about this topic... ;)
Just before leaving for VUK last September (Varadero UK meeting) I changed my rear tyre.
It has lasted for over 16.000 km!!!
The front tyre still is on the bike. I think I can manage another 5.000 km with it before it has to be replaced.
you gonna do envy here! :o never seen that! Roads are not made the same tarmac here!
The mileage was mainly done outside The Netherlands: UK, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, and... France. ;D ;)
-
(mode kidding on) Reason is that Bernard is an extremely slow rider: no acceleration and no braking mean no wear ;D (mode kidding off)
Seriously speaking, I don't know what Bernard's riding style is like, but such a high mileage must certainly result from the addition of careful riding, not abrassive tarmac and tyres designed to last.
In my case, I've never gotten more than 15000 km out of a rear tyre, and certainly less when I've ridden in mountain roads (more abrassive) or with the bike heavily loaded.
Bernard, you are "in love with" your Continental TA II.
Well, I once had a TA I rear and felt it was nothing special, rather I felt not so confident when the tyre was half worn and rain showed up... And there's a certain Maltese who swears that his front TA was responsible from unacceptable vibrations on his handlebar...
I myself had the chance to try TA II with traction skin, on a KTM Adventure. It was a funny toy, and the tyres (just new) gave much grip and confidence, but were a bit too road biased for my taste. As are the Michelins PR4T too, great tyres but not my 100% cup of tea.
Regards,
Josep
-
(mode kidding on) Reason is that Bernard is an extremely slow rider: no acceleration and no braking mean no wear ;D (mode kidding off)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
rather I felt not so confident when the tyre was half worn and rain showed up...
Josep
When you've ride with T66 you can take everything under the rain (it will be much better ) ! ;D
-
Lets be honest !
Riding a bike is mostly about confidence.
If you convince youself that your tyres are good you will ride well.
If you convince yourself that your tyres are not good you will ride badly and eventually end up finding out how good the crash bars are !
-
Lets be honest !
Riding a bike is mostly about confidence.
If you convince youself that your tyres are good you will ride well.
If you convince yourself that your tyres are not good you will ride badly and eventually end up finding out how good the crash bars are !
No crash bar here ! I have to continue with first instance ! ;D
-
Ask Blacksmith (Mense) and he will confirm my riding style. Fast, but the trick for dureability is... continuity. I don't care about being the first one to leave at the traffic lights or at a stop sign. Maintain a continue speed gives good figures on aspect of wear from tires, chain and sprockets, and a proper fuel consumption without getting bored during the ride... ;D
You wont find chicken stripes on my tyres!
This topic is about the trail attack II. Our Malthese Falcon had issues with the TA I where it general was rated positively. That doesnt make it a bad tyre; same exceptions can be found on any other brand: Michelin, Bridgestone, Metzeler, etc.
@ zebulon: if you cannot handle a big trail bike on T66X tyres under all conditions, your licence for riding a motorcycle should be taken in! ;)
-
Lets be honest !
Riding a bike is mostly about confidence.
If you convince youself that your tyres are good you will ride well.
If you convince yourself that your tyres are not good you will ride badly and eventually end up finding out how good the crash bars are !
I could not agree more, Stewart! Thumbs up.
-
Almost forgot about this topic... ;)
Just before leaving for VUK last September (Varadero UK meeting) I changed my rear tyre.
It has lasted for over 16.000 km!!!
The best part... when I was still running on Michelin (T66x and Anakee) the Michelin's always let me knew when it was time to replace.
The Conti Trail Attack 2 really gave grip and grunt till the last millimeter of rubber.
The front tyre still is on the bike. I think I can manage another 5.000 km with it before it has to be replaced.
I am only more and more convinced that the TA2 is close to be the perfect tyre for the Varadero!
I have done approx 8.000 km on my TA II set. But the rear tyre is almost done. Maybe another 1000-1500km, but then it's ready to be replaced. Front is still Ok, maybe not for another 8.000-9.000 km.
-
Two plugs and I are not the slowest bikers, but there's a lot of difference in the Tarmacs here and in other country's.
My TA 2's mostly last at rear for 12.000 km's and front about 15.000 km's, but my bike is heavely used with 70 % riding with pillion and Luggage.
I noticed that my tyre's severe decrease in milage driving in Scotland or Ireland, but that also the grip there mostly is better than in our country.
so far my 50 P.
-
Yes Mense, I think you're you're right. And I am sure I'd have to push my limits to follow you and Bernard. ;)
I'd say there are differences even among tarmacs in the same country. For instance, I believe that the ones in the mountains around Tarragona are more abrassive than the ones on the plain. A friend of mine says that her car's tyres lasted noticeably less when her job made her drive mostly in this area, but of course the reason could well be that more twists mean more braking and accelerating and more centrifugal forces too.
Regards,
Josep
-
Almost forgot about this topic... ;)
Just before leaving for VUK last September (Varadero UK meeting) I changed my rear tyre.
It has lasted for over 16.000 km!!!
The best part... when I was still running on Michelin (T66x and Anakee) the Michelin's always let me knew when it was time to replace.
The Conti Trail Attack 2 really gave grip and grunt till the last millimeter of rubber.
The front tyre still is on the bike. I think I can manage another 5.000 km with it before it has to be replaced.
I am only more and more convinced that the TA2 is close to be the perfect tyre for the Varadero!
What do you think was better (guessing the TA ii) between the TA II and Anakee (3). I have 8000 miles (12800km) on my Anakee's and they are ready to come off. I found though that the Anakee 3 front from new has less thread than others
-
2nd set of TA2 are on the bike. Rear tire was replaced last September, just before heading to the UK meeting. Front tire finally was replaced last March at 19.400 km marque. It would have lasted for maybe a few more KM's, but I wanted to kick off to France with a proper pair of tires.
We had rain, hail, gravel covered roads, bumpy roads, small roads, German Autobahn, steep inclines and twisty gorges. And all with full luggage.
4.125 km of full satisfaction.
These days, there are so many tires to choose from for any given bigtrail bike. With all their minor or major tweeks.
For the moment, for my personal style of riding, and my personal needs, the Conti Trail Attack2 is for filling my demands.
It just gives me the best price to km ratio and remains grippy till the last remaining threat.
Even beyond my expectation!