Michelin Road 5: The Revolution in All-Weather Sport-Touring

The Michelin Road 5 changed the expectations of sport-touring riders worldwide. Before its release, riders often noticed a massive drop in wet-weather performance as their tires wore down. Michelin solved this with XST Evo Technology—a patented siping design where the water-channeling grooves actually get wider as the tread depth decreases. This means that a Road 5 tire with 5,000 miles on it can still out-brake a brand-new Pilot Road 4 in the rain. It is the perfect tire for the Harley-Davidson Pan America, performance-built Dyna models, or any V-Twin rider who refuses to let a rainstorm dictate their schedule.

Dual-Compound Engineering: 2CT and 2CT+

To provide both long-distance durability and cornering confidence, Michelin utilizes two different technologies for the front and rear. The front tire features 2CT technology for balanced wear, while the rear tire uses 2CT+ technology. The “plus” in the rear signifies a harder center compound that actually runs underneath the softer shoulder rubber. This creates a more rigid foundation, reducing “tire squirm” when you are accelerating hard out of a lean. This makes the Road 5 feel incredibly stable, even on high-torque motorcycles that typically chew through softer sport tires.

Expert Advice: Why the Road 5 Still Matters

Even with the Road 6 now on the market, the Road 5 remains a top-tier choice. Pro Tip: The Road 5 has a slightly “softer” carcass feel than the Road 6, which some riders prefer for absorbing small road chatter and “pothole shock” in urban environments. Pressure Management: For the best combination of life and grip, we recommend 34-36 PSI front and 38-40 PSI rear. Warning: Like all high-performance radials, the Road 5 is sensitive to “cold-tearing” if pushed too hard before reaching operating temperature. Give the tires at least 3 miles of moderate riding to warm up the silica molecules before you start dragging footpegs.

The Gold Standard for Performance and Safety

The Michelin Road 5 isn’t just a tire; it’s a safety upgrade. Its ability to maintain a consistent “footprint” throughout its life ensures that your bike’s handling doesn’t degrade as the miles add up. It provides a level of feedback that builds rider confidence, allowing you to enjoy the twisties and the highway with equal ease. For the rider who wants premium Michelin technology and world-class wet-weather protection at a slightly more accessible price point than the newest generation, the Road 5 remains the “smart money” choice in the sport-touring world.

Fitment Note: This is a tubeless radial tire. If your motorcycle uses spoked rims, ensure you are using the correct inner tubes or that your rims have been professionally sealed for tubeless use.

Michelin Road 5 Tires

The Michelin Road series builds on a hundred-year legacy of excellence. With the Road 5 Tire, we get a new benchmark. These Michelin motorcycle tires offer incredible wet grip, superior stability and handling, and reliable braking even after thousands of miles. Hands down, these are some of the best sport-touring tires for sale.

Features:

• Best-in-class wet grip and braking thanks to patented Michelin XST Evo siping and innovative 2CT and 2CT+ tread compounds, even after 3,500 miles
• Better dry grip, stability, and handling than Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires due to patented ACT+ casing technology
• Sport-touring design is perfect for long riding, commuting, and even ripping through twisties

Michelin Pilot Power 2CT: The Multi-Compound Revolution for Sport Riders

The Michelin Pilot Power 2CT redefined what riders could expect from a high-performance tire. Developed using Michelin’s championship-winning MotoGP technology, the Pilot Power 2CT was one of the first tires to successfully integrate two distinct rubber compounds into a single tread. For the rider of a Sportster S, V-Rod, or performance-tuned Dyna, this means you no longer have to sacrifice the lifespan of your tire to get the “sticky” feedback needed for aggressive riding. It remains a top choice for those who want a tire that feels planted during high-speed interstate travel but comes alive the moment you hit the twisties.

The Science of 2CT: Grip Where You Need It

The heart of this tire is the Two-Compound Technology. The center 20% of the tire is composed of a durable, abrasion-resistant rubber designed to handle heavy braking and the high torque of V-Twin engines without premature flat-spotting. The remaining 40% on each shoulder consists of a much softer, high-grip compound. This ensures that as you lean the bike over, you transition onto a “stickier” surface that can handle lean angles exceeding 50 degrees. Whether you are navigating a tight hair-pin turn or accelerating hard out of a corner, the 2CT architecture provides a seamless and predictable transition across the tire profile.

Expert Advice: Street vs. Track Pressures

Because the Pilot Power 2CT is a performance-oriented radial, it is highly sensitive to heat cycles and pressure settings. Pro Tip: For daily street riding on a heavy performance cruiser, we recommend a cold PSI of 34-36 front and 36-38 rear. If you are taking the bike to a track day or a high-intensity canyon run, you can lower the pressures slightly to allow the tire to “footprint” better, but be careful not to go too low, as the softer sidewalls need air pressure to maintain their structural integrity. Note on Warm-Up: One of the best features of the 2CT is its quick warm-up time; however, you should still allow 2-3 miles of moderate riding to get the rubber up to temperature before attempting full-lean maneuvers.

Reliable Performance and Incredible Value

In a market full of “super-premium” tires that cost a fortune, the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT remains a favorite because it offers 90% of the performance of a race tire at a much more accessible price point. It provides a crisp, responsive steering feel that can make a heavy bike feel significantly more agile. For the rider who demands a tire that can keep up with a high-performance engine and upgraded suspension, the Pilot Power 2CT is a proven winner that continues to set the standard for the sport-touring and street-sport categories.

Fitment Note: The Pilot Power 2CT is a radial tire. Verify that your rims are tubeless-ready and that your bike’s fenders provide adequate clearance for the slightly more “peaked” sport profile of this tire compared to flat-profile cruiser rubber.

Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Tires

The Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Tire is an affordable dual-compound motorcycle tire that combines grip on dry and wet surfaces with power around the curves for incredible sporty performance.

Features:

• Softer rubber mix on the shoulders will satisfy even the most demanding sport riders
• 51.2° lean angle in the dry and 43° in the wet, which sets the standard for a sport tire made for the road
• Provides the responsive handling of a race tire with the progressive feel and feedback at full lean
• Speed rating of W for speeds up to 168 mph while still maintaining the reliability and durability of a Michelin motorcycle tire

Michelin Road 6: Setting the New Benchmark for Sport-Touring Excellence

The Michelin Road 6 is the culmination of over two decades of innovation in the sport-touring category. Designed for the rider who doesn’t let a rain forecast cancel their trip, the Road 6 is engineered to handle everything from aggressive canyon carving to long-distance interstate touring. It is a popular upgrade for Harley-Davidson Pan America riders and “Performance Bagger” enthusiasts who have moved away from traditional heavy cruiser tires in search of the nimble handling and high-speed stability that only a world-class radial tire can provide.

Revolutionary Wet Weather Performance

The standout feature of the Road 6 is its ability to find traction where other tires fail. By combining 100% Michelin Silica Technology with the patented Water Evergrip tread pattern, Michelin has achieved a staggering 15% increase in wet grip compared to the Road 5. The “Evergrip” sipes are uniquely shaped to flare inward; as the tire wears down and the tread becomes shallower, the sipes actually become wider. This ensures that the tire’s ability to evacuate water remains consistent from the first mile until the very last, eliminating the performance drop-off common in older tire designs.

Expert Setup & Performance Insight

As V-Twin and performance specialists, we’ve found the Road 6 to be a “game changer” for heavy bikes with modern suspension. Pro Tip: If you are mounting these on a heavy touring bike (over 700 lbs), ensure you select the Road 6 GT version. The GT features an additional carcass ply to manage the weight and prevent “pumping” or instability during high-speed cornering. Pressure Management: To maximize the 10,000+ mile potential of these tires, you must avoid under-inflation. For most performance applications, we recommend 36 PSI front and 42 PSI rear. This keeps the 2CT+ center compound running cool, which is essential for preventing the flat-spotting that can occur during long, straight-up highway hauls.

The Professional’s Choice for Year-Round Riding

The Michelin Road 6 is more than just a tire change; it is a handling transformation. It provides a level of feedback that allows you to feel exactly what the road surface is doing, even through the heavy frontend of a modern cruiser. With its Premium Touch sidewall design—a velvet-like texture laser-etched into the rubber—it looks as sophisticated as it performs. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning a 5,000-mile tour across variable climates, the Road 6 offers the ultimate peace of mind. It is the gold standard for riders who refuse to compromise on safety or performance.

Fitment Note: The Road 6 is a radial tire. Before purchasing for an older Harley with spoked wheels, verify that your rims are compatible with tubeless radial construction.

Michelin Road 6 Tires

• Patented Water Evergrip Tech tread pattern for exceptional water evacuation
• Patented Silica Technology tread compound for consistent grip
• Michelin’s 2CT+ Tech (front and rear) for better rigidity and stability through corners for confident handling
• Delivers 15% more wet grip than Road 5
• Delivers 10% longer tread life than the Road 5
• Superb grip in both wet and dry conditions
• Designed for consistent performance throughout the tire’s life

Michelin Scorcher 31: The Original Performance Partner for Harley-Davidson

The Michelin Scorcher 31 holds a historic place in the V-Twin industry as the very first tire co-developed between Michelin and Harley-Davidson. Designed specifically to meet the rigorous performance standards of the Sportster and Dyna families, the Scorcher 31 is engineered to provide a seamless connection between the rider and the road. If you want to maintain the exact handling characteristics, lean-angle confidence, and ride comfort your bike had the day it left the factory, this is the only tire that carries the official H-D stamp of approval.

Performance-Focused Tread and Compound

The Scorcher 31 features a unique tread pattern designed to maximize the contact patch at all lean angles. Michelin utilizes a Carbon Black-enriched rubber compound that balances durability with high-performance traction. Unlike some touring tires that feel “wooden,” the Scorcher 31 is incredibly supple, allowing it to absorb road imperfections while providing excellent feedback through the handlebars. This makes it an ideal choice for city commuting and aggressive canyon riding where quick transitions and “flickability” are more important than sheer straight-line mileage.

Expert Advice: Scorcher 31 vs. Commander III

Riders often ask whether they should stick with the Scorcher 31 or switch to the Commander III. Pro Tip: The Scorcher 31 is a “performance cruiser” tire. It has a softer feel and quicker turn-in than the Commander III, which is a “touring” tire focused on maximum mileage. If you enjoy a “sportier” feel on your Low Rider or Iron 883, stick with the Scorcher 31. Maintenance Tip: These tires are sensitive to rim alignment. Because they provide such precise feedback, even a slight misalignment in your rear axle will be felt as a “vibration” or “wobble.” Always check your alignment and maintain a cold PSI of 36 front / 40 rear for the best balance of grip and wear.

The Purist’s Aesthetic Choice

Beyond the technical specs, the Scorcher 31 is about the authentic Harley-Davidson experience. The sidewall branding is a badge of quality that signifies this tire was built specifically for your frame geometry. It is the perfect choice for the purist who wants their bike to be “100% Harley” from the engine cases to the rubber on the road. It provides a quiet, smooth, and predictable ride that has made it a favorite for millions of riders worldwide.

Fitment Note: Ensure you check your specific year and model. While standard on many bikes, some later-model Harleys moved to the Scorcher “11” or “21” patterns, which are optimized for different rim sizes and weight distributions.

Michelin Scorcher 31 Tires

MICHELIN Scorcher “31” tires are supplied as original equipment on 2011-later XL1200C/X Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with approved fitments for additional model years.

Features:

• Cruise With Confidence: Innovative rubber compounds, incorporating know-how derived from Michelin’s decades of road-racing experience, provide remarkable grip on both wet and dry roads
• Exceptional Comfort and Handling: The supple casing design and profile of MICHELIN Scorcher “31” tires promote rock-solid handling on winding roads
• Long Mileage: Michelin carbon black-enriched rubber compounds promote excellent durability without compromising performance
• Available in “Reinforced” for heavyweight touring bikes, two-up riding, or when required by OEM specifications

Michelin Commander II: The Tire That Redefined Cruiser Longevity

Before the Michelin Commander II arrived, cruiser riders expected to change tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Michelin changed the game by introducing a tire capable of reaching **20,000 miles** or more, depending on the machine and riding style. Specifically engineered for Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, Softail, and Touring models, the Commander II focuses on providing a stable, reliable platform for the long-distance traveler who doesn’t want to spend every season in the service department.

The Engineering of the 20,000-Mile Tire

The secret to the Commander II’s success is its Amplified Density Technology (ADT). This refers to a high-density, significantly more rigid tire casing that reduces the internal “friction” and heat buildup that typically destroys rubber. By keeping the tire cooler during long highway stretches, the rubber compound remains structurally sound for thousands of additional miles. Additionally, the Aramid fiber rear tread ply resists centrifugal growth at highway speeds, which maintains a consistent contact patch and prevents the tire from “ballooning” and wearing unevenly in the center.

Expert Technical Tip: Commander II vs. Commander III

Riders often ask if they should stick with the II or upgrade to the III. Pro Tip: The Commander II has a slightly “flatter” profile than the III. If you prefer a bike that feels incredibly stable and “locked-in” when going straight on the interstate, many riders still prefer the Commander II. Installation Note: Due to the high-density casing, these tires can be stiffer to mount than a budget tire. We recommend using a high-quality tire lubricant and ensuring your rim is perfectly clean. For the best results, maintain a cold PSI of 36-38 front and 40-42 rear for heavy cruisers to prevent the “cupping” that can occur if the tire is under-inflated.

A Legacy of Reliability

The Michelin Commander II remains one of the most trusted names in the V-Twin community because it does exactly what it promises. It offers a smooth, quiet ride on concrete interstates and remains predictable when the road gets twisty. For the rider who values the **lowest cost-per-mile** and wants a tire that has been proven over a decade of real-world use, the Commander II is still the king of the open road.

Note: While the Commander II is excellent in the rain, if you live in a climate with constant heavy rainfall, the Commander III offers a newer silica compound that provides even shorter stopping distances in wet conditions.

Michelin Commander III Touring: Unrivaled Longevity for the Modern Bagger

For the rider who lives for the cross-country haul, the Michelin Commander III Touring represents the pinnacle of tire technology. While the Cruiser version of the Commander III is designed for nimbler bikes, the Touring version is a reinforced masterpiece specifically engineered to handle the massive weight and high torque of Harley-Davidson Touring, Road King, and Ultra models. Michelin’s mission was simple: create a tire that delivers industry-leading mileage while providing a level of wet-weather safety that was previously thought impossible for a high-mileage tire.

The Science of Wet-Weather Confidence

Touring riders often face unpredictable weather, and the Commander III Touring is ready for it. By utilizing a 100% Silica Tread Compound, Michelin has achieved a breakthrough in “mechanical grip” on wet surfaces. This allows the tire to remain flexible enough to bite into the asphalt even in cold, rainy conditions, significantly shortening stopping distances compared to the Commander II. The tread pattern features an optimized void ratio that maximizes the contact patch, ensuring that your Milwaukee-Eight or Twin Cam stays planted during high-speed highway travel in the rain.

Expert Installation & Pressure Management

As a premium touring tire, the Commander III Touring requires precise maintenance to reach its 20,000+ mile potential. Pro Tip: These tires are highly sensitive to Cold Tire Pressure (PSI). For a heavy Bagger like a Road Glide Limited, we recommend 38-40 PSI in the front and 40-42 PSI in the rear. Running even slightly low can cause the high-density casing to generate excessive heat, which leads to premature wear. Performance Note: Many riders transitioning from the Commander II notice that the III has a more “v-shaped” profile. This makes the bike feel much lighter and easier to tip into corners—a welcome upgrade for heavy touring rigs that can often feel sluggish in the twisties.

Why It Is the Smart Choice for Long-Distance Riders

The Michelin Commander III Touring is more than a tire; it is an investment in your riding season. By providing a “set-it-and-forget-it” level of reliability, it allows you to focus on the journey rather than your maintenance schedule. The Premium Touch Technology on the sidewall ensures your bike looks showroom-ready, while the internal engineering ensures you have the stability needed for high-speed interstate travel and heavy 2-up riding. It is the gold standard for the rider who demands the very best in safety and longevity.

Always verify your specific load rating requirements. The Commander III Touring is specifically reinforced for bikes equipped with hard saddlebags and tour-paks. For lighter cruisers without luggage, refer to the “Cruiser” version of the Commander III.

Michelin Commander 3 Touring Tires

• Engineered for V-twin and cruiser touring motorcycles seeking exceptional longevity and all weather performance
• Silica Rain Technology for remarkable wet grip and prevention of uneven wear patterns
• Amplified Density Technology in the casing for enhanced rider feedback, handling and maneuverability
• Aramid fiber crown ply for increased durability, stability at speed and reduced tire mass
• Delivers improved wet weather performance and even greater longevity than the acclaimed Commander II
• Numerous longitudinal tread grooves optimize water dispersal for superior wet traction
• Premium ”velvet” sidewall detailing for a distinctive, stylish look that complements cruiser aesthetics
• Square bead wires improve casing rigidity, handling and ease of installation
• Available in “Reinforced” for heavyweight touring bikes, two-up riding, or when required by OEM specifications

Please Note: The Commander III “Touring” and Commander III “Cruiser” are unique tires. Each model features a specific set of sizes, distinct sidewall designs and slightly different tread patterns.