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VOLUME 57 ISSUE 10 MARCH 9, 2021 P103 Website: www.continental-tires.com/motorcycle/tires MSRP: $259-$313 S TANDOUT FEATURE Great multi-surface, high-mileage rear-only tire RIDER AN ALYSIS I prepared for this review by removing my second set of Dunlop Trailmax Mis- sion tires, which gave me a really good evaluation point to start my review. A new TKC 70 front and the TKC 70 Rocks rear were installed. Continental touts the quiet ride of the Rocks tire, but I didn't feel that it was actually that quiet. As a matter of fact, I felt like it was loud in comparison to the Dunlop Mission—and it was something that I noticed right away. Certainly, compared to a full DOT knobby like the TKC 80, the Rocks is absolutely much quieter. But when compared to a simi- lar 60/40 tire, it seems loud to me. To be fair, Dunlop categorizes the Mission as a 50/50 tire, but that's debatable when you actually ride it. They could have easily called it 60/40. On a more positive note, Conti- nental's RainGrip technology is truly something to behold. I pushed these tires hard on soaking-wet asphalt—on a cold rainy day in the mountains—and they never once scared me. The wet grip is incredible. However, they do have a tendency to "vein," meaning that they follow grooves in the surface of the road. Slightly lowering the tire pressure helped this a bit, but it was still noticeable. It almost feels like the crown of the tire is steeper than what I'm accustomed to. On dry pave- ment, the TKC 70 Rocks, combined with its TKC 70 partner in the front, really comes to life. The tire transitions quickly through tight corners. Even a big 1250 GSA feels light and flickable with these tires. No question that the chemical grip of the Contis is fantastic in both wet and dry conditions. They're confidence-inspiring on the street, and they can be ridden very aggressively without complaining. Moving off-road, the spacing of the center lugs on the Rocks rear works well in providing mechanical grip. Breaking and sliding the rear into a turn, and then accelerating out, is predictable and consistent. The front wants to drift on occasion, but I expected that, so it wasn't an issue. It's actually a little better than I thought it would be. I only rode these tires on slightly muddy forest service roads and through a few river crossings. I didn't ride in full mud conditions, and I'm not sure that I would want to. Continental says that you can pair the Rocks with a TKC 80 front, which would be the better option if you're riding in mud or sand, but for longevity, the combination that I tested is certainly best. And speaking of longevity, I've only put about 600 miles on the Contis so far, but I anticipate that the new Rocks rear will last a good 7000 to 8000 miles—possibly more, depending on your riding style. The TKC 70 front is a proven tire that's been on the market for a while, and it's known for its longevity. Overall, I'm really enjoying the TKC 70 Rocks. It's a great tire, and I think lots of riders will like the fact that they can run the Rocks rear until it's done and then replace the rear only, since the TKC 70 front should outlast it by quite a bit. Continental actually points this out as a selling point in their marketing materi- als for the Rocks tire. It's a good way to keep you on their brand of tires for just a little longer—and as well as these tires perform, you'll likely be back for more. Keith Dowdle LOWDOWN 70 ROCKS (REAR) The Rocks is a 60/40 on/ off single-compound tire that uses Continental's MultiGrip technology to achieve a continuous transition from the grippy shoulder to the higher mileage, more wear- resistant center.