When it comes time to replace your
motorcycle tyres, the number of different options available to you may, at times, seem overwhelming.
There are a wide variety of choices available, from several different tyre manufacturers.
Michelin Road 5 and
Michelin Pilot Road 3 motorcycle tyres are two popular choices. And as such, can lead to riders debating which of the two to choose as their next set of motorcycle tyres.
In this article we will have a run through of each tyre and highlight key points to help you make a decision that is right for you and your motorbike.
Michelin Road 5 vs Pilot Road 3: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Road 5 and Michelin Pilot Road 3 is that the Road 5 represents two generations of development beyond the Pilot Road 3, introducing significant improvements in wet-weather performance, handling and tread technology.
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 earned an excellent reputation among sport-touring riders thanks to its dependable grip, long tread life and confidence in changing weather conditions.
The Michelin Road 5 builds on the success of both the Pilot Road 3 and Pilot Road 4. It introduces Michelin’s Water EverGrip Technology, advanced dual-compound construction and a revised tread design that helps maintain excellent wet grip even when the tyre is around 50% worn.
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 3 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 and handling.
Michelin Road 5 Overview
The Michelin Road 5 is a sports tourer, road tyre which has been developed by Michelin to deliver an excellent performance in wet conditions.
The tyre’s wet road performance stems from the use of Michelin’s 2CT Technology and the Michelin Evergrip Technology. Both of which work to significantly enhance the grip of the tyre, especially on wet roads.
This tyre also features the Michelin Radial ACT+ technology, delivering not just an excellent performance, but also a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
Michelin Pilot Road 3 Overview
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 is another Sports Tourer Road tyre and is an older model than the Road 5. However, still capable of delivering an excellent performance.
The Pilot Road 3 tyre was the first siped tyre to use X-Sipe Technology (XST) to increase the levels of wet grip the tyre provides the rider.
A 2CT dual compound technology is used in this tyre to ensure the wear is uniformed, increasing the durability and longevity of the tyre.
Customer Reviews Comparing Michelin Road 5 & Pilot Road 3
Customer reviews are an important part of the buying process. We understand that just taking a product description at face value can be hard at times.
What really informs, is the experience of other riders who have first-hand knowledge of a tyre.
Through our partnership with Driver Reviews, we have a vast collection of real-world reviews from customers who have used the very tyres you are looking at.
Scoring them on some key areas, worth considering when trying to decide which tyre to buy.
Michelin Road 5 Reviews
customers have reviewed the Road 5 as follows:
Pilot Road 3 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Road 3 as follows:
Why Do Michelin Touring Tyres Continue To Evolve?
Michelin continually develops its sport-touring tyres using feedback from everyday riders alongside advances in tyre compounds, tread design and construction technologies. Each generation aims to improve grip, longevity and rider confidence without compromising the comfort and stability expected from a touring tyre.
This continuous development has seen the Pilot Road family evolve into today’s Michelin Road range, helping riders benefit from the latest
advances in motorcycle tyre technology.
Popular Road 5 Tyre Sizes
The following are popular tyre sizes which the Road 5 tyre comes in:
The Michelin Road 5 has been approved as original equipment on several models. Including the BMW R Nine T Scrambler and the TVS Apache 310 RR.
As well as their original equipment status with these models, they are a popular choice for the following brand of motorcycles:
Yamaha
Honda
Triumph
Pilot Road 3 Motorcycle Manufacturers
Yamaha chose the Michelin Pilot Road 3 as the original equipment on the MT07 model. As well as this, the tyre has proven to be a popular choice for customer with the following manufacturer motorbikes:
Triumph
BMW
Kawasaki
Which Motorcycles Are The Michelin Road 5 And Pilot Road 3 Designed For?
Both tyres were developed for sport-touring motorcycles used for commuting, weekend rides and long-distance touring.
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
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 was commonly fitted to:
Honda VFR800
Yamaha FZ1
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Kawasaki Z1000SX
Triumph Sprint GT
BMW F800GT
Honda CBF1000
Yamaha Fazer 1000
Price Difference Between Michelin Road 5 and Pilot Road 3
Motorcycle tyres are available as Mail Order from Blackcircles.com, and these two tyres come in at very similar price ranges.
Prices for the Michelin Road 5 range from £ to £.
The Pilot Road 3 is currently out of stock at time of writing.
Should You Buy The Michelin Road 5 Or Pilot Road 3?
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 3 and Pilot Road 4, the Road 5 introduced Michelin’s latest tread compound technologies, delivering stronger wet-weather grip, improved dry handling and greater confidence throughout the tyre’s lifespan. Michelin states the Road 5 maintains excellent wet braking performance even when around 50% worn.
The Michelin Pilot Road 3 remains a capable tyre for riders maintaining an older motorcycle. However, if you’re buying a new set of Michelin sport-touring tyres today, it’s also worth considering the Michelin Road 6, which further improves wet grip and longevity over the Road 5.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Road 5 Or Pilot Road 3?
You can buy the Michelin Road 5 and, where available, the Michelin Pilot Road 3 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.
FAQs
Is the Michelin Road 5 the successor to the Pilot Road 3?
Yes. The Michelin Road 5 is part of the evolution of Michelin’s sport-touring range. Between the Pilot Road 3 and Road 5, Michelin introduced the Pilot Road 4 before launching the Road family, with each generation bringing improvements in grip, durability and overall riding performance.
What improvements does the Michelin Road 5 offer over the Pilot Road 3?
The Road 5 introduces Michelin’s Water EverGrip Technology, updated dual-compound construction and a revised tread design that helps maintain excellent wet-weather grip as the tyre wears. It also provides improved dry-road handling and rider confidence compared with the older Pilot Road 3.
Is the Michelin Road 5 suitable for long-distance touring?
Yes. The Road 5 has been designed for riders who combine everyday commuting with weekend rides and long-distance touring. It offers an excellent balance of comfort, stability and durability across a wide variety of road conditions.
Which tyre performs better in wet weather?
Both tyres perform well in wet conditions, but the Michelin Road 5 delivers a noticeable improvement thanks to Michelin’s Water EverGrip Technology, helping maintain strong wet braking performance even as the tyre wears.
Can I fit Michelin Road 5 tyres to an older motorcycle?
In many cases, yes. If the correct tyre size and specification are available for your motorcycle, the Road 5 can be an excellent upgrade, bringing more modern sport-touring performance to older bikes.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are designed for high mileage, but the Road 5 benefits from newer compounds and construction technologies that help maintain performance throughout the tyre’s 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, comfort and stability in a wide range of conditions.
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, dependable all-weather performance and long tread life. Their balance of comfort, grip and durability has made them a popular choice for sport-touring motorcycles.
Are Michelin Pilot Road 3 tyres still available?
Availability is now limited, as the Pilot Road 3 has largely been replaced by newer generations in Michelin’s sport-touring range. Depending on size, some stock may still be available, but most riders purchasing new tyres today will choose the Road 5 or the latest Road 6.
Should I consider the Michelin Road 6 instead?
Yes. If you’re buying new sport-touring motorcycle tyres today, it’s worth comparing the Michelin Road 6. As the latest generation of Michelin’s Road family, it offers improved wet grip, around 10% greater longevity than the Road 5 and Michelin’s most advanced sport-touring technology to date.
PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are trading names of PayPal UK Ltd, 5 Fleet Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 7RD. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status and approval, 18+ UK residents only. PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are a form of credit, so carefully consider whether the purchase is affordable and how you will make the repayments. PayPal Pay in 3 is a credit agreement. See product terms for more details and FAQs. Learn more about PayPal Credit.Learn more about PayPal Pay in 3.
