Michelin are a leading tyre manufacturer that have been producing top quality tyres for a number of decades.
The French tyre brand are not just known for their extensive
car tyre range, with Michelin manufacturing premium tyres for many vehicle segments.
One of these segments is
bike tyres, with their Road/Pilot Road tyre series being popular with motorbike enthusiasts across the world.
This article will be comparing two popular Michelin motorbike tyre models, discussing their features, how customers feel about the tyres, and more.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 vs Road 6: What's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and Michelin Road 6 is that the Road 6 represents the latest evolution of Michelin's sport-touring motorcycle tyre technology.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 earned a strong reputation for dependable wet-weather grip, excellent durability and long-distance comfort, making it one of Michelin's most popular sport-touring tyres.
The Michelin Road 6 builds on the success of the Pilot Road family and the Michelin Road 5 with further improvements in wet grip, longevity and rider confidence. Designed for today's sport-touring motorcycles, it combines Michelin's
latest tread compounds and construction technologies to deliver exceptional all-weather performance and high mileage.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Road 4 if you're replacing an existing set on an older motorcycle.
Choose the Road 6 if you want Michelin's latest sport-touring motorcycle tyre.
Pilot Road 4 Overview
The
Michelin Pilot Road 4 is a sport touring motorcycle that was released globally by Michelin in 2014.
Michelin has developed the Pilot Road 4 to perform throughout winter seasons. Through Michelin’s Water Brake technology, the grip on wet and slippery surfaces are enhanced, making for a smooth drive through challenging driving conditions.
Tread life for the Pilot Road 4 is also a strong suit, with the tyre being manufactured with rubber compounds. This gives the Road 4 a 20% better tread life than the Pilot Road 3, the model’s predecessor.
Michelin also developed the Pilot Road 4 with their XST+ technology, which bolsters the longevity and rigidness of the tyre.
The Pilot Road 4 replaced the
Pilot Road 3 upon its release in 2014.
The
Michelin Road 6 is a premium motorcycle tyre introduced globally back in 2022.
Michelin has developed the Road 6 with 100% Silica Technology tread compounds, strengthening the tyre’s grip by 15% compared to its predecessor (Michelin Road 5).
The high tech compound also contributes to the tyre’s longevity, increasing it by a further 10%, allowing for long rides and stronger durability.
Michelin’s Aramid Shield Technology further secures the tread, providing strengthened stability. Additionally, the Road 6 benefits from Michelin’s 2CT+ Technology, boosting the tyre’s stability.
Upon its release in 2022, the Road 6 replaced the
Michelin Road 5.
Which motorcycles are the Michelin Pilot Road 4 and Road 6 designed for?
Both tyres have been developed for sport-touring motorcycles that combine everyday usability with long-distance riding.
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 6 is commonly fitted to:
BMW R1250RS
BMW R1300GS
Yamaha Tracer 9
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Honda NT1100
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Ducati Multistrada V2
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Price Difference Between Pilot Road 4 vs Road 6
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 6 range from £ to £.
Should you buy the Michelin Pilot Road 4 or Road 6?
Both tyres are excellent sport-touring motorcycle tyres, but the Michelin Road 6 is the recommended choice for most riders.
Building on the Pilot Road 4 and Road 5, the Road 6 delivers Michelin's latest advances in wet-weather grip, tread life and overall riding confidence. It has been developed to provide stronger performance throughout the tyre's lifespan while maintaining the comfort and stability expected from a premium sport-touring tyre.
The Michelin Pilot Road 4 remains a capable option for riders maintaining an older motorcycle. However, if the Road 6 is available in your required size, it represents Michelin's most advanced sport-touring motorcycle tyre and is the stronger long-term choice.
Where can I buy Pilot Road 4 or Road 6?
You can buy the Michelin Road 6, 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 6 the successor to the Pilot Road 4?
Yes. The Michelin Road 6 is the latest evolution of Michelin's sport-touring motorcycle tyre range. Between the two models, Michelin introduced the Road 5, with each generation building on the strengths of its predecessor to improve wet grip, durability and overall riding performance.
What improvements does the Michelin Road 6 offer over the Pilot Road 4?
The Michelin Road 6 benefits from Michelin's latest tread compounds, construction technologies and tread design. Compared with the Pilot Road 4, it delivers improved wet-weather grip, increased longevity and greater rider confidence throughout the tyre's lifespan.
Is the Michelin Road 6 suitable for long-distance touring?
Yes. The Road 6 has been developed specifically for sport-touring riders who regularly cover long distances. It combines excellent comfort, stability and durability with strong performance in both wet and dry conditions.
Which tyre performs better in wet weather?
Both tyres perform well in wet conditions, but the Michelin Road 6 has been engineered to provide even stronger wet grip and shorter braking distances than previous generations, making it the better choice for riders who frequently encounter rain.
Can I fit Michelin Road 6 tyres to an older motorcycle?
In many cases, yes. If the Road 6 is available in the correct size and specification for your motorcycle, it can be an excellent upgrade, bringing Michelin's latest sport-touring technology to older bikes.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
The Michelin Road 6 has been developed to deliver increased tread life compared with previous generations while maintaining consistent grip as the tyre wears. Actual mileage will vary depending 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. Their balance of comfort, durability and dependable all-weather grip makes them suitable for a wide range of riders.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres worth paying more for?
Many riders consider Michelin motorcycle tyres to offer excellent long-term value thanks to their premium engineering, long tread life and dependable performance in changing weather conditions. Their durability and rider confidence often justify the higher purchase price.
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 purchasing new tyres today will generally find the Road 6 to be Michelin's recommended sport-touring option.
Should I upgrade from the Michelin Pilot Road 4 to the Road 6?
Yes. If your motorcycle is compatible, upgrading to the Michelin Road 6 is worthwhile. It delivers Michelin's latest advances in wet-weather performance, longevity and everyday riding confidence, making it the best choice for most riders replacing an older set of Pilot Road 4 tyres.
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