If you're in the market for a dual compound radial tyre, the new Michelin Road 6 might be the one for you. It represents the next evolution of the ever-popular Road 5. Michelin has enhanced wet grip by introducing a new tread pattern that optimizes the ratio of water grooves (sipes) to rubber. The more grooves there are, the better the water displacement, but having more rubber in contact with a dry road enhances grip. If it never rained, we would all be using slicks with no sipes at all. So the challenge lies in achieving the best ratio between these two extremes, ensuring riders have constant and accurate feedback from their tires. Michelin claims a 15% increase in wet grip with the new Road 6 compared to the Road 5.
Moreover, the tread compound has been refined to enhance performance in wet conditions and cold temperatures. The Road 6 carcass is constructed with highly dense Aramid tread plies, which resist centrifugal growth at speed, reduce weight, and provide stability. These tyres are among the most popular choices for sport touring.
The Road 6 also has some tyre sizes available in the GT version which are made for bigger heavy bikes, maybe with luggage and used for 2 up riding. The GT has firmer side walls.
The Michelin Road 5 in Adventure bike sizes, front 110/80-19, 120/70-19 and rear 150/70-17, 170/60-17 use to be called the "Road 5 Trail'. For the road 6 Michelin have dropped the name "Trail" but the tyres in these sizes are made to handle light off road work just the the Road 5 Trail.
