Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!! (2014)

Greetings:
I just had a fresh set of Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials, fitted to my '73 850. Admittedly, I have an 18 inch rear wheel - but there are options for 19 inch wheels too. These are *radial* tires designed for vintage bikes. Previously I had Dunlop Elite SP K591. I freely admit the old tires were not all that great for performance in the 1st place.

Details for the new Conti's, at least new to the USA since Europe seems to have had them 1 or so years before us:
http://www.conti-online.com/www/motorcy ... ck_en.html
Sizes include:
100/90 R 19 M/C 57 V TL
110/90 R 18 M/C 61 V TL
120/90 R 18 M/C 65 V TL

They have very "cool" Carbon Fiber (Fibre to the Anglophiles) patterns on the side walls- but I digress. My poin? This set of tires is by far the best single improvement on handling of my semi-vintage Norton. The Commando now has neutral steering... and seems to have no issues turning into moderately deep corners and holding a line very well. Its "almost" as much fun as my April RS250 or my Ducati 1098. Ok by saying "almost" I'm making a reference point. I never, ever, though the old Commando would turn and hold a line quite like "this" ... by "this" I mean, a modern sport bike. Its almost confident inspiring to ride her now. She feels "sorted. FINALLY!
To give you some perspective, I already had a lot of "improvements" before the tire change today, as follows:

FRAME, BODY & CONTROLS
• Frame - Sand-blasted and powder-coated black
• Engine Mounting Cradle - MK3 rear engine mount (Old Britts part # 06-5140/S)
• Isolastic MK3 Conversion, Front (Old Britts part 06-7116)
• Isolastic MK3 Conversion, Rear (Old Britts part 06-7117)
• Fuel Tank - OEM steel, interior de-rusted with sacrificial anode, and interior seal with Caswell “Dragon’s Blood”. Professionally repainted Yellow/Red/Silver (Y/R/Si) and clear coated
• Side Panels - FG ; matching Y/R/Si paint
• Seat - Corbin leather with lockable Smuggler storage compartment & red piping Repainted Y/R/Si matching seat cowl
• Rear Tail Section, Housing & Stop Light Mk3 – Various powder coated steel (Old Britts)
• Triple clamps (“yoke” if you’re a Brit) – Powder-coated black
• Fenders – Polished aluminum British-made w/4 holes (06-3175). Front is shorter, without braces and can accommodate modern brake calipers
• Rear Sets – Dunstall with optional reversible gear shift lever (1-up 3-down) and left-side rear brake (Clubman Racing)
• Steering Damper - Adjustable, mounted under triple clamp (Clubman Racing)
• Mirror – High quality chrome anti-vibration 109x72mm convex bar-end mirror with 1m curvature radius (Napoleon)
• Horn – New and mounted on right side
• Other Isolastics – New OEM (Norvil Motorcycle)
• Fuel Cap – Genuine Ceandess OEM chrome (Commando Specialties)
• SS Hardware Upgrade – Most bolts replaced
• Centerstand - New OEM, powder-coated (Commando Specialties)
• CaféRacer Ace Handlebars - Tommaselli fully-adjustable

FUEL/EXHAUST
• Petcocks - New SS with fuel lines
• Exhaust - L/R chrome “peashooter” (Commando Specialties)
• Exhaust Nuts – SS, safety wired to header oil banjo bolt
• Carbs - New single 34mm Mikuni carburetor conversion kit with new lubricated and lined throttle cable, K&N pancake air filter, custom 2-into-1intake manifold, custom jetting and tuning (Power-Barn)

MOTOR & DRIVE TRAIN
• Belt Drive Chain Case Conversion – No more chain case oil leaks. Synchroflex at 10/890; 32mm with 89 teeth (RGM 091)
• Top End Rocker Oil Feed Line – Venhill, SS (Commando Specialties)
• Oil Filter – Spin-on oil filter kit (Commando Specialties)
• Gearbox Outer Cover Modification along with new kick start shaft o-ring. Replaced leaking Timkin 240731 seal along with machining and upgrade to MKIII (Phil – Fair Spares America) [$60], no more oil drips 
• Clutch Cable – Install new Venhill Teflon-lined cable and adjust to reduce drag and heavy pull (Commando Specialties)
• SS GearBox cover Allen head bolts (Commando Specialties)
• Kickstarter - Norvil OEM MKIII (Norvil/Commando Specialties)

ELECTRICAL & GUAGES
• Electronic Ignition – 12v electrics and side points with dual ignition coils (unknown manufacturer; possibly Boyer but no clue)
• Turn Signals – Added (CrossRoads Cycles)
• Left Controls – Professionally rewired with plug in adaptor to operate turn signals and kill switch. Remove right side controls (CrossRoads Cycles)
• Headlight Bucket modified with pilot lights for Hi/Lo Beam, Turn signals. Also fitted Headlight Hi/Lo toggle switch (CrossRoads Cycles)
• Upgraded Smith Tach and Speedometer with brighter pilot bulbs (CrossRoads Cycles)

SUSPENSION, WHEELS & BRAKES
• Shocks - NJB Racing
• Wheels, Andover Norton chrome steel with SS stems
Front: WM2 (1.85”) x 19
Rear: WM3 (2.15”) x 18
• Tires, Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials
Front: 110-90/19 51V
Rear: 110-90/18 55V
• Fork Nuts – New Alloy (unknown manufacturer)
• Front Brake Setup – Colorado Norton Works (CNW part # 0200-01)
292 mm full floating disc
SS friction surface that is machined to ensure flatness.
Center carrier (center) chromed billet aluminum
Silent washers with true full floating disc, eliminate floater noise
4 piston differential bore calipers for even brake wear and reduce lock-up
Caliper machined on the back for proper clearance, specifically for Commando
Dual o-ring Brembo calipers are with built in dust seals ensure long caliper life
Proprietary hard coating on pistons and bores; smooth movement, elimination of scoring and corrosion
Brembo simulates 300 years of use including thermal shock, salt spray, etc.
Brembo 13 mm master cylinder cast in aluminum, with polished alloy lever
Micro brake light mounted master cylinder
Fork leg bracket installed on 4 piston caliper fork leg; CNC milled and chromed
SS braided brake line with SS banjos
Special ARP 12 point bolts for mounting disc to your Norton hub.
Kit is complete with all hardware and instructions
• Tapered Head Bearing Conversion – Clubman Racing Kit (#N0060)

-->FJ SvenSven Washington, DC (Recent NCNO Member)

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Alrighty SvenSven thats exciting to read. Please also try them soon w/o the steering damper, though of course beware of the behavior that causes folks to want them. You can mix and match one end or the other too for sublte differences in this and that situation but not particularly upsetting any more than just normal limiting things.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

That's quite an impressive list of parts but there isn't anything on that list, other than maybe the tyres, that is going to improve the handling.

Do you still have the standard head steady? There are several that are a big improvement over the OEM one. Notably Taylor type or isolastic (Norvil) type.

I don't know why you chose taper roller head bearings but I think they slow the steering down compared to the standard setup which works well, never needs adjusting and lasts forever. Don't understand the steering damper either. That slows the steering down too. Try taking it off, I'm sure you will prefer it.

Ian

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

I don't know why you chose taper roller head bearings but I think they slow the steering down compared to the standard setup which works well,

Click to expand...

Apologies for butting in but that statement made me think. My bike came with tapers and it has always felt odd but I've lived with it trying adjusted from just nipped up (all play taken out) to a little pre-load. Low speed it has never been nice. Would be interested in learning why though...... I looked at those Contis but they're a bit pricey over here.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Assume you are running the tires with tubes on those wheels.
I just researched and purchased new tires (Bridgestone Battlax BT45) after much research.
Did not go with radials because one manufacturer (Dunlop?) does not recommend using radials with tubes.

Anyone have thoughts about this?
(silly question - of course you do :lol: ).
tomas

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Keith1069 said:

I don't know why you chose taper roller head bearings but I think they slow the steering down compared to the standard setup which works well,

Click to expand...

Apologies for butting in but that statement made me think. My bike came with tapers and it has always felt odd but I've lived with it trying adjusted from just nipped up (all play taken out) to a little pre-load. Low speed it has never been nice. Would be interested in learning why though...... I looked at those Contis but they're a bit pricey over here.

Click to expand...

Hi Keith,

The standard bearings are cheap as chips and they do work well - One potential issue with the taper rollers is the coarse thread on the steerer making 'proper' adjustment difficult.
Tight bearings generally result in the bike wandering all over the place a low speeds, and loose bearings make the bike stand up when braking into corners.

If you do revert to the standard setup, don't forget the spacer tube :wink:

Until Conti do a 110/19 rear I'll stick with TT100s.
When they do I'll probably stick with TT100s :mrgreen:
I rather like them - just as confidence-inspiring as the Michelin Hi-Sport radials I had on my 851 - they were great fun but scrap after 1500 miles :roll:

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Lots of questions; so here are brief answers:
Tapered Head Bearings - They came with bike by previous user. I'll swap out with old school ones next.
Head Steady - I believe its a Norvil, again this too had already been installed by previous owner. I'll double check next time the tank is off.
Comment on handling - I have new NJB Racing Shocks and a completely rebuilt front end with fresh fork oil, springs, etc front forks. That's quite a lot of suspension/handling mods in my book; your call
Inner Tubes - Yes we used Metzeler inner's and a new set of bands/spacers to protect from them pesky wheel spokes and such.
Tire Pressure. I'm starting with Rear: 34 psi and Front: 32 psi for now as I test cold - warm pressure expansion factors. I also put in a call and email to Continental's Tech support for their suggestions.

-->FJ (Washington DC Metro).

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

OK - found the radial / tube combo caution here:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu/dunlop_e ... e_care.jsp

Now appears there are specially made 'radial tubes' that can be used safely. I see one made by Brigestone.
Did not see them when I was looking before.

Anyway - not had much road time on my new tires, but they have to be an improvement over the ancient ones that the PO had on there.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

110/90 seems like a lot of front tire and also pretty big for a WM-2 rim. I went from a 100/90 to a 90/90 on the front 2 years ago and it lightened the steering up a bit where I it took me about a week or two to get used to the quicker turn-in. I like it like that now.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Just as a matter of interest, does anyone know if its okay to run a conventional tyre on the front & a radial on the rear. ( & vise versa)
Martyn.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

Sven,

How about some pictures? Sounds like a beautiful bike!

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

.

Wtf , does this bla bla mean "Brembo simulates 300 years of use including thermal shock, salt spray, etc."..

A couple of picture would have been adequate for me...

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

The standard bearings are cheap as chips and they do work well - One potential issue with the taper rollers is the coarse thread on the steerer making 'proper' adjustment difficult.
Tight bearings generally result in the bike wandering all over the place a low speeds, and loose bearings make the bike stand up when braking into corners

Click to expand...

Hi. Thanks for that, just what I've always figured and even though I assumed I've always had them adjusted correctly I'm thinking maybe not? Its always been a 'Wanderer' at low speed, almost uncontrollable with a pillion. Cheers.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

I would love to post photos but I find this forum extremely convoluted - by design - to use for sharing picture unless you pay etc. Which btw is the owner's prerogative and all the power to him/her etc.
Now, add in that you have an FZ (Frank Zappa) avatar and I know I'm in the right company. BTW the most recent Zappa Plays Zappa tour was stellar... but I digress. I do a LOT of that!

I have lots of High Res picture. If you or anyone else can show me how to quickly and effortlessly post picture without paying a fee I will. OR if anyone else wants and can post them... please send me your email etc I can send them to anyone who can post.

Cheers...

-->FJ SvenSven
WaRshington, DC

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

yes just upload it to a free photo hosted like http://postimage.org for example post ist using the Img button.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

SvenSven said:

I would love to post photos but I find this forum extremely convoluted - by design - to use for sharing picture unless you pay etc. Which btw is the owner's prerogative and all the power to him/her etc.
Now, add in that you have an FZ (Frank Zappa) avatar and I know I'm in the right company. BTW the most recent Zappa Plays Zappa tour was stellar... but I digress. I do a LOT of that!

I have lots of High Res picture. If you or anyone else can show me how to quickly and effortlessly post picture without paying a fee I will. OR if anyone else wants and can post them... please send me your email etc I can send them to anyone who can post.

Cheers...

-->FJ SvenSven
WaRshington, DC

Click to expand...

This forum support the same image tagging as most do. The paid option is just that. Your comment was a little inappropriate.

technical-information-how-post-photos-t2357.html

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

I emailed Continental (de) last year asking if the 100/90/19 radial could be used as both a front and rear tyre (like the Avon universal)
Only reply I got was some time later and a generated survey asking if I was happy with the response (there was no response) :roll:
How unGermnan :lol:

I might try again,if the 100 can be used both ends would be a bonus for sure,it seems hard to believe it can not be but might have missed something on the website ?



I ran a set of Conti attacks on one of my TL1000's,oddly the rears were 'Made in Germany,the fronts in Korea.

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

i tried the Conti's radials on my 850 and thought they were so-so at best (19 front, 18 rear)- "ok" for straight lines, but pretty poor for anything less than grandpa cornering. I went back to BT45s after less than 500 miles on them, and while the bridgestones may not last to long the handing was WAY improved.

but maybe that was just my bike

the conti are hanging from the rafters in the garage now where they belong

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

According to the Continental uk website (is that an oxymoron?), they do a 110/85 R19 M/C 57V TL (325/410 -19) ContiClassicAttack Rear.
I wonder if it's newly released, cos I havn't found any prices on line for it. Cheepest I found for the front was about £93.
Terry

Re: Continental Classic Attack Vintage Radials - Excellent!!

I spoke to the Rep. from Cambrian Tyres, the UK importer, again last Thursday & he said a new shipment had just arrived. In this lot may or may not be the 110 size we want. He said he would call me back in the coming week. When I enquired about a month ago this size was not even in production, so I am not holding my breath.
Martyn.