Michelin are a French tyre manufacturer known for their expertise in various tyre types, including
car tyres, commercial tyres, and
motorbike tyres.
A renowned motorcycle tyre series that Michelin have been producing and developing for a number of years is their Pilot Road/Road motorbike tyres.
Latest releases of these tyre include the Pilot Road 5 and the Road 6; however, today we will be discussing both the
Pilot Road 3 and
Pilot Road 4 tyres.
This article will cover the features of both tyre models, comparing the difference between the two through our own data from Blackcircles.com customers.
Michelin Pilot Road 3 vs Pilot Road 4: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Road 3 and Michelin Pilot Road 4 is that the Pilot Road 4 builds on the strengths of its predecessor with improved wet-weather grip, enhanced braking performance and increased mileage.
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 became a popular sport-touring motorcycle tyre thanks to its dependable all-weather performance, confident handling and long-distance comfort.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 introduced Michelin’s patented Water Brake Technology, providing stronger grip and braking on wet roads while maintaining the durability and versatility that made the Pilot Road range a favourite among sport-touring riders.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since evolved the range with the Michelin Road 5 and the current Michelin Road 6. Riders buying new sport-touring motorcycle tyres today may wish to compare the latest Road 6, which builds on the Pilot Road and Road family with further improvements in wet grip, longevity and everyday riding confidence.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Road 3 if you’re replacing an existing set on an older motorcycle.
Choose the Pilot Road 4 if you want the more advanced version with improved wet-weather performance.
Pilot Road 3 Overview
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 is a motorbike tyre that Michelin released globally back in 2011.
The Pilot Road 3 is equipped with Michelin’s 2CT dual-compound technology. This technology applied to the Pilot Road 3 increases the tyre life and cornering stability, adding to both the reliability and performance of the tyre.
Michelin have also developed X Sipe Technology (XST) on the premium tyre, integrating dual action sipes onto the tyre’s tread further reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
These technologies applied to the Pilot Road 3 has made it stand the test of time, making it a tried and tested model for Michelin.
The Pilot Road 3 replaced the Pilot Road 2 upon its release in 2011.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 is a premium motorbike tyre manufactured by Michelin since 2014.
Developed with Michelin’s Water Brake Technology, the Pilot Road 4 has enhanced levels of grip on wet and slippery surfaces, making it a fantastic tyre for winter driving.
Also being produced with rubber compounds, the Pilot Road 4 has a 20% greater tread life than its predecessor, the Pilot Road 3.
Michelin’s XST+ is developed on the Pilot Road 4, which reinforces both wear and longevity of the tyre.
A reliable tyre for motorbike users, the technologies used on the Pilot Road 4 has made this model a standout amongst competitors.
The Pilot Road 4 replaced the Pilot Road 3 when it was released globally in 2014.
Which Motorcycles Are The Michelin Pilot Road 3 And Pilot Road 4 Designed For?
Both tyres were developed for sport-touring motorcycles used for commuting, weekend rides and long-distance touring.
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 was commonly fitted to:
Yamaha FZ1
Honda VFR800
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Kawasaki Z1000SX
Triumph Sprint GT
BMW F800GT
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 is commonly fitted to:
Yamaha Tracer 9
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
BMW R1250RS
Honda NT1100
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Why Do So Many Motorcycle Riders Choose Michelin?
Michelin has been developing motorcycle tyres for more than a century, with technologies refined through both road riding and international motorcycle racing. That experience has helped Michelin develop tyres that balance wet-weather confidence, stability, longevity and rider feedback across a wide range of motorcycles.
Whether commuting, touring or enjoying weekend rides, many riders choose Michelin because of its reputation for delivering predictable performance in real-world riding conditions.
Price Difference Between Michelin Pilot Road 3 vs Road 4
Prices for fully fitted tyres typically vary between different tyre sizes.
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 is currently out of stock on Blackcircles.com, so no price range is available for this model at the moment.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Road 4 range from £ to £.
Should You Buy The Michelin Pilot Road 3 Or Pilot Road 4?
Both tyres remain excellent sport-touring motorcycle tyres, but the Michelin Pilot Road 4 is the recommended choice for most riders.
Building on the Pilot Road 3, it introduced stronger wet-weather braking, improved grip and increased rider confidence while maintaining the long mileage and comfort expected from Michelin’s sport-touring range.
If you’re buying a new set of Michelin sport-touring motorcycle tyres today, it’s also worth considering the Michelin Road 6. As the latest evolution of the Pilot Road and Road family, it delivers Michelin’s most advanced combination of wet-weather grip, longevity and everyday riding performance.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Pilot Road 3 Or Pilot Road 4?
You can buy both the Michelin Pilot Road 3 (where possible) and Michelin Pilot Road 4 directly from Blackcircles.com. Simply enter your motorcycle’s tyre size to compare available options and view the latest prices.
Unlike our car tyres, motorcycle tyres are delivered directly to your chosen address, allowing you to arrange fitting at your preferred motorcycle workshop or fit them yourself if you have the appropriate equipment and experience.
Blackcircles.com stocks a wide range of Michelin motorcycle tyres, making it easy to find the right fitment for your bike and have it delivered straight to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace Michelin Pilot Road 3 tyres with Pilot Road 4?
Yes. In most cases, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 is the natural replacement for the Pilot Road 3, provided it is available in the correct size for your motorcycle. It offers improved wet-weather grip and braking while maintaining the long-distance comfort and durability of its predecessor.
What improvements does the Pilot Road 4 offer over the Pilot Road 3?
The Pilot Road 4 introduced Michelin’s Water Brake Technology, improving wet-weather grip and braking performance while continuing to deliver the high mileage and stability expected from a sport-touring tyre.
Is the Michelin Pilot Road range good for touring?
Yes. The Pilot Road range was specifically developed for sport-touring riders who regularly cover long distances. Both tyres combine comfort, durability and dependable performance in a wide variety of weather conditions.
Which tyre performs better in wet weather?
The Pilot Road 4 offers stronger wet-weather performance than the Pilot Road 3 thanks to its revised tread design and Michelin’s Water Brake Technology, helping riders maintain confidence on wet roads.
Which tyre lasts longer?
Both tyres are designed for high mileage, but the Pilot Road 4 was developed to maintain its performance over a longer lifespan while continuing to deliver strong grip in wet conditions.
Are Michelin Pilot Road tyres suitable for commuting?
Yes. Their combination of long tread life, predictable handling and excellent wet-weather performance makes them well suited to everyday commuting as well as weekend touring.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres worth paying more for?
Many riders believe Michelin motorcycle tyres provide excellent value thanks to their combination of durability, rider confidence and premium engineering. Their ability to perform consistently across varying weather conditions has made them one of the most trusted motorcycle tyre brands worldwide.
Can I mix Michelin Pilot Road tyres with other tyre models?
Motorcycle manufacturers generally recommend fitting matching tyre models wherever possible. If replacing only one tyre, always check your motorcycle manufacturer’s guidance and Michelin’s fitment recommendations.
Are Pilot Road tyres still available?
Availability is now limited as the Pilot Road range has been superseded by Michelin’s newer Road family. Depending on size, some Pilot Road 4 tyres may still be available, while the Pilot Road 3 has largely been discontinued.
Should I consider the Michelin Road 6 instead?
Yes. If you’re buying new sport-touring motorcycle tyres today, the Michelin Road 6 is well worth considering. It is the latest evolution of the Pilot Road and Road family, offering Michelin’s most advanced wet-weather performance, longevity and everyday riding confidence for modern sport-touring motorcycles.
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