New tyres for 2026

[dueruote]

I've been running Michelin Road 5 but with just with 5000 km, I suspect the front deformed due to uneven wear or something, and the bike handles like crap.

While at mid corner, the handlebar is pushing inwards, forcing me to push the inner grip just to maintain a steady line.
I've had this before with other tyres, and it tends goes away when putting new rubber.

My question to any one who tried the likes of Michelin Road 6, Dunlop Roadsmart 4 GT, or on the sportier side the Michelin Power 6 or others, how was your experience in terms of handling in this situation when the bike is at lean.


I don't commute daily, I don't to got the track and I rarely need to do longer stretches on the motorway. 
Mostly I just do a mix of short 1 or 2 day touring trips and twisties, fluid riding, but not afraid to lean (if I trust the tyres and the road).

Thanks for the feedback !

[b1k3rdude]

There is nothing inherently wrong with the PR5's, what has very lightly happened (because it happens and has happened to be on various bikes over the years). Is if you use the front brake a lot its can cause uneven wear on the front tyre. 

I know you said you don't to do a lot of motorway/dual-carrageway miles, but any mileage of this type can and while cause the tyres front and back to become squared off to a degree. When you hit the 'shoulder' the handling becomes less stable and more unpredictable. Can you post links to pictures of your front and rear tyres, including top-down and side profile views.?

I have a Road 4's on my 2007 FZ1 and they handle just fine, so I imagine the 5 and 6's will be just as good.

[dueruote]

I'm not close to the bike right now to take a proper picture, but judging from the look alone it doesn't seem all that bad.
TBH, I have these tyres since 5 years ago, I can't remember how was the handling when they were new, but I think I'd remember if it was as bad as it is now.
It's one of those things that changes ever so slightly over time, that we tend to get used to it at the same time, until one day we realise something doesn't feel right.

The Road 5 it's a perfectly valid tyre, but I've seen more than once people saying that the front shoulders compound are too soft compared to the centre and depending on the bike geometry or utilization / riding style, the front can lose the ideal profile rather soon.

It could be something else contributing to that effect, but unless something is wrong with the bike, in my experience it's always been the tyres, and with 5 years on them I'm happy to replace them anyway, preferably with something known to be neutral and stable in corners on the FZS.

[b1k3rdude]

TBH, I have these tyres since 5 years ago, I can't remember how was the handling when they were new, but I think I'd remember if it was as bad as it is now.

Check or take a photo of the date on the tire, as at 5yrs this is close to the time they should be replaced - https://irontyres.co.uk/guides/tyre-age-and-lifespan/

And on the subject of buying tyres, always make sure when buying the tyres isnt longer than 1yr old, if it is ask for a discount or walk away.

[dueruote]

I'm tempted to try the Roadsmart 4 this time. It's a bit strange that Dunlop recommends the GT version for the FZS 1000, but on our sizes there is only GT or SP for lighter bikes. There is no "standard" version.

On the other hand, the Michelin Road 6 is always a reference in the segment and it's said to do everything well.

Would love to hear if anyone can share their experiences with new tyres and how they behave mid corner. Thanks !!

[b1k3rdude]

I'm tempted to try the Roadsmart 4 this time. It's a bit strange that Dunlop recommends the GT version for the FZS 1000, but on our sizes there is only GT or SP for lighter bikes. There is no "standard" version.

On the other hand, the Michelin Road 6 is always a reference in the segment and it's said to do everything well.

Would love to hear if anyone can share their experiences with new tyres and how they behave mid corner. Thanks !!

I personaly have never had a good exp with Dunlop Road Smarts, but that might be the bike, the situation and the time of years.. Where as Avon 3DXMs are predictable and reliable, but you cfan get them anymore,,.

[agricola]

I'm with bikerdude on this, 5 years old tyres have likely lost some of the chemical compounds that give them their performance when new.

[kralik]

Hi,

I both new Pirelli Angel ST last year, and even they are quite old model, I am happy with them. I used to use Michellin PRs 3 & 5 before, but I would prefere Angel ST to be honest.

[dueruote]

Hi,

I both knew Pirelli Angel ST last year, and even they are quite old model, I am happy with them. I used to use Michellin PRs 3 & 5 before, but I would prefere Angel ST to be honest.

I’d be more into some of the latest generation tyres.

For me at this point is not so much about the grip (I trust any good modern sport touring will have enough), but to understand what tyres can have good compatibility with the FZS in terms of handing and stability mid corner.

[kralik]

Hi,

I both knew Pirelli Angel ST last year, and even they are quite old model, I am happy with them. I used to use Michellin PRs 3 & 5 before, but I would prefere Angel ST to be honest.

I’d be more into some of the latest generation tyres.

For me at this point is not so much about the grip (I trust any good modern sport touring will have enough), but to understand what tyres can have good compatibility with the FZS in terms of handing and stability mid corner.

Yes, I understand you well, I just meant that even the Angels ST are old generation tyres, I am pretty happy with them, even when driving fast throgh corners on a mountain roads. They have been made in the year of purchase, even they are old generation.

Anyhow, it is completely up to you which way you will go, as the feelings and how the tyres really work depends also on a country and weather, where they are used.

[dueruote]

My tyre shop couldn't have the Dunlops in time for a weekend out, so that made the choice easier for the Road 6.
The steering feels normal again.