The French tyre manufacturer has two outstanding offerings for sport touring enthusiasts. Namely, the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and the Michelin Road 5.
Both of these tyres have been carefully engineered to deliver riders with a superior performance. In particular when it comes to handling, grip, and durability.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 vs Road 5: What's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and Michelin Road 5 is that the Road 5 builds on the success of the Pilot Road series with improved wet-weather performance, enhanced dry grip and more consistent handling as the tyre wears.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 became one of Michelin's most popular sport-touring motorcycle tyres, offering dependable wet grip, long mileage and excellent all-weather performance.
The Michelin Road 5 marked the next evolution of Michelin's sport-touring range. It introduced Michelin's patented Michelin Water EverGrip Technology and a new tread compound designed to deliver impressive wet-weather braking, even when the tyre is worn, while maintaining excellent dry-road performance.
It's also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the Michelin Road 6, the latest generation of its sport-touring motorcycle tyre. Riders buying new tyres today may also wish to compare the Road 6, which builds on the Road 5 with further improvements in wet grip, longevity and overall riding confidence.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Road 4 if you're replacing an existing set on an older motorcycle.
Choose the Road 5 if you want a more modern sport-touring tyre with improved wet-weather performance.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 vs Road 5: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and Michelin Road 5 is that the Road 5 builds on the success of the Pilot Road series with improved wet-weather performance, enhanced dry grip and more consistent handling as the tyre wears.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 became one of Michelin’s most popular sport-touring motorcycle tyres, offering dependable wet grip, long mileage and excellent all-weather performance.
The Michelin Road 5 marked the next evolution of Michelin’s sport-touring range. It introduced Michelin’s patented Michelin Water EverGrip Technology and a new tread compound designed to deliver impressive wet-weather braking, even when the tyre is worn, while maintaining excellent dry-road performance.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the Michelin Road 6, the latest generation of its sport-touring motorcycle tyre. Riders buying new tyres today may also wish to compare the Road 6, which builds on the Road 5 with further improvements in wet grip, longevity and overall riding confidence.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Road 4 if you’re replacing an existing set on an older motorcycle.
Choose the Road 5 if you want a more modern sport-touring tyre with improved wet-weather performance.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 Overview
The
Michelin Pilot Road 4 is celebrated for a reliable performance. As well as excellent longevity.
Michelin have engineered the Pilot Road 4 with touring and sport-touring motorcycles in mind. And as such, this tyre provides exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions. Something which can help to deliver a safe and enjoyable ride.
Key features of the Pilot Road 4 include:
XST Sipe Technology. This helps to provide grip in wet conditions. It does this by providing better water evacuation. Leading to shorter stopping distances.
2CT (Two Compound Technology). This type of compound utilises different rubber on the centre and shoulders – giving it a better overall performance in different conditions.
Silica-Rich Tread Compound. This is a unique compound that delivers an improved grip in low temperatures. And on wet surfaces.
The
Michelin Road 5 is a newer tyre and and has quickly become known for the use of cutting-edge technology. As well a providing a superior wet weather performance.
Building on the strengths of the Pilot Road 4, this tyre delivers better handling and grip than its predecessor, making it ideal for riders who demand the best in all conditions.
Its innovative tread pattern design and use of materials provide riders with an enhanced experience.
Key features include
MICHELIN Water Evergrip Technology. This is an evolving tread pattern which allows the tyre to deliver exceptional wet grip. Even as the tyre wears the performance remains consistent throughout the lifespan of the tyre.
2CT+ Dual Compound Technology. This improves the stability and handling of the bike. Particularly when in corners.
ACT+ Technology. Used for a consistent contact with the road. Not only improving comfort, but also the performance in various conditions.
This means they are not evaluated for fuel efficiency, wet grip, or noise levels in the same way that car tyres are.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into real-world performance and satisfaction.
Here is the ratings that customers at Blackcircles.com have given the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and Road 5.
Is the Michelin Pilot Road 4 Good?
customers have reviewed the Pilot Road 4 as follows:
Is the Michelin Road 5 Good?
customers have reviewed the Road 5 as follows:
Which Motorcycles Are The Michelin Pilot Road 4 And Road 5 Designed For?
Both tyres were developed for sport-touring motorcycles used for commuting, weekend rides and long-distance touring.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 is commonly fitted to:
Honda VFR800
Yamaha FJR1300
Kawasaki Z1000SX
Suzuki Bandit 1250
BMW R1200RS
Triumph Sprint GT
The Michelin Road 5 is commonly fitted to:
Yamaha Tracer 9
BMW R1250RS
Honda NT1100
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Ducati Multistrada V2
BMW F900XR
Why Has Michelin Remained A Leader In Motorcycle Tyres?
Michelin has spent
decades developing motorcycle tyres that deliver confidence across a wide variety of riding conditions. Technologies developed through extensive road testing and motorcycle racing have helped Michelin create tyres that balance grip, durability, stability and rider feedback.
Whether riding through city streets, covering motorway miles or enjoying long-distance touring, Michelin continues to refine its motorcycle tyres to meet the needs of modern riders.
Price Difference Between Michelin Pilot Road 4 vs Road 5
Prices for fully fitted tyres typically vary between different tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Road 4 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Road 5 range from £ to £.
Should You Buy The Michelin Pilot Road 4 Or Road 5?
Both tyres are excellent sport-touring motorcycle tyres, but the Michelin Road 5 is the recommended choice for most riders.
Building on the success of the Pilot Road 4, it introduced stronger wet-weather performance, improved grip on dry roads and greater confidence throughout the tyre’s lifespan. It remains an outstanding option for riders looking for a premium sport-touring tyre.
If you’re buying a new set of Michelin motorcycle tyres today, it’s also worth considering the Michelin Road 6. As the latest evolution of Michelin’s Road range, it builds on the Road 5 with further improvements in wet grip, longevity and everyday riding performance, making it Michelin’s most advanced sport-touring motorcycle tyre.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Pilot Road 4 Or Road 5?
You can buy the Michelin Road 5, and where available the Michelin Pilot Road 4, 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 5 the successor to the Pilot Road 4?
Yes. The Michelin Road 5 replaced the Pilot Road 4 as Michelin’s flagship sport-touring motorcycle tyre, introducing improved wet-weather grip, updated tread technology and stronger overall performance while maintaining the long-distance capability that made the Pilot Road range so popular.
What improvements does the Michelin Road 5 offer over the Pilot Road 4?
The Road 5 features Michelin’s latest tread compound and Michelin Water EverGrip Technology, helping it maintain excellent wet-weather braking and grip as the tyre wears. It also provides improved dry handling and greater rider confidence in changing road conditions.
Is the Michelin Road 5 suitable for long-distance touring?
Yes. The Road 5 was developed for riders who combine everyday commuting with weekend rides and long-distance touring. It offers an excellent balance of comfort, stability, durability and all-weather performance.
Which tyre performs better in wet weather?
Both tyres perform well in wet conditions, but the Michelin Road 5 introduces significant improvements in wet grip and braking thanks to its updated tread design and compound technology, making it the stronger performer in challenging weather.
Can I fit Michelin Road 5 tyres to an older motorcycle?
In many cases, yes. As long as the correct tyre size and specification are available for your motorcycle, the Road 5 can be an excellent upgrade for older bikes previously fitted with Pilot Road tyres.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are designed for high mileage, but the Michelin Road 5 was developed to maintain its performance throughout a longer service life. Actual mileage depends on riding style, motorcycle type and road conditions.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres suitable for everyday commuting?
Yes. Michelin’s sport-touring tyres are designed to perform equally well during daily commuting, weekend rides and extended touring, providing dependable grip and rider comfort across a wide range of conditions.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres worth paying more for?
Many riders believe Michelin motorcycle tyres offer excellent long-term value thanks to their combination of premium grip, durability and all-weather performance. Their consistent handling and long tread life make them a popular choice among touring riders.
Are Pilot Road tyres still available?
Some Pilot Road 4 sizes may still be available, but the range has largely been replaced by Michelin’s newer Road family. Riders buying new tyres today will usually find the Road 5 or the latest Road 6 to be the preferred options.
Should I consider the Michelin Road 6 instead?
Yes. If you’re buying a new set of Michelin sport-touring motorcycle tyres today, it’s worth comparing the Michelin Road 6. As the latest generation of the Road family, it offers further improvements in wet-weather grip, longevity and everyday riding performance, making it Michelin’s most advanced sport-touring motorcycle tyre.
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