Am heading down to Valeilles (Tarn-et-Garonne, FR), then zig-zagging through the Pyrenees west to east, then north through various parc naturels (Languedoc, Grand Causses, L'aubrac, Morvan) & home (praying for dry weather throughout ) So time for new boots. Always been a fan of Continental (TA2, TA3, RA4) and have used all of these on my previous 2 bikes (GS1200 adv - 7yrs & KTM 1290 SA - 7yrs). So I'm going to have a set of Continental RA 4 GT's fitted to the MS 1260. Not tried the GT's before so will report back. No doubt they'll perform perfectly .
So tyres fitted; a 54 mile ride back from Watling Tyres, Gillingham (1st class team/customer service) and as expected, these conti's are excellent.....I depart on 14th Aug so will feedback on their performance from a longer trip .
Had many pairs of RA3s on my 1200/1250 gs, got the RA4s on order for the 1300. What is the difference with the gt? Just for heavier bikes?
OK. Always used the standard tyre, as I ride a gs not gsa and always one up with little luggage. Suffered no excess tyre wear and have worn out edge before middle, so will stick with standard tyre for my use. This was after a week of abuse in Spain, part worn when I set off..
So, after a 2,294 mile trip I can confidently conclude that these tyres are magnificent. I know people have brand loyalty for a variety of reasons & I'm no different & I'm a fan of Continental. My trip for the most part to Valeilles (Tarn-et-Garonne, FR), then zig-zagging through the Pyrenees west to east, then north through various parc naturels (Languedoc, Grand Causses, L'aubrac, Morvan) was dry, with the exception of an hours heavy rain in the Pyrenees from Viehla to Boutx. In the dry, these tyres were flawless; in the heavy rain & temps down to 7 degrees celsius at altitude, they were rock steady.
Can I ask , did the tyres last , keep the shape and were good for all those miles . I used the new T33 Battle axe for an experiment hoping they would do a trip , they went off early ,at 1200 miles , got me home but spoilt it . Normally used the TA3 which work but was looking for a more road based tyre , bloody unicorns these tyres lol .
Why did you pick the GT tyres? I'm also a big fan of Contis, especially the Road Attacks. I've run every version on my KTM 1190 since RA2s and find them superb. I typically get about 4000-4500 out of a set before the front becomes thuppenny bit and doesn't feel so glued down and the rear is getting low and slowing the steering. I always replace as a pair. I've never thought to try the GTs as I don't consider the 1190 a "heavy" tourer. Nor the 1260 Multi which I would think is about the same weight. Were you loaded up with luggage and pillion or just looking for increased mileage? And how did they compare for feedback and grip under spirited riding, as that's where I think the standards RAs excell.
Yes....the tyres lasted & kept their shape. The riding was a mix of touring & spirited speeds & the tyres were a delight. I was originally going to have either TA3 or RA4 (std) put on, but saw the RA4 GT & simply decided to try them out.
Simply to try them out & see how they fared for mileage. I had TA3 on my KTM 1290 & they were superb. I was going to plum for RA4 for the MS for the longer trip, but saw a GT version so thought why not try them. I wasn't disappointed & the bike tracked as if it were on rails in both the wet & dry; feedback was excellent, they didn't feel 'light/disconnected' & I never felt 'unsafe' at any time. Luggage: top box was full, no panniers, a full roll bag on the pillion seat & a small tank bag.
Well they're still on & I have a trip to the Jura region in June which will be circa 1600 miles, so will see what state they're in on my return, as I may well be heading away again in July to Italy. Oh, and as per a previous comments....I too replace as a pair
