When it comes time to buy new
motorcycle tyres, it is important to get the selection right as this will greatly enhance your riding experience.
Michelin tyres are well renowned and the French tyre manufacturer provides two exceptional sport-touring options in the Michelin Road 4 and the Michelin Road 4 GT.
Both are designed for good handling, reliable grip, and durability.
Michelin Road 4 vs Michelin Road 4 GT: What's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Road 4 and Michelin Road 4 GT is the type of motorcycle they have been designed to support.
The Michelin Road 4 is a premium sport-touring motorcycle tyre developed for a wide range of motorcycles, offering excellent wet-weather grip, long mileage and dependable all-round performance.
The Michelin Road 4 GT has been specifically engineered for larger and heavier touring motorcycles. It features Michelin's 2AT (Dual Angle Technology) construction, providing additional stability when riding with luggage or a passenger while maintaining the same strong wet-weather performance found in the standard Road 4.
In simple terms:
Choose the Michelin Road 4 if you ride a standard sport-touring motorcycle.
Choose the Michelin Road 4 GT if you ride a heavyweight touring motorcycle.
Michelin Road 4 Overview
The
Michelin Road 4 is regarded for its reliable performance. As well as the longevity of the tyres.
It is perhaps ideal for touring and sport-touring motorcycles. With excellent grip on wet and dry roads. For a safe and enjoyable ride.
Its advanced construction and use of cutting edge technology make it a favourite among long-distance riders.
Key Features:
XST+ Sipe Technology. Used in the tyre to improve wet grip and braking by better water dispersion and shorter stopping distances.
Dual Compound Technology (2CT). A harder compound in the centre for durability and a softer compound on the shoulders for better grip. Balancing the tyre’s performance in different conditions.
Silica-Rich Tread Compound. Used to enhance the grip of the tyres in cold and wet conditions. Ensuring consistent performance across various weather conditions.
The
Michelin Road 4 GT is a part of the same family of tyres within Michelin. It is designed specifically for heavier sport-touring motorcycles.
It shares many features with the standard Road 4. However, it includes additional enhancements to handle the needs and requirements of larger motorbikes.
The GT version offers greater stability and performance, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Key Features:
2AT Dual Angle Technology. Combines the benefits of bias-ply and radial constructions. This provides the rider with more stability and comfort on heavier bikes.
Enhanced Load Capacity. Built to manage the extra weight of larger motorcycles. Including additional luggage and passengers.
XST+ Sipe Technology. Like the Road 4, it boosts wet grip and braking, crucial for safe riding in various conditions.
Why does Michelin offer GT versions of its touring tyres?
Not every touring motorcycle places the same demands on its tyres. Larger motorcycles carrying luggage, passengers or both require additional support to maintain stability without compromising comfort or grip.
Michelin developed its GT tyres with reinforced construction technology specifically for heavyweight touring motorcycles. This allows riders to enjoy greater stability and predictable handling while retaining the wet-weather confidence and durability expected from Michelin's Road range.
Michelin Pilot Road 4 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Road 4 as follows:
Michelin Road 4 GT Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Road 4 GT as follows:
Which motorcycles are the Michelin Road 4 and Road 4 GT designed for?
Although both tyres belong to Michelin's Road family, they have been developed for different types of motorcycles.
The Michelin Road 4 is commonly fitted to:
Yamaha Tracer 900
Honda VFR800
Suzuki GSX-S1000
Kawasaki Z1000SX
BMW F900XR
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Honda CB650R
Yamaha MT-09
The Michelin Road 4 GT is commonly fitted to:
BMW R1200 RT
BMW K1600 GT
Yamaha FJR1300
Honda Gold Wing
Honda ST1300 Pan European
Kawasaki GTR1400 (Concours 14)
Triumph Trophy SE
Moto Guzzi Norge
Price Difference Between Michelin Road 4 vs Road 4 GT
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Road 4 range from £
to £
.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Road 4 GT range from £
to £
.
Should you buy the Michelin Road 4 or Road 4 GT?
Both tyres deliver the dependable grip and touring performance that made Michelin's Road range so popular, but they are designed for different motorcycles.
Choose the Michelin Road 4 if you ride a standard sport-touring motorcycle and want a tyre that balances wet-weather grip, comfort and long-lasting performance.
Choose the Michelin Road 4 GT if you own a heavier touring motorcycle or frequently ride with luggage or a passenger. Its reinforced construction provides greater stability while maintaining the same confidence-inspiring performance in wet and dry conditions.
Ultimately, the right tyre depends on your motorcycle's weight and the manufacturer's recommended fitment rather than your riding style.
Where can I buy Michelin Road 4 or Road 4 GT?
You can buy both the Michelin Road 4 and Michelin 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
What does GT mean on the Michelin Road 4 GT?
The GT designation stands for Grand Touring. It identifies a version of the tyre with reinforced construction, specifically designed for heavier touring motorcycles that regularly carry luggage or passengers. This helps improve stability without sacrificing grip or comfort.
Is the Michelin Road 4 GT better than the standard Road 4?
Not necessarily. The Road 4 GT isn't designed to outperform the standard Road 4 on every motorcycle. Instead, it's optimised for heavier touring bikes, while the standard Road 4 is better suited to lighter sport-touring motorcycles.
Can I fit Road 4 GT tyres to a lighter motorcycle?
It may be physically possible if the sizes match, but Michelin generally recommends using the version specified by your motorcycle manufacturer. The GT's reinforced construction is intended for heavier motorcycles and may alter the handling of lighter bikes.
Which tyre is better for riding with a passenger?
If you regularly carry a passenger or luggage on a heavyweight touring motorcycle, the Michelin Road 4 GT is the better option thanks to its reinforced construction and additional stability.
Do both tyres offer the same wet-weather performance?
Yes. Both tyres use Michelin's Water Brake Technology to deliver excellent grip and braking on wet roads. The main difference is that the GT version provides additional support for heavier motorcycles.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are engineered for high mileage. Actual tyre life depends on factors such as motorcycle weight, riding style, road conditions and maintenance, rather than whether you choose the standard or GT version.
Are Michelin Road tyres suitable for everyday commuting?
Yes. Michelin Road tyres are designed to perform equally well during daily commuting, weekend rides and long-distance touring, offering dependable grip and rider comfort in a wide range of weather conditions.
Are Michelin motorcycle tyres worth paying more for?
Many riders choose Michelin because of its reputation for premium engineering, wet-weather confidence and long-lasting durability. Their combination of comfort, stability and longevity makes them a popular choice for sport-touring riders.
Are Michelin Road 4 tyres still available?
Some sizes remain available, although Michelin's newer Road range—including the Road 5 and Road 6—has largely succeeded the Road 4 family for riders buying new tyres today.
Should I consider the Michelin Road 6 instead?
Yes. If you're buying a new set of Michelin sport-touring tyres today, it's worth comparing the Michelin Road 6. As the latest generation of the Road family, it builds on the Road 4 with improvements in wet-weather grip, longevity and overall touring performance.
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