Michelin Road 6 vs Dunlop Roadsmart IV

Michelin Road 6 vs Dunlop Roadsmart IV: In the world of motorcycle road tires, the Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV stand as titans, each representing the pinnacle of performance, durability, and technology. These two tire models have set the bar exceptionally high, making the choice between them not just a decision, but a declaration of what a rider values most on the road. The Michelin Road 6, with its legendary grip and longevity, faces off against the Dunlop Roadsmart IV, renowned for its precision handling and superior wet weather performance.

This duel between giants is not just about rubber meeting the road—it’s a showdown that defines the cutting edge of motorcycle tire technology, promising riders an unparalleled blend of safety, performance, and adventure. The stage is set, the contenders are ready, and the motorcycle community watches with bated breath as these two juggernauts go head-to-head in the ultimate tire showdown.

Results: Michelin Road 6 vs Dunlop Roadsmart IV

The results featured here are from the Motorrad Tires for GS Class Test, with 6 different tires and 3 different categories tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Road 6 vs Dunlop Roadsmart IV across various performance categories, with the Road 6 serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.

Michelin Road 6 vs Dunlop Roadsmart IV: Objective measurements

The tire size of interest is the 120/70R19 (front) and 170/60R17 (rear) tire size. The tests were conducted using a BMW R 1250 GS as the test vehicle.

Objective Dry

Dry performance is a critical factor for road motorcycle tires, as it directly impacts the safety and handling of the motorcycle under various conditions. In comparing the dry performance of the Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV, we observe closely matched capabilities, with each tire excelling in different aspects.

When it comes to braking distance from 100 km/h, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV takes the lead by stopping 1.5 meters shorter than the Michelin Road 6, with a distance of 45.4 meters compared to Michelin’s 46.9 meters. This shorter braking distance can be a crucial advantage in emergency situations, providing riders with extra stopping power when it matters most.

On the other hand, the lap top speed and lap times reveal how both tires perform under dynamic conditions. The Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV are nearly neck-and-neck, with the Michelin achieving a slightly higher top speed of 75.6 km/h compared to the Dunlop’s 75.3 km/h. However, the difference is minimal, indicating that both tires offer exceptional stability and grip at high speeds.

The lap times further illustrate the competitive performance of these tires, with the Michelin Road 6 completing a lap marginally faster, clocking in at 78.27 seconds, while the Dunlop Roadsmart IV is right behind with a lap time of 78.38 seconds. This tight gap underscores the high level of performance and reliability that both tires bring to the road, making them top choices for riders who demand the best in dry conditions.

Roadsmart IV :

• +3% in dry braking
• ~0% in dry handling (top speed)
• ~0% in dry handling (lap time)

Subjective Dry

When it comes to the subjective dry performances of the Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV tires, both offer exceptional handling and performance on the road, showcasing their strengths in various aspects of riding.

Both tires are rated equally for handling, with a score of 9 out of 10, indicating that riders can expect a high level of control and maneuverability from either tire. This parity extends to steering precision and grip in curves, where both tires also score impressively, each earning 18 out of 20 in steering precision. However, the Michelin Road 6 has a slight edge in grip during curves with a score of 19, compared to the Dunlop’s 18, suggesting that it might offer a bit more confidence during aggressive cornering.

Handling:

• Road 6 : 9/10
• Roadsmart IV : 9/10

Steering Percision:

• Road 6 : 18/20
• Roadsmart IV : 18/20

Grip in curves:

• Road 6 : 19/10
• Roadsmart IV : 18/10

In terms of grip under acceleration, the roles reverse with the Dunlop Roadsmart IV scoring 19 out of 20, slightly surpassing the Michelin Road 6’s score of 18. This indicates that the Dunlop may provide a bit more stability and traction when powering out of corners or during sudden accelerations.

Grip under acceleration:

• Road 6 : 18/10
• Roadsmart IV : 19/10

The response or contact feeling between the tire and road is another area where these tires showcase their excellence. The Michelin Road 6 scores a perfect 10 out of 10, while the Dunlop Roadsmart IV is close behind with a 9. This suggests that the Michelin may offer a slightly better feedback, giving riders a more intuitive sense of the road beneath them.

Response/contact feeling:

• Road 6 : 10/10
• Roadsmart IV : 9/10

Behavior at the limit is where Michelin once again takes a slight lead with a score of 9 out of 10 compared to Dunlop’s 8. This indicates that the Michelin Road 6 may offer a bit more predictability and control when pushed to its performance boundaries.

Behavior at the limit:

• Road 6 : 9/10
• Roadsmart IV : 8/10

Finally, when it comes to deceleration during braking, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV shines with a perfect score of 10 out of 10, surpassing the Michelin Road 6’s score of 9. This superior rating suggests that the Dunlop tire might offer more effective braking performance, providing riders with confidence during high-speed decelerations.

Deceleration during braking:

• Road 6 : 9/10
• Roadsmart IV : 10/10

Overall, while both tires exhibit outstanding performance characteristics, the subtle differences in their ratings highlight the nuanced preferences that might guide a rider’s choice based on their specific performance priorities.

Total:

• Road 6 : 92/100
• Roadsmart IV : 91/100

Wear

When comparing the wear performance of the Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV motorcycle tires, it’s evident that both tires showcase durable characteristics, yet they offer slightly different longevity and wear rates which are crucial for riders who prioritize tire lifespan alongside performance.

Starting with the wear score out of 50 points, the Michelin Road 6 scores 40 points for the front wheel and 39 points for the rear wheel, indicating a robust design capable of handling the rigors of the road. In contrast, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV scores higher, with 45 points for the front wheel and 40 points for the rear wheel, suggesting a slightly better wear resistance, particularly on the front wheel.

Looking at the original tread depth, the Michelin Road 6 starts with a deeper tread on the rear tire at 6.6 mm compared to the Dunlop Roadsmart IV’s 6.7 mm, which is practically negligible. However, the difference becomes more noticeable on the front tires, where the Michelin begins with a depth of 4.8 mm, significantly thicker than Dunlop’s 4.3 mm. This implies that the Michelin might initially offer more material to wear down, potentially extending its lifespan.

After 2500 km, the wear on both tires illustrates their durability under similar conditions. The Michelin’s front tire wears down to 3.3 mm, while the Dunlop’s front tire shows slightly less wear, reducing to 3.4 mm. This marginal difference suggests that Dunlop’s front tire might offer a slightly better wear rate. For the rear tires, after 2500 km, Michelin shows a wear down to 4.2 mm, whereas Dunlop fares slightly better, with the tread depth reducing to 4.4 mm.

In summary, while the Michelin Road 6 offers a thicker initial tread, particularly on the front tire, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV demonstrates a slightly superior wear performance, retaining more of its tread depth after 2500 km. These differences, although minor, can influence a rider’s choice depending on their prioritization of durability versus initial performance characteristics.

Roadsmart IV :

• +8%  in mileage

Summary

As a tire expert, after thoroughly examining and comparing the Michelin Road 6 and Dunlop Roadsmart IV, I’ve observed that both tires offer exceptional qualities that cater to different rider preferences. The Michelin Road 6 impresses with its subjective dry handling characteristic especially in grip in curves, response/contact feeling & behavior at the limit.

On the other hand, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV shines with its slightly better dry braking performance, managing to stop a bit shorter than the Michelin. This can be a critical advantage in emergency braking scenarios. Additionally, its wear performance suggests a higher mileage potential, which, combined with a matching subjective dry handling score to the Michelin, indicates that it does not compromise on handling or safety for durability.

Given these observations, while both tires stand out in their respective areas, my preference leans towards the Dunlop Roadsmart IV. The combination of higher mileage, superior dry braking, and equally commendable handling makes it a slightly more appealing option for riders looking for a blend of performance and longevity. The Dunlop offers a well-rounded package that meets the demands of rigorous road use, making it a top choice for those prioritizing extended tire life without sacrificing on safety or handling capabilities.

Dr Edwin Pang