Sport Touring Tire review

Michelin Road 6 GT vs Dunlop Roadsmart 4: A Comparison Review

When choosing the right motorcycle tire, it’s crucial to consider several factors like performance, comfort, durability, and price. Both the Michelin Road 6 GT and the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 are highly regarded sport-touring tires that offer excellent performance for long-distance touring riders and those seeking versatile all-around capabilities. While both tires share many qualities, such as solid grip, stability, and comfort, I personally prefer the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 for its particular strengths.

1. Grip and Handling

Michelin Road 6 GT: The Michelin Road 6 GT shines in providing exceptional wet and dry grip. Michelin’s proprietary 2CT+ technology (dual-compound) enhances the tire’s performance by offering a harder compound at the center for longevity, with a softer compound on the sides for better grip when leaning. This makes the Road 6 GT an excellent choice for both rain and dry conditions. The tire’s handling is stable, with precise cornering characteristics. It’s ideal for riders who want a predictable and confident feel, especially in variable weather conditions.
Dunlop Roadsmart 4: The Dunlop Roadsmart 4 offers a more refined grip, especially in the dry. Dunlop uses a Multi-Tread compound that features a harder center for durability and a softer edge for grip. While both tires are comparable in grip, the Roadsmart 4 feels more planted in dry conditions, providing greater confidence when cornering. The Roadsmart 4’s ability to maintain stable grip at higher lean angles and its superior braking performance on both wet and dry surfaces is impressive. It's a tire that many riders appreciate for its balance between performance and everyday usability.

Preference: While the Michelin Road 6 GT provides excellent performance in all conditions, I find the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 to be slightly more responsive and consistent in dry conditions, especially during aggressive cornering. Its handling feels more connected, giving me a heightened sense of control.

2. Comfort and Ride Quality

Michelin Road 6 GT: The Road 6 GT is designed with touring riders in mind, so comfort is a key feature. The tire’s structure, combined with the advanced rubber compounds, provides a smooth and quiet ride. Michelin’s ACT+ (Adaptive Casing Technology) provides additional stability, reducing vibrations and giving a more plush feel, even during long, extended rides. On highways and rougher road surfaces, the tire does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections.
Dunlop Roadsmart 4: The Roadsmart 4 also offers a comfortable ride, with advanced tread design and optimized construction to ensure a smooth, controlled experience. Dunlop has incorporated its “Performance Ride Technology” to improve comfort by reducing harshness and absorbing bumps well. The sidewalls are stiffer than the Michelin, contributing to a slightly firmer ride, but still providing ample comfort for long-distance touring.

Preference: While both tires are comfortable, I find the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 offers a more composed feel at higher speeds, especially on the highway. Its slightly firmer sidewalls give a bit more stability in high-speed cornering, without sacrificing comfort.

3. Durability and Longevity

Michelin Road 6 GT: Michelin is known for its focus on tire longevity, and the Road 6 GT is no exception. The tire is built to last, with Michelin’s Evergrip technology improving wear resistance and ensuring that the tire remains reliable throughout its lifespan. Its mileage is impressive, and its wear pattern is generally uniform, meaning you get long-lasting performance, especially for touring riders.
Dunlop Roadsmart 4: The Roadsmart 4 is also built for longevity, with its Long Tread Life compounds designed to enhance wear resistance. Dunlop’s compounds are specifically geared toward maximizing mileage without compromising performance. While it has a similar longevity to the Michelin, the wear tends to be a bit more gradual, giving riders a longer window of consistent performance.

Preference: I find that both tires are quite durable, but the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 tends to hold up better in my experience, maintaining consistent performance throughout its life. Michelin’s Road 6 GT does well too, but the Dunlop’s even wear pattern gives me more confidence in its overall lifespan.

4. Price and Value

Michelin Road 6 GT: Michelin typically positions itself as a premium tire brand, and the Road 6 GT comes with a slightly higher price tag. However, considering the tire’s performance, comfort, and longevity, it justifies the cost for riders who are seeking a top-tier product for all conditions.
Dunlop Roadsmart 4: The Roadsmart 4 is priced slightly lower than the Michelin Road 6 GT, making it an excellent value proposition. Given its long-lasting durability, solid performance, and comfort, the Roadsmart 4 offers great bang for your buck, especially for riders looking to balance quality with cost-effectiveness.

Preference: While the Michelin Road 6 GT is a premium tire, I find that the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 provides exceptional value. The slightly lower price point, combined with excellent performance, makes it a top choice for riders looking to maximize their investment without sacrificing quality.

5. Conclusion

Both the Michelin Road 6 GT and the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 are outstanding sport-touring tires, each offering a unique set of benefits. The Michelin Road 6 GT excels in wet-weather performance, comfort, and long-distance stability, while the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 stands out for its dry-weather handling, superior grip, and long-term durability.

However, my personal preference leans toward the Dunlop Roadsmart 4, primarily for its excellent dry grip, stable ride quality, and superior braking performance. It also provides a more connected feel when cornering and tends to last just as long as the Michelin, all at a slightly better value. For a rider looking for a tire that delivers high performance across various conditions, without breaking the bank, the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 is the winner.