Continental Conti-Motion Tires

Continental Tires, is one of the largest tire companies in the world, and although quite well known in the US for car tires, they are less known for their bike tires.  However, I have heard that they are one of the top motorcycle tire sellers in Europe (what ever that means). 

Continental makes a variety of tires, if you would like a good review of the Road Attack tires read the review on the Canyon Chasers website.  http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/road-attack.php


Last year, my friend (Supe) and I were going to travel to the World Superbike Race at Miller Motorsports Park over Memorial Day weekend, taking all of the back roads of course.  The the day before we were to leave, I had taken my bike into the local Kawasaki dealer because it was making a funny noise.  It turned out to be a noise caused by a faulty valve on the emissions system required in California, the system was unnecessary, as I do not live in California, and therefore dealt with appropriately.  However, I was also in need of a new rear tire and with funds running low I opted for the lowest price tire the shop had available, the Conti-Motion.

So I purchased the tire, which was promptly mounted and away I went.  Over the next few days I put over 1,500 miles on the bike, traveling on everything from mind numbing freeways to tight and twisty mountain passes.   At a cost of only $90 dollars I was extremely impressed with the tire.  Grip was good both while up right and through the turns, it also preformed well in wet weather.  The morning of the last day was met with rain, it cleared up by the afternoon.  The tire was confidence inspiring and felt planted, even when the turns and the speeds were sufficient to eliminate my chicken strips.
Tread life was decent.  The Z1000 is neither light nor heavy at 496 lbs/dry, and I would consider my riding style middle of the road, not too aggressive, however, I do enjoy a spirited ride through the turns.  That being said, I had to replace the tire after about 6,500 miles.  All in all it was a great tire, and I will consider purchasing it again.  It is confidence inspiring, lasts as long as more expensive tires, and is generally one of the lowest cost sport-touring tires (definitely more to the sport side of the spectrum) available.
I currently ride Pirelli Angel STs, and will review them once I have put sufficient miles on to provide a proper opinion.

Spring Ride

I am blessed to live in a location that allows for year round riding, and while I commute to work on  "Dad's Green Motorcycle."  Thanks Babes for clarifying the color.

During the winter months I seldom get the opportunity to partake in the best of all motorcycle rides, a joy ride with a good friend.  I should also explain that one of my best friends "Supe" lives in a more nothern (read snow covered) climate, and only has a carport rather than a garage, so for the winter months I keep his Suzuki Bandit 1200 ("Suzi" not sure on the spelling) warm and safe within my garage. 

However, this Saturday, Supe was visiting me and we decided to take a couple of hours for a pleasure ride to Zion National Park.  As you can see above we started with the obligatory gas stop.  Unitl I started this blog, the only pictures I ever took on motorcycle rides were of my bike with different gas stations as a back drop.  This blog is in part an attempt to force me to better document these wonderful times.  So after a fill up of gas and a check of air pressure, we started our ride.
We started up SR-9 which consists of mostly long sweepers as it is the main road to Zion National Park and must accomodate that most dreaded of road going vehicles the RV, or as Jeremy, Richard, and James would call them Caravans.  This being the first ride of the forthcoming spring, it was my intention to take it easy, however, as I drove up the road, I felt good, the road surface was excellent, and there was surpisingly little traffic.  So as I entered one long sweeper after another my forward velocity began to increase, feeling comfortable I did not glance at the Speedo, as I was concentrating on correct body and head position, however, after one especially good turn I saw my exit speed and quickly realized the extent of my youthful exuberance. 
Soon we arrived at the entrance to Zion.  Now recently the park rangers in Zion have been especially diligent in their duties regarding American the Beautiful Annual Passes (read not allowing other to borrow them, by asking for ID).  In the past the purchase of an annual pass allowed two motorcycles per pass, so at the entrance I argued vigoruously my prior review of the rules and the ranger despite his belief the rule was different obliged our entrance with one pass despite that only one of us had signed the pass.  Because I had dealt with this issue in the past I felt confident in my reading of the rules, however, upon return home the National Park website had been updated to reflect that for two motorcycles to enter the two people had to sign the pass.  So to the Ranger at the entrance on Saturday, if you read this, I apologize for my anger regarding entrance.  
Despite my new understanding of the current rule. I believe the rule should allow two motorcycles regardless of the need for both to have signed the pass.  I can take my friend in the park in a car without the need for him to sign the pass, I am always careful to park both bikes in one parking stall so as not to take up more space than a care, and lets be honest at the speed I travel the familiar roads of Zion National Park, we are not holding up any traffic.  Back to the story, we rode up to a turn around spot and stopped for a few pictures.  To all the other tourists who kindly let us pass, I thank you.  To the one motorhome going 10 under the speed limit, who passed multiple pull offs without letting us pass, I hope you have a wonderful trip, but also hope you will allow those faster than you to pass, it is truly appreciated.

(Sorry, for some reason when I rotated the pictures the quality was reduced.  I will have to address this issue.  I also made some video but need to edit it before posting.)
As you can see, it was great to get out on a pleasure ride, the weather was good, 60 degrees and sunny, requiring nothing more than my jacket.  I hope to have many more rides with friends this year.  Supe thanks for coming and making my weekend, it was the best part of my weekend. Yes event better than watching the Super Bowl which is saying a lot for this football fan.