Michelin Road 5: The Ultimate All-Weather Performer

In the demanding world of motorcycle touring and sport riding, tyre technology is constantly evolving, striving for the perfect balance of grip, longevity, and all-weather performance. Early in 2019, Michelin unveiled its fifth generation in the revered Road series – the Michelin Road 5. Its predecessor, the Pilot Road 4, was already held in high esteem by riders worldwide, setting a high bar for its successor. The question on every rider's mind was: could the new Road 5 truly be even better? After putting these tyres through their paces for 4000 miles across a mix of commuting and pleasure riding, it's clear Michelin has delivered a tyre that not only lives up to expectations but arguably surpasses them, offering a compelling package for the discerning UK rider.

The Evolution of Grip: From Power RS to Road 5

To truly appreciate the advancements in the Road 5, it's worth looking back at some of Michelin's recent innovations. In 2018, Michelin introduced the Power RS, a fast road and track day tyre born from their extensive Moto GP experience. This tyre featured a brand-new, distinctive tread pattern, primarily in the centre, designed to give riders the ultimate dry grip and feel. The Power RS was a masterstroke, offering incredible feedback in both wet and dry conditions, with quick warm-up times that inspired confidence. Its abundant grip, however, came at a cost: a shorter lifespan compared to more touring-focused alternatives.

When the Road 5 was announced, some speculated it might simply be a Power RS with more tread. However, Michelin’s engineers went much further. The Michelin Road 5 is an entirely new beast, utilising an all-new tyre compound, layout, and carcass. While it does incorporate the distinctive tread pattern with spines seen on the Power RS, it marries this with the added channels and unique holes from the Pilot Road 4. This thoughtful fusion of design elements is key to the Road 5's exceptional performance envelope.

Innovative Tread Design: Conquering Wet Conditions

The core philosophy behind the Road 5's new tread pattern is to optimise water displacement precisely where it's needed most. When riding in wet conditions, aggressive lean angles are less common. Therefore, the bulk of the tread is intelligently concentrated on the centre face of the Road 5. This design ensures maximum efficiency in channelling away standing water, providing superior grip and confidence when the heavens open.

Conversely, the outer shoulders of the Road 5 are completely slick. This design choice is a significant advantage in dry conditions, allowing for maximum contact patch and superb grip when higher lean angles are required. It’s a clever dual-purpose design that caters to the varied demands of real-world riding.

Sustained Performance: Grip That Lasts

One of the most remarkable claims Michelin makes about the Road 5, and one that holds up in real-world testing, is its ability to maintain grip as it wears. The redesigned tread boasts more grip when the tyre is worn to 50% than the outgoing Road 4 offered when brand new. This incredible feat is achieved through the tapering design of the tread spines. As the tyre wears, these spines actually get bigger, maintaining the same surface area despite a reduction in depth. This ingenious feature ensures that a worn Road 5 can effectively shift the same amount of water as a brand-new tyre, providing consistent safety and performance throughout its lifespan.

Michelin Road 5 Performance Review: 4000 Miles On

My test mule, a trusty GSX750F, might feature a narrower 150 rear tyre compared to the 180/190 found on many modern bikes, but it proved to be an ideal candidate for assessing the Road 5's capabilities. With a significant amount of distance covered in all weathers, the GSXF and the Road 5 proved to be an excellent pairing.

Since fitting them in spring 2019, I've logged 4000 miles, encompassing a healthy mix of daily commuting and spirited pleasure rides. The tyres have performed flawlessly. Despite the narrower profile of the GSXF, they are incredibly happy to lean, feeling incredibly planted when upright. There have been absolutely no slip problems under hard acceleration or braking, instilling immense confidence in every ride. The rear end feels incredibly planted, whether the road is wet or dry, much like the positive experience I had with the Power RS tyre last year.

Longevity and Tyre Health

The Road 5's life is proving to be excellent. After 4000 miles, the treadwear is precisely as I would expect. Even though the GSXF isn't a particularly aggressive tyre-chewer, there's still plenty of life left in them. I'm optimistically hoping for at least another 4000 miles before a replacement is needed. Crucially, the profile of the tyre hasn't flattened out, even with extensive motorway and dual carriageway use, which is often a tell-tale sign of premature wear on touring tyres.

Throughout the test period, I adhered to the standard manufacturer-recommended tyre pressures, checking them every two weeks. There was a slight drop in pressure on occasion, but I would attribute this more to the age and condition of the bike's old, pitted wheels rather than any inherent issue with the tyres themselves. Maintaining correct tyre pressures is crucial for optimal performance and longevity.

Are the Michelin Road 5 Tyres for You?

Without a doubt, these would be a fantastic all-year tyre for sports bike riders seeking a tyre that can confidently handle any weather condition the UK can throw at them. The Pilot Road 5 would also make an excellent choice for track days, particularly in cooler temperatures, for those looking to sneak in an autumn or winter session without compromising on grip or safety. Their blend of wet weather performance and dry grip makes them truly versatile.

Tyre Sizes and Pricing

While the Michelin Road 5 is available in a range of sizes to suit various motorcycles, the most common combination for many performance bikes, such as a 120/70 front and 180/55 rear, typically retails around £245 for the tyres only. This pricing falls within the normal range for high-performance motorcycle rubber from leading manufacturers. For reference, the test bike used a 150 rear tyre, demonstrating the Road 5's adaptability across different motorcycle types.

When considering alternatives, riders might look at the Metzeler M9RR or the Roadtec 01, both strong contenders in the sport-touring segment. For those prioritising ultimate dry grip over longevity, the Michelin Power RS remains an option, though it's important to remember its more track-focused nature.

Convenient Mobile Tyre Fitting

For ultimate convenience, consider opting for mobile tyre fitting when purchasing your new Michelin Road 5 tyres. Our mobile fitting partners are available at various locations across the UK, bringing the service directly to you. Enjoy the ease of having your new tyres expertly fitted at home on your driveway, or even at your workplace, saving you valuable time and hassle. This service makes getting your new tyres installed simpler than ever before.

Pilot Road 4 vs. Road 5 Comparison

To highlight the significant advancements, here’s a quick comparison between the previous generation and the new Road 5:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes the Michelin Road 5 better than the Pilot Road 4?

A: The Road 5 offers significantly improved wet grip, particularly as the tyre wears. Its innovative tread pattern and new compound mean it provides more grip when 50% worn than the Road 4 did when new, offering greater safety and consistent performance throughout its lifespan. It also builds on the excellent dry performance of the Power RS.

Q: Is the Road 5 suitable for track days?

A: While primarily a sport-touring tyre, the Road 5 can certainly handle track days, especially in cooler temperatures or for riders not pushing extreme limits. Its quick warm-up and excellent grip make it a competent choice, though for dedicated track use in hot conditions, a more track-focused tyre like the Power RS might be preferred.

Q: What tyre sizes are available for the Michelin Road 5?

A: The Michelin Road 5 is available in a comprehensive range of sizes to fit most modern sport and touring motorcycles. Common sizes include 120/70 ZR17 for the front and 150/70 ZR17, 160/60 ZR17, 180/55 ZR17, and 190/55 ZR17 for the rear. Always consult your motorcycle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended tyre sizes.

Q: How long can I expect the Michelin Road 5 to last?

A: Based on our 4000-mile review, the Road 5 exhibits excellent longevity. While lifespan varies based on riding style, bike type, and road conditions, expecting at least 8000 miles or more for a rear tyre, and even longer for a front, is a reasonable expectation for many riders. The tyre's ability to maintain performance as it wears also contributes to its overall value.

Q: Can I use the Road 5 all year round in the UK?

A: Absolutely. The Road 5's exceptional wet weather performance, combined with its strong dry grip and consistent wear characteristics, makes it an ideal choice for year-round riding in the varied UK climate. It provides confidence whether commuting in the rain or enjoying a sunny weekend blast.

Conclusion

Overall, the Michelin Road 5 is a fantastic tyre. It represents a significant leap forward in sport-touring tyre technology, offering an unparalleled blend of grip, longevity, and all-weather capability. For riders across the UK seeking a tyre that performs admirably in diverse conditions, inspires confidence, and offers excellent value over its lifespan, the Road 5 stands out as a top-tier choice. Its ability to maintain performance even as it wears is a testament to Michelin's innovative engineering, making it a truly dependable companion for any journey.

If you want to read more articles similar to Michelin Road 5: The Ultimate All-Weather Performer, you can visit the Tyres category.