RideFast May 2018

WHEN WET
NOT SLIPPERY
MICHELIN ROAD 5 WORLD LAUNCH
Rob was sent over to Spain to test Michelin’s all-new do-it-all sports
touring tyre - The Michelin Road 5.
The sport touring tyre category
is undoubtably the toughest
segment out there. It’s the most
demanding as tyre manufacturers
have to supply ambitious
customers with a tyre that
provides excellent performance
in a wide spectrum of condition.
Solid grip in both wet and dry
conditions as well as good
mileage, that’s what’s expected.
Since 1996, Michelin have
been at the forefront of this
market, with the fi rst release of
their ever popular Pilot Road
series (now simply known as
Words: Rob Portman
the Road series). It has been
a competitive option for those
requiring performance and
mileage, along with all-weather
capabilities. Michelin’s Pilot Road
series has been their best-selling
tyre in their range for a long time
now, and it’s consistently been
every motorcyclist’s favourite goto
road hoop come rain or shine.
The previous Road 3 and 4 were
the best winter tyres out there
according to many. However,
when it came to summer blasts
and the odd trackday, there were
complaints they’d move around
and slide, which is what you’d
expect from a dedicated road tyre.
Improving on a class-leading
tyre isn’t what you’d call an easy
task. Just like a band’s tricky
second album, Michelin had to
fi nd a way of making their bestselling
tyre even better. Designers
and chemists, not the drug or
pharmacy kind, at Michelin had to
really get creative, and delve into
every bit of tech that is available
today. I think you are going to be
quite surprised at the tech that is
behind Michelin’s latest edition to
their Road series - The Road 5.
RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MAY 2018 31