Regarding motorbike tyres, Michelin’s Road and Pilot Road tyre series stand tall as some of the leading bike tyres on the market and have done for a number of years now.
Two popular models from this bike tyre series are Michelin’s Pilot Road 4 GT and Road 6 GT, which we will be drawing comparisons between throughout this article.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT vs Road 6 GT: What's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT and Michelin Road 6 GT is that the Road 6 GT represents the latest evolution of Michelin's premium touring motorcycle tyre technology for heavyweight motorcycles.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT was developed specifically for larger touring motorcycles, combining Michelin's 2AT (Dual Angle Technology) construction with Water Brake Technology to provide excellent stability, wet-weather grip and confidence when riding with luggage or a passenger.
The Michelin Road 6 GT builds on the Pilot Road GT legacy with Michelin's latest tread compounds and construction technologies. It delivers improved wet-weather grip, longer tyre life and enhanced stability for heavyweight touring motorcycles, making it Michelin's most advanced GT touring tyre. Michelin states the Road 6 GT offers 10% greater longevity than its predecessor while further improving wet-road performance.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Road 4 GT if you're replacing an existing set on an older touring motorcycle.
Choose the Road 6 GT if you want Michelin's latest GT touring tyre technology.
Why does Michelin produce GT-specific motorcycle tyres?
Heavy touring motorcycles place greater demands on their tyres than lighter motorcycles. Extra weight from luggage, passengers and larger engines requires tyres that deliver additional stability while maintaining comfort and predictable handling.
Michelin
develops dedicated GT tyres with reinforced construction technologies to help heavier motorcycles remain stable during long-distance touring, while still providing the wet-weather grip and durability expected from a premium Michelin touring tyre.
Michelin’s innovative XST+ sipes delivers excellent wet grip performance, ensuring stability at various speeds in wet and slippery surfaces.
At the time of release, independent tyre tests concluded that the Pilot Road 4 GT’s braking performance was 17% stronger than competitors, emphasising the strong capabilities of the tyre.
A high silica rubber compound contributes to grip not just on wet driving conditions, but also dry road surfaces.
A true innovative model, the Pilot Road 4 GT has been a popular tyre for motorbike riders across the world for over a decade.
The
Michelin Road 6 GT is also a premium bike tyre, globally released by Michelin in 2022.
New 100% Silica Technology developed by Michelin enhances the Road 6 GT’s grip, giving the tyre a 15% improvement on grip compared to its predecessor (Road 5 GT).
Tyre longevity is also bolstered 10% by the tyre’s high-tech compound, giving maximum reliability and making every journey as cost-effective as possible.
Wet grip performance of the Road 6 GT is further improved by Michelin’s Water Evergrip Technology, even when there is wear on the tyre.
A ground breaking sport-touring tyre, the Road 6 GT replaced the
Road 5 GT upon its release in 2022.
Price Difference Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT vs Road 6 GT
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Road 6 GT range from £ to £.
Should you buy the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT or Road 6 GT?
Both tyres are excellent touring motorcycle tyres, but the Michelin Road 6 GT is the recommended choice for most riders.
Building on the strengths of the Pilot Road 4 GT, the Road 6 GT introduces Michelin's latest touring technologies with improved wet-weather grip, longer tread life and enhanced stability for heavyweight motorcycles. It has been developed specifically for riders who regularly cover long distances, ride two-up or carry luggage.
The Pilot Road 4 GT remains a capable option for riders maintaining an older motorcycle. However, if the Road 6 GT is available in your required size, it represents Michelin's most advanced GT touring tyre and is the stronger long-term choice.
Where can I buy Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT or Road 6 GT?
You can buy both the Michelin Road 6 GT and, where available, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT directly from Blackcircles.com. Simply enter your motorcycle's tyre size to compare available options and view the latest prices.
Motorcycle tyres purchased from Blackcircles.com 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.
With a wide range of Michelin motorcycle tyres available, Blackcircles.com makes it easy to find the right tyres for your bike and have them delivered straight to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin Road 6 GT the successor to the Pilot Road 4 GT?
Yes. The Michelin Road 6 GT is the latest evolution of Michelin's GT touring motorcycle tyre range. Between the two models, Michelin introduced the Road 5 GT before developing the current Road 6 GT, with each generation improving wet-weather grip, stability and longevity.
What improvements does the Michelin Road 6 GT offer over the Pilot Road 4 GT?
The Road 6 GT benefits from Michelin's latest tread compounds and construction technologies, delivering stronger wet-weather performance, longer tread life and enhanced stability for heavyweight touring motorcycles. Michelin states it provides around 10% greater longevity than the previous GT generation.
What does the GT designation mean on Michelin motorcycle tyres?
GT stands for Grand Touring. Michelin GT tyres feature reinforced construction designed specifically for heavier touring motorcycles that regularly carry luggage or passengers, helping improve stability without compromising comfort or grip.
Is the Michelin Road 6 GT suitable for riding with a passenger?
Yes. The Road 6 GT has been specifically developed for heavyweight touring motorcycles that are frequently ridden two-up or fully loaded, offering additional stability while maintaining excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions.
Can I fit a Road 6 GT to an older touring motorcycle?
In many cases, yes. As long as the Road 6 GT is available in the correct size and specification for your motorcycle, it can be an excellent upgrade that brings Michelin's latest touring tyre technology to older GT motorcycles.
Which tyre performs better in wet weather?
Both tyres perform exceptionally well in wet conditions, but the Michelin Road 6 GT has been developed with Michelin's latest tread compounds and tread design to provide even greater wet-weather grip and braking performance than the Pilot Road 4 GT.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
The Michelin Road 6 GT has been engineered for increased longevity while maintaining consistent performance throughout its lifespan. Actual mileage depends on riding style, motorcycle weight and maintenance.
Are Michelin GT tyres suitable for everyday riding?
Yes. Although developed for heavyweight touring motorcycles, Michelin GT tyres are equally suited to everyday riding, commuting and weekend trips, delivering excellent comfort, stability and predictable handling.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres worth paying more for?
Many touring riders consider Michelin motorcycle tyres to offer excellent long-term value thanks to their combination of durability, wet-weather confidence and premium engineering. Their long tread life and consistent performance make them a popular choice for riders covering high annual mileage.
Should I upgrade from the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT to the Road 6 GT?
Yes. If your motorcycle is compatible, upgrading to the Michelin Road 6 GT is worthwhile. It delivers Michelin's latest advances in wet-weather grip, durability, stability and touring performance, making it the best choice for most riders replacing an older set of Pilot Road 4 GT tyres.
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