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