Michelin Road 6 GT vs Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE: In the arena of touring motorcycle tires, a thrilling showdown looms: the Michelin Road 6 GT vs. the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE. Each contender brings to the road a legacy of performance, grip, and endurance, promising a face-off that’s not just about mileage, but about the very essence of touring prowess.
The Michelin Road 6 GT, with its acclaimed longevity and wet grip, goes head-to-head against the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE, renowned for its exceptional handling and stability. This battle is more than a test of rubber; it’s a quest for the ultimate touring experience, where only one can claim the crown of the road. Get ready for a gripping duel that sets the standard for what touring tires can achieve.
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Results: Michelin Road 6 GT vs Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE
The results featured here are from the 2022 Motorrad Touring Tire Test, with 6 different tires in the touring segment tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Road 6 GT vs Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE across various performance categories, with the Road 6 GT serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 120/70 ZR17 (front) and 180/55 ZR17 (rear) tire size. The tests were conducted using a BMW R 1250 R as the test vehicle.
Objective Wet
In wet conditions, comparing the Michelin Road 6 GT and the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE shows some distinct differences in their performance. When braking from 100 km/h, the Michelin Road 6 GT has a slightly longer braking distance at 45.2 meters, compared to the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE, which stops at 44.1 meters. This difference of 1.1 meters suggests that the Metzeler provides slightly better stopping power in wet conditions.
Looking at speed performance, the Michelin achieves a higher top speed on the lap, reaching 71 km/h, while the Metzeler tops out at 70 km/h. This indicates that the Michelin tire might offer a bit more stability or confidence at higher speeds in wet conditions.
However, when it comes to overall lap performance, the Michelin Road 6 GT completes the lap quicker, with a time of 75.1 seconds, compared to the Metzeler’s 76.5 seconds. This difference of 1.4 seconds shows that the Michelin not only allows for a slightly higher top speed but also maintains a pace that results in a faster overall lap time in wet conditions.
While the Metzeler tire demonstrates a slight advantage in braking efficiency, the Michelin tire compensates with better speed and lap time performance, illustrating a trade-off between the two tires in terms of wet performance priorities.
Roadtec 01 SE :
- +2% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (top speed)
- -2% in dry handling (lap time)
Subjective Wet
In the realm of wet performance, the Michelin Road 6 GT and Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE tires are closely matched, each showcasing strengths in different aspects of their performance.
When it comes to wet handling, both tires are on par, each scoring a commendable 9 out of 10, indicating that riders can expect exceptional control and responsiveness under wet conditions from either tire. The comparison becomes more nuanced with wet steering precision, where the Michelin Road 6 GT slightly outperforms the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE with a score of 19 to 18 out of 20. This suggests that the Road 6 GT offers a marginally sharper and more accurate steering response when navigating through wet conditions.
Wet Handling:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 9/10
Wet Steering Percision:
- Road 6 GT : 19/20
- Roadtec 01 SE : 18/20
In the domain of wet grip in curves, the Michelin Road 6 GT again takes a slight lead, scoring a perfect 20 against the Metzeler’s 18 out of 20. This indicates that the Road 6 GT provides a bit more confidence and grip when leaning into curves on wet roads, enhancing rider safety and performance.
Wet Grip in curves:
- Road 6 GT : 20/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 18/10
Conversely, when focusing on wet grip under acceleration, the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE edges ahead with a score of 19 to the Michelin’s 18 out of 20. This suggests that the Roadtec 01 SE offers superior traction and stability when accelerating out of corners or in straight lines on wet surfaces.
Wet Grip under acceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 18/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 19/10
In terms of wet behavior at the limit, the Michelin Road 6 GT scores 19 to the Metzeler’s 18 out of 20, indicating that the Road 6 GT may offer slightly more predictability and control when pushed to its limits in wet conditions.
Wet Behavior at the limit:
- Road 6 GT : 19/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 18/10
Finally, when comparing wet braking deceleration, the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE outshines the Michelin Road 6 GT with a perfect score of 10 to 9 out of 10. This means that the Roadtec 01 SE can bring a bike to a stop in a shorter distance on wet surfaces, potentially offering a crucial advantage in emergency braking situations.
Wet Braking deceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 10/10
Overall, while both tires exhibit excellent wet performance, the Michelin Road 6 GT shows a slight edge in steering precision, grip in curves, and behavior at the limit. However, the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE demonstrates superior performance in wet grip under acceleration and wet braking deceleration, making the choice between the two a matter of prioritizing specific aspects of wet performance.
Total:
- Road 6 GT : 94/100
- Roadtec 01 SE : 92/100
Subjective Dry
In the domain of dry performance, the Michelin Road 6 GT and Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE showcase a closely contested battle, with each tire shining in its unique aspects.
The Michelin Road 6 GT slightly leads in dry handling with a score of 29 against the Metzeler’s 27 out of 30. This suggests that the Road 6 GT offers a bit more finesse and control in dry conditions, allowing for a smoother and more responsive ride. When it comes to dry steering precision, both tires stand equally strong at 28 out of 30, indicating that riders can expect precise and accurate steering from either tire on dry surfaces. This equality underscores the high level of engineering and performance both brands bring to the table.
Dry Handling:
- Road 6 GT : 29/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 27/10
Dry Steering Percision:
- Road 6 GT : 28/30
- Roadtec 01 SE : 28/30
In the aspect of dry stability in curves, both tires again score equally, each earning a 19 out of 20. This parity shows that both tires provide excellent stability and confidence when navigating curves at speed in dry conditions.
Dry Stability in curves:
- Road 6 GT : 19/20
- Roadtec 01 SE : 19/20
However, the tables turn slightly in favor of the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE when considering dry stability in curves for sport riding, with the Metzeler scoring 19 against the Michelin’s 18 out of 20. This indicates that the Roadtec 01 SE might offer a slight edge in maintaining stability during more aggressive or sporty maneuvers in curves.
Dry Stability in Curves Sport:
- Road 6 GT : 18/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 19/10
Both tires achieve a perfect tie in dry grip during lean and dry grip under acceleration, each scoring 9 out of 10. This highlights that both the Road 6 GT and Roadtec 01 SE excel in providing solid traction and grip, whether you’re leaning into a curve or accelerating out of it.
Dry Grip during Lean
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 9/10
Dry Grip under acceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 9/10
In terms of dry straight-line stability, both contenders again match perfectly with a score of 10 out of 10, showcasing their ability to maintain composure and direction at speed on dry roads.
Dry Straight-line Stability:
- Road 6 GT : 10/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 10/10
Their performance remains indistinguishable when pushed to the limit, with both scoring 9 out of 10 in dry behavior at the limit. This indicates that both tires offer predictable and manageable performance even when pushed to their boundaries.
Dry Behavior at the limit:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 9/10
The only area where a noticeable difference emerges is in the dry uprighting moment during braking, where the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE scores a 9 compared to the Michelin Road 6 GT’s 8 out of 10. This suggests that the Roadtec 01 SE might provide a slightly more stable and controlled braking experience, particularly when braking hard from high speeds.
Dry Uprighting Moment during Braking:
- Road 6 GT : 8/10
- Roadtec 01 SE : 9/10
Overall, while the Michelin Road 6 GT shows a slight advantage in handling, the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE edges ahead in sport curve stability and uprighting during braking, making the choice between them a matter of prioritizing specific dry performance characteristics. Both tires, however, demonstrate exceptional capabilities across the board, ensuring that riders can expect top-notch performance regardless of their choice.
Total:
- Road 6 GT :140/150
- Roadtec 01 SE : 139/150
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve seen my fair share of close competitions, but the showdown between the Michelin Road 6 GT and the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE is exceptionally tight. Each tire brings its own set of strengths to the table, making the choice between them not straightforward but rather a matter of personal preference.
The Michelin Road 6 GT excels in handling and steering precision, offering a secure grip in both wet and dry conditions. It shines particularly in managing curves and provides predictable performance at the limits. On the flip side, the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE stands out for its stability during sporty maneuvers and superior braking, especially noted in its wet performance and uprighting moment during hard stops.
Both tires deliver outstanding grip, stability, and precision, making them ideal choices for touring enthusiasts. The decision ultimately comes down to what you value more for your ride: Michelin’s finesse and control or Metzeler’s stability and braking prowess. In the end, declaring a winner in this competition is too close to call. It really depends on your riding style and what performance aspects you prioritize. No matter your choice, both tires represent the pinnacle of what’s currently available for touring motorcycles.
Dr Edwin Pang