Michelin Road 6 GT vs Pirelli Angel GT II: In the world of motorcycle touring, tire selection stands as a pivotal decision for riders seeking the perfect blend of performance, durability, and safety. Among the titans in this domain, the Michelin Road 6 GT and Pirelli Angel GT II emerge as leading contenders, each boasting unique strengths and a loyal following. The battle between these two tire giants is not just a comparison; it’s a high-stakes contest of technology, innovation, and road mastery.
As we delve into the Michelin Road 6 GT vs. Pirelli Angel GT II showdown, prepare for an exhilarating ride through cutting-edge advancements and real-world performance. This face-off promises to highlight the pinnacle of tire engineering, offering insights that could redefine your touring experience. Gear up for an epic clash that puts two of the most revered names in motorcycle touring tires head-to-head, promising to be an informative and thrilling exploration of what these top-tier products have to offer.
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Road 6 GT vs Pirelli Angel GT II
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 Pirelli Angel GT II 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
When comparing the wet performance of the Michelin Road 6 GT and Pirelli Angel GT II motorcycle touring tires, it’s clear that both models offer exceptional capabilities, but with slight differences that could influence a rider’s preference. In terms of wet braking distance from 100 km/h, the Michelin Road 6 GT stops in 45.2 meters, while the Pirelli Angel GT II has a marginally shorter stopping distance at 45 meters, making the Pirelli tire slightly more efficient in urgent braking scenarios by a mere 0.2 meters.
On the other hand, the Michelin Road 6 GT shows a slight edge in handling, with a lap top speed in wet conditions of 71 km/h compared to the Pirelli Angel GT II’s 70 km/h. This indicates that the Michelin tire can maintain a slightly higher speed in wet conditions, providing a tad more confidence in handling and stability.
Looking at wet lap times, the Michelin Road 6 GT completes a lap in 75.1 seconds, outperforming the Pirelli Angel GT II, which completes the same lap in 75.9 seconds. This difference highlights the Michelin’s superior overall performance in wet conditions, offering a blend of speed and efficiency that edges out the Pirelli by 0.8 seconds.
In essence, while the Pirelli Angel GT II offers a very slightly better performance in braking, the Michelin Road 6 GT showcases its strengths in maintaining higher speeds and achieving faster lap times in wet conditions, making it a strong contender for riders prioritizing comprehensive wet performance.
Angel GT II :
- ~0% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (top speed)
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
Subjective Wet
In the realm of subjective wet performance between the Michelin Road 6 GT and Pirelli Angel GT II motorcycle tires, both models demonstrate exceptional prowess, though with subtle nuances that distinguish their performance.
Both tires are equally rated for wet handling and wet braking deceleration, scoring a 9 out of 10, indicating that riders can expect similar levels of confidence and responsiveness when navigating wet roads or coming to a stop in rainy conditions.
Wet Handling:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 9/10
However, the Michelin Road 6 GT slightly edges out the Pirelli Angel GT II in several key areas. It scores a 19 for wet steering precision compared to Pirelli’s 18, suggesting that it offers a marginally sharper and more accurate steering response in wet conditions. This could be particularly appreciated by riders who prioritize precise handling during inclement weather.
Wet Steering Percision:
- Road 6 GT : 19/20
- Angel GT II : 18/20
When it comes to wet grip in curves, the Michelin again takes a slight lead with a score of 20 against the Pirelli’s 19. This indicates that the Michelin Road 6 GT may provide a bit more confidence for riders leaning into curves on wet roads, offering superior traction where it matters most.
Wet Grip in curves:
- Road 6 GT : 20/10
- Angel GT II : 19/10
Conversely, the Pirelli Angel GT II shines in wet grip under acceleration, scoring 19 against Michelin’s 18. This suggests that the Pirelli tire might offer better traction and stability when accelerating out of corners or in straight lines under wet conditions, giving riders a slight advantage in maintaining control and speed.
Wet Grip under acceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 18/10
- Angel GT II : 19/10
Wet Braking deceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 9/10
In terms of wet behavior at the limit, Michelin scores a 19, once again outperforming Pirelli’s 18. This suggests that the Michelin Road 6 GT may offer a more predictable and controlled experience when pushed to its limits in wet conditions, providing riders with a reassuring margin of safety and performance.
Wet Behavior at the limit:
- Road 6 GT : 19/10
- Angel GT II : 18/10
Overall, with a total score of 94 to 92, the Michelin Road 6 GT demonstrates a subtle but consistent advantage across several subjective wet performance metrics over the Pirelli Angel GT II. While both tires perform admirably, the Michelin Road 6 GT appears to offer a slightly more refined blend of wet weather capabilities, making it a compelling choice for riders who demand the utmost in precision, grip, and handling in challenging conditions.
Total:
- Road 6 GT : 94/100
- Angel GT II : 92/100
Subjective Dry
In evaluating the subjective dry performance between the Michelin Road 6 GT and the Pirelli Angel GT II motorcycle tires, it’s evident that both options excel, yet with slight distinctions that mark their individual strengths.
When it comes to dry handling, both tires showcase exceptional capabilities, but the Michelin Road 6 GT has a slight advantage with a score of 29 against the Pirelli Angel GT II’s 28. This indicates that the Michelin might offer a marginally more responsive and engaging ride in dry conditions, enhancing the rider’s confidence and control.
Dry Handling:
- Road 6 GT : 29/10
- Angel GT II : 28/10
Steering precision is equally rated for both tires at 28, suggesting that riders can expect similarly accurate and sharp steering responses from either tire when navigating through dry roads. This parity highlights the focus both brands place on ensuring precise control in dry conditions.
Dry Steering Percision:
- Road 6 GT : 28/30
- Angel GT II : 28/30
Stability in curves is another area where both tires perform admirably, scoring 19 each. This means riders can rely on both the Michelin and Pirelli for dependable handling and stability when cornering on dry surfaces.
Dry Stability in curves:
- Road 6 GT : 19/20
- Angel GT II : 19/20
However, when the focus shifts to sporty riding in curves, the Pirelli Angel GT II nudges ahead slightly with a score of 19 compared to Michelin’s 18. This suggests that for riders who enjoy a more aggressive riding style in dry conditions, the Pirelli might offer a slight edge in maintaining stability during spirited cornering.
Dry Stability in Curves Sport:
- Road 6 GT : 18/20
- Angel GT II : 19/20
Both tires are equally matched in dry grip during lean and dry grip under acceleration, each scoring 9. These scores indicate that both the Michelin and Pirelli provide excellent traction and control whether the bike is leaned over in corners or accelerating straight out of them.
Dry Grip during Lean
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 9/10
Dry Grip under acceleration:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 9/10
Straight-line stability is another area where both tires excel equally, with each scoring a 10. This reflects their ability to maintain composure and direction during high-speed runs on dry tarmac.
Dry Straight-line Stability:
- Road 6 GT : 10/10
- Angel GT II : 10/10
Behavior at the limit and dry grip are both rated identically at 9 for each tire, suggesting that when pushed to their performance boundaries, both the Michelin and Pirelli offer predictable and manageable responses, ensuring rider safety and confidence.
Dry Behavior at the limit:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 9/10
A notable difference comes in the dry uprighting moment during braking, where the Michelin scores a 9 compared to Pirelli’s 8. This means the Michelin Road 6 GT might provide a slightly better stability and control during aggressive braking scenarios, reducing the tendency for the bike to straighten up when braking in a lean.
Dry Uprighting Moment during Braking:
- Road 6 GT : 9/10
- Angel GT II : 8/10
With a total score of 140 to 139, the Michelin Road 6 GT marginally outperforms the Pirelli Angel GT II in subjective dry performance metrics. While both tires offer impressive dry performance, the Michelin demonstrates a slight overall advantage, particularly in handling and braking dynamics, making it an appealing choice for riders who demand the very best in dry conditions.
Total:
- Road 6 GT :140/150
- Angel GT II : 139/150
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis of the Michelin Road 6 GT and Pirelli Angel GT II reveals that both tires offer exceptional performance, each with its own strengths. The Michelin Road 6 GT excels in handling and precision, making it ideal for riders who prioritize control and stability across various conditions. The Pirelli Angel GT II, on the other hand, shines in sportier riding scenarios, particularly with its grip under acceleration and performance in curves.
Choosing between them doesn’t come down to a clear winner but rather personal preference and specific riding needs. Whether you value the Michelin’s superior control or the Pirelli’s aggressive performance, both tires represent the top of motorcycle tire technology. Riders should consider their riding style and conditions when deciding between these two excellent options.
Dr Edwin Pang