Michelin Road 5 first impressions

Well my stock BT020 rear was down past the wear bars after only 2,500 miles so I decided to have my tires replaced. My local independent shop had a set of the Road 5’s in stock so I had him throw them on.

I only have two days and a little over 100 miles on them so far but I’m seriously impressed. I haven’t noticed having to break them in at all. I’ve been slightly more cautious than normal so far but I haven’t even gotten a wiggle out of the rear accelerating out of a corner.

The way the front feels though has blown me away! Slow speed stuff is effortless and turn in is so neutral it’s transformed the way the bike handles. Leaning in to a turn then bike just eases in and stays at that angle I feel like I have so much more control and precision on where I can put the bike with its lean angle and like I can makes corrections by the millimeter. It’s weird but fantastic.

They are hot cheap. Got them installed for $500. I’m sure I may have been able to save a few buck ordering them online but I like supporting local businesses and this one in particular. I figured if I can get the 6,000-10,000 miles from the rear most people say they get I can save money in the long run. Also the typical two rears to one front change intervals seems to be the norm too.

I do a lot of interstate commuting on the FZ-10 and fun rides on the weekends. On my commute there are a couple of overpasses that are legit corners and these tires ooze confidence. If they are less sticky than the BT 020’s I can’t tell on the street honestly.

If you’re in the fence about the Michelin Road 5’s get them you won’t regret it.

A little about me. I’ve been riding for over 22 years mostly all sport bikes 1998 VFR 2002 CBR1100XX SV650S Honda NT650 Wawk GT 750 Noghthawk Suzuki GS850G Triumph Soeed Triple 1987 Honda Super Magna and I worked in a couple of dealerships. One was a Honda TriumphBMW dealership the other was a Harley dealership. Back home in FL there was a 7 year stretch where I didn’t own a car (by choice) and rode year round.

Now I’m just one opinion and perspective and different people like and prefer different things but I’m 100% sold on these tires. I’ve ridden Dunlop Perelli Metzler Avon Michelin Continental off the top of my head.

Hope this helps anyone thinking about a set of these and I’ll update my thoughts when I’ve got some miles on these tires.