Continental Tires has introduced the TKC 80 Generation 2—stylized as TKC 802, the all-new successor to its iconic TKC 80 tire. Continental touts the Generation 2 as marking a significant advancement for the travel enduro and adventure segment. Scheduled for availability in Spring 2026, the new 802 responds to the rising global demand for versatile performance on both pavement and unpaved terrain, particularly as modern adventure motorcycles grow larger and more powerful.
Central to the new Continental TKC 80 Generation 2 is a redesigned tread pattern that enhances grip across surfaces. Larger tread blocks, repositioned with additional contact edges, improve mechanical adhesion on loose terrain, including mud, sand, and gravel. Staggered outer blocks and refined geometry promote self-cleaning, preventing buildup that can reduce traction.
The front tire incorporates blocks sloped steeply downward in the direction of travel to strengthen braking control off-road, while the rear tire’s opposing block orientation optimizes acceleration. An expanded contact patch ensures stability in upright riding and during lean, a critical factor for extended journeys under load.
The TKC 80 Generation 2 tire maintains a precise 50/50 on-/off-road balance thanks to the 802’s new carcass construction. This design provides firmness when fully loaded, at highway speeds, or on rugged trails, while enhanced damping improves rider comfort in varied conditions. A new rubber compound is designed to precisely balance durability and grip. A Continental representative tells us that the 802 offers extended mileage alongside secure handling in cold and wet weather via Continental’s RainGrip technology.
“Our new flexible rubber compound adapts perfectly to the micro-roughness of the asphalt, providing excellent grip,” Product Manager for Motorcycle Tires at Continental Raphael Michels tells us. “At the same time, we’ve worked intensively to resolve the conflict between on- and off-road performance in the best possible way. The tire tread combines maximum flexibility for safe wet grip with high block stiffness for stability and mechanical grip.”
The TKC 80, a benchmark in adventure tires since its inception, has equipped riders for challenging routes worldwide, from the Trans European Trail in Europe to the Backcountry Discovery Routes in North America. The Continental TKC 80 Generation 2 builds on this legacy, engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of contemporary adventure bikes as Continental’s most capable off-road offering in its motorcycle tire portfolio. Increased puncture resistance further supports long-distance reliability, making the TKC 802 suitable for global expeditions where roadside repairs are impractical.
“With the TKC 80 Generation 2, we’re setting new standards in terms of versatility, robustness, and off-road performance,” Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires at Continental Christoph Ettenhuber explains. “The combination of innovative tread design, new rubber compound, and optimized carcass offers adventure riders maximum safety, control, and riding pleasure on a wide variety of terrains.”
The tire will be offered in four front sizes for 19- and 21-inch rims, and six sizes for 17- and 18-inch rear wheels, accommodating most popular adventure models. A distinctive icon on the sidewall reminds riders that the Continental TKC 80 Generation 2 is an all-new tire.
