The mandatory minimum tread depth for motorcycle tires in Germany and other countries such as France, Spain and Switzerland is 1.6 millimeters.
For mopeds and light motorcycles, at least one millimeter of tread depth is required.
Elsewhere, in Italy, Norway and Finland, for example, people make do with 1.0 millimeter, according to Conti, and in Great Britain and the United States even 0.8 millimeters. If a tire manufacturer advises the timely purchase of new tires, this does not seem entirely altruistic. But Continental, for example, can give good reasons. With decreasing tread depth, a tire builds up less temperature, they say. Deep tread works more, generates more heat through more friction, and thus more grip.
With full tread, the manufacturer also says there is less risk of suffering a puncture. Above all, however, the ability to absorb water increases in the rain.
Aquaplaning in motorcycle tires
For the new Road Attack 3 sport-touring tire, the rubber experts at Conti's Korbach-based two-wheeler division cite a water absorption rate of half a liter per second at a speed of 100 km/h - provided the full tread depth of 7 mm is available. With just 2 mm, the value drops to 200 milliliters per second and with 0.8 mm of tread to 125 milliliters, they say.
Measuring the tread depth of a motorcycle
§ Section 36 (2) of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) explains that the main tread must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm around the entire circumference. The main tread is defined as the wide grooves in the central area of the tread - more precisely 3/4 of the tread in the central area. The edges of the treads (1/8 each) are not decisive for the tread depth measurement.
With its 7 millimeters, the new Road Attack 3 has more tread depth ex works than its predecessor Road Attack 2 Evo. Most importantly, Conti has said goodbye to the Evo's swept, "beautiful" tread design and now focuses on a purely functional tread design.
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