SALE

Michelin Road 5 Rear Sport Touring Tire

$249.95 $286.95
SKU: 03574
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Bring in your wheel off the bike to receive free mount & balance. 

Features:
  • MICHELIN® Road 5 tires offer superior wet weather grip versus leading competitors due to patented MICHELIN XST Evo siping and our latest 2CT and 2CT+ tread compounds
  • Even after 3,500 miles, MICHELIN® Road 5 tires stop as short as new MICHELIN Pilot® Road 4 tires thanks to evolutionary MICHELIN XST Evo sipes.
  • Enjoy better dry grip, improved stability and handling versus MICHELIN Pilot® Road 4 tires thanks to Michelin’s patented ACT+ casing technology for even more riding pleasure
  • MICHELIN® Road 5 Trail: For adventure touring bikes ridden exclusively on the road

What we think:

The Michelin Road 5 and Michelin Road 6 are both top-tier sport-touring tires designed for riders who want excellent grip, longevity, and all-weather performance. The Road 5 has been a class leader since its release, but the Road 6 improves upon it in several key areas — especially in wet grip, mileage, and comfort.

Here's a detailed breakdown and comparison:

✅ Michelin Road 5 – Key Features:

  • Target Use: Sport-touring riders who ride in dry and wet conditions, with occasional spirited cornering.

  • Tread Design: XST Evo siping + 2CT/2CT+ dual-compound technology.

  • Wet Grip: Exceptional — even when 50% worn, the wet performance rivals brand-new Road 4s.

  • Mileage: Typically good for 8,000–10,000 miles for the average rider.

  • Handling: Neutral steering, stable at lean angles, great feedback.

  • Comfort: Soaks up road imperfections well; tuned for mixed riding styles.

  • Best For: All-season riders who prioritize confidence in the rain and spirited sport-touring feel.

✅ Michelin Road 6 – Key Improvements Over Road 5:

  • Wet Grip: Up to 15% better wet grip than Road 5, thanks to updated silica compound and more siping.

  • New Rubber Mix: Next-gen silica-rich compound with Michelin’s “Water Evergrip Technology.”

  • Mileage: 10% increase in lifespan over Road 5 — many riders report 10,000–12,000+ miles.

  • Improved Stability: More consistent performance at lean angles, especially under load (pillion or luggage).

  • Road 6 GT version available for heavier sport-tourers (e.g., BMW R1250RT, Yamaha FJR1300).

  • Handling Feel: Slightly more touring-oriented — smoother turn-in, more stable under braking, slightly less flickable than Road 5.

🆚 Michelin Road 5 vs Road 6 – At a Glance

Feature Michelin Road 5 Michelin Road 6
Wet Grip Excellent Even better (15% increase)
Mileage ~8,000–10,000 miles ~10,000–12,000 miles
Comfort Very good Improved shock absorption
Handling Sporty, quicker turn-in Smoother, more stable
Weight/Load Handling Good Better (especially with GT version)
Price Slightly cheaper Slightly more expensive (~$30–$50/set more)

🔍 Final Verdict:

  • Choose the Road 5 if:

    • You ride mainly in dry or mixed conditions and want sporty handling.

    • You're budget-conscious but still want top-tier wet grip and comfort.

    • You ride a lighter sport-tourer or naked bike (e.g., MT-09, Tracer 7, Ninja 1000).

  • Choose the Road 6 if:

    • You ride year-round, often in the rain, and want maximum confidence in wet conditions.

    • You value longer mileage and smoother touring feel.

    • You ride a heavier sport-tourer or with a passenger/luggage (consider Road 6 GT).

💡 Bottom Line:
The Road 6 is an evolutionary improvement over the already-excellent Road 5. If you’re upgrading or replacing tires and don’t mind the price bump, the Road 6 is worth it for most riders — especially those who ride in wet conditions or do longer-distance touring.