- Successor to the ContiMotion, which has been on sale since 2009, available from September 2026
- New carcass materials and a revised hybrid silica compound
- Four 17-inch sizes, with the 190/50 ZR 17 not arriving until November 2026
Continental presented the ContiMotion EVO in Hanover on 10 September 2026. The tyre replaces the ContiMotion, which has been around since 2009 and which the manufacturer already revised once along the way. The new model is aimed at riders looking for a balanced mix of riding fun, safety and mileage. “With the ContiMotion EVO, we are offering a versatile sport-touring tyre,” says Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires at Continental. He promises intuitive handling, reliable grip in wet and dry conditions and a mileage that should convince in everyday use.
What is new about the ContiMotion EVO?
The key changes concern the carcass and the tread compound. Continental does not describe the EVO as a completely new development, but as a targeted update of its predecessor.
The carcass is the tyre’s basic framework. This is where Continental uses new materials. They are designed to provide more stability and more consistent behaviour. This should result in better handling and more agile riding dynamics. According to the manufacturer, the carcass is tuned for balanced stiffness. As a result, the tyre should respond linearly and predictably to the rider’s steering and throttle inputs.
The tread compound is new as well. Continental speaks of an optimised hybrid silica compound. It is designed to improve grip on wet roads without compromising mileage. That is the classic trade-off with sport-touring tyres: a compound with more grip normally wears faster.
“The ContiMotion EVO has been updated in key areas without losing the well-known, fundamental qualities of its predecessor,” explains Ettenhuber. As the most noticeable difference, he mentions above all that the tyre should be more agile.
What do EasyHandling and ZeroDegree mean on the ContiMotion EVO?
EasyHandling stands for precise and predictable steering response, ZeroDegree for stability at high speed. Both terms are technologies that Continental markets under its own name.
At walking pace and just above it, the wheels do little to keep the motorcycle upright on their own. Continental developed EasyHandling for exactly this range. The tyre’s build is meant to make the bike steer the way the rider expects even then. In everyday riding that covers situations such as switchbacks on a mountain pass, shuffling around a car park or turning on a narrow road. Together with the revised construction, the manufacturer says the technology should give a natural feel in slow corners as well.
ZeroDegree is the name for a steel belt sitting directly beneath the tread pattern. Continental winds it at an angle of zero degrees, so it runs exactly in line with the direction of travel. The faster the tyre spins, the more the tread is pulled outwards. The belt counters this stretching and keeps the tyre stable at high speed. The predecessor already used the same belt layout, and on the EVO it now works together with the new carcass materials.
How is the ContiMotion EVO tread pattern designed?
The tread pattern combines angled grooves on the sides with a wide, closed centre. According to Continental, each area has its own job.
The diagonal grooves extend into the shoulder area of the tyre. They are designed to channel water to the side and thus provide grip on wet roads. The closed tread in the centre takes care of mileage. On top of that comes a wide contact patch, the part of the tyre that touches the road. A large contact area is intended to give the tyre additional stability.
Which motorcycles is the ContiMotion EVO intended for?
Continental names naked bikes, roadsters and modern classics as the intended use. Examples given by the manufacturer include the BMW R 12 nineT, the Triumph Daytona 660, the Ducati Supersport 950, the Honda CB650R, the Suzuki GSX-8TT and the Yamaha MT-09.
“The ContiMotion EVO suits a wide range of popular naked bikes, roadsters and modern classics,” says Ettenhuber. The tyre is intended to be suitable both for sporty weekend rides and for longer tours. All sizes are designed for 17-inch rims. This keeps the EVO clearly in the segment of mid-range road motorcycles.
Which sizes are available for the ContiMotion EVO and when?
At launch there are four sizes, three of which are available from September 2026. The widest rear size follows in November 2026.
- Front: 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL, from September 2026
- Rear: 160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL, from September 2026
- Rear: 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL, from September 2026
- Rear: 190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL, from November 2026
Anyone currently running one of these sizes on the ContiMotion will find a successor in the EVO with an identical load index and speed index. The situation is different for the narrower sizes. The previous ContiMotion is also available in stores in sizes such as 110/70 ZR 17, 120/60 ZR 17, 140/70 ZR 17, 150/60 ZR 17 and 150/70 R 17. Continental does not offer an EVO in these sizes at launch. The manufacturer has not yet said whether and when further sizes will follow.
Can the ContiMotion EVO be combined with the old ContiMotion?
Yes, according to Continental, the ContiMotion EVO and ContiMotion can be combined. So the new tyre can run at the front and the old one at the rear, or vice versa.
This is useful in two cases. If you only need to replace one worn tyre, you do not have to buy a new set straight away. And if you ride on a size that is not yet available for the EVO, you can still switch to the successor on one end. What remains decisive, however, are the vehicle registration documents and the motorcycle manufacturer’s tyre approvals. Before buying, you should therefore check which combination is approved for your own motorcycle.
How much does the ContiMotion EVO cost and are there any tests yet?
Continental has not yet announced prices for the ContiMotion EVO. Independent tests by testing organisations or specialist magazines are not available yet either.
All statements on handling, wet grip and mileage are therefore currently manufacturer claims. How big the difference to the predecessor really is on the road can only be said once the first comparison tests are out. The tyre is, however, already listed in Continental’s regular motorcycle tyre range.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When will the ContiMotion EVO be available?
The ContiMotion EVO has been available since September 2026. This applies to the sizes 120/70 ZR 17, 160/60 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17. The 190/50 ZR 17 rear size follows in November 2026.
-
Which sizes are available for the ContiMotion EVO?
There is one front size and three rear sizes, all 17 inches. At the front it is 120/70 ZR 17, at the rear 160/60, 180/55 and 190/50 ZR 17. Narrower sizes of the previous ContiMotion have no successor at launch.
-
Can you mix the ContiMotion EVO and the ContiMotion?
Yes, Continental allows both tyres to be combined on one motorcycle. However, the vehicle registration documents and the motorcycle manufacturer’s tyre approvals always take precedence.
-
How much does the ContiMotion EVO cost?
Continental has not yet published a price. There are no independent tests yet either, the claims on grip and mileage come from the manufacturer.
-
Which motorcycles does the ContiMotion EVO fit?
The tyre is intended for naked bikes, roadsters and modern classics with 17-inch wheels. Continental names the BMW R 12 nineT, the Triumph Daytona 660, the Ducati Supersport 950, the Honda CB650R, the Suzuki GSX-8TT and the Yamaha MT-09, among others.
