I had Michelin Road Pilot 4's on my K1600 GTL and it caused it to pull left, changed to Dunlop RS4's and the left pull disappeared. I run the Dunlop Trailmax Mission's on my GS and I love them, however they are more of an off road tire.
Michelin Road 6 - never again
2 months ago I took off my Michelin Anakee's that came with the bike (new). I liked those tires but just couldn't stand the noise from the front. So, decided to go with model I liked a lot. On my previous bikes I always used Michelin Road (Pilot) 2, 3, 4 and 5. So, as I was always happy with them, I've chosen Michelin Road 6.
The first impession was great. On the way out of the garage that installed them, the front was dead quiet. It felt so good. Few days later, on the highway, I went over 150 km/h (93mph) and the rear started to "dance". It was swerving left-right-left. I lowered the speed and it was OK. I went up again and the swerving started again. I've got even more speed and it was still there. So I went to different highway with newer surface. Still the same... Tried 3rd highway, different surface again, still the same. I was not happy. At that point I thought that tires were new and needed some time, as previous models of that tire were always great on my bikes.
2-3 days later, just out of fun, I let go my handlebars and bike violently swerved left. Tried few times on different speeds, it was still turning left... a lot. Went back to the dealer that installed those tires and he did all the procedure of front fork alignment . It was just a bit better but not solved and still dangerous.
Now, 2 months later and 1500 miles more, nothing has changed. All the problems are still there.
I researched through the hundreds of forums for different bikes and many riders encountered the same problems with Road 6 on their bikes (non BMW). They say it's not bad batch. The tire is wrong.
I am shocked. Those tires were expensive and I could sware in the previous models quality.
What the hell is this??????
So, I'll keep them through the winter and look for new tires in the spring. I will have to research for the best 100% pavement tire for my bike. I want good grip and I don't care about durability as sticky tires don't last long and those are that I want.
On the original tires, I had none of the problems described above.
Hard earned money thrown away.
The first impession was great. On the way out of the garage that installed them, the front was dead quiet. It felt so good. Few days later, on the highway, I went over 150 km/h (93mph) and the rear started to "dance". It was swerving left-right-left. I lowered the speed and it was OK. I went up again and the swerving started again. I've got even more speed and it was still there. So I went to different highway with newer surface. Still the same... Tried 3rd highway, different surface again, still the same. I was not happy. At that point I thought that tires were new and needed some time, as previous models of that tire were always great on my bikes.
2-3 days later, just out of fun, I let go my handlebars and bike violently swerved left. Tried few times on different speeds, it was still turning left... a lot. Went back to the dealer that installed those tires and he did all the procedure of front fork alignment . It was just a bit better but not solved and still dangerous.
Now, 2 months later and 1500 miles more, nothing has changed. All the problems are still there.
I researched through the hundreds of forums for different bikes and many riders encountered the same problems with Road 6 on their bikes (non BMW). They say it's not bad batch. The tire is wrong.
I am shocked. Those tires were expensive and I could sware in the previous models quality.
What the hell is this??????
So, I'll keep them through the winter and look for new tires in the spring. I will have to research for the best 100% pavement tire for my bike. I want good grip and I don't care about durability as sticky tires don't last long and those are that I want.
On the original tires, I had none of the problems described above.
Hard earned money thrown away.
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I've had Road 6's on my 18RT and now on my 19GSA and never experienced any problems. Must be a bad tire or the tire changer person dropped your wheel when the tire was off.............
have you called the manufacturer, these could be a dangerous issue that needs addressing
I'd go back to your installer and describe the issue(s) you're having - ask they contact their manufacturer's rep to obtain a replacement - that tire is coming off as it is unsafe...per a previous post, the wheel needs to be examined for roundness - I unknowingly bent a wheel once, most likely hitting a pothole.
Like you I liked a lot the Michelin Road series. On the GS, when the OEM tires were done, Michelin Road were were not available from my supplier so I went for a set of Pirelli Angel GT II. Loved them a lot. I ride the GS like a sport bike in country roads the GTs were very confident inspiring, just like a set of Road 4 or 5. Longevity on par with Michelin, between 13k and 15k km. I ordered a second this season set even though the Road 6 were available.
Sounds like an issue that should be covered under warranty. Like stated above have the retailer reach out to Michelin. I would not wait as closest contact to purchase will get best result. If no resolution I'd contact them myself.
Just made official complaint on their website. Let's see the answer.have you called the manufacturer, these could be a dangerous issue that needs addressing
Yeah, I don't think I'd live with that. My first though would be to take the tire off the wheel and see if the wheel is true and balanced. If it is, remount the tire and make sure it's true and still in balance. It would be pretty weird if there's something wrong with the tire causing those problems that you couldn't see doing the actions I just recommended.
It sounds like you've done what you can (fork alignment, etc.). GrayBeard is spot on...verifying how true and balanced the wheel is.
The assumption is that the bike wasn't exhibiting this tendency with the Anakees. Also the bike is new, probably relatively low mileage, and most likely hasn't been abused.
If all of these things are true, unfortunately it's going to point back to the tires.
If you've still got the Anakees, remounting them should take you back to where you were. If the problem goes away, you've got your answer. If it doesn't, you and your dealer should probably have an up close and personal conversation.
Getting Michelin to do anything, if it appears to be a tire problem, is going to be extremely tedious. They will need to literally look at the tires (xray, etc.) to see if they can find an issue.
It will be interesting to see if you can get Michelin's attention.
The assumption is that the bike wasn't exhibiting this tendency with the Anakees. Also the bike is new, probably relatively low mileage, and most likely hasn't been abused.
If all of these things are true, unfortunately it's going to point back to the tires.
If you've still got the Anakees, remounting them should take you back to where you were. If the problem goes away, you've got your answer. If it doesn't, you and your dealer should probably have an up close and personal conversation.
Getting Michelin to do anything, if it appears to be a tire problem, is going to be extremely tedious. They will need to literally look at the tires (xray, etc.) to see if they can find an issue.
It will be interesting to see if you can get Michelin's attention.
All mentioned above has been tried already. The only other thing is to try old Anakee front tire. I will go to the shop to mount it tomorrow.
Sent the complaint to Michelin this morning. Waiting for the answer.
Sent the complaint to Michelin this morning. Waiting for the answer.
The most likely source of the problem is the shop. It’s not a balance issue. And probably not a tire issue. If the symptom is as radicals as you describe there is something “wrong” with the set up. I’d ask the shop to dismount the tires and remount them. visually check to see the beads are seated. Something is wrong and it’s probably not the tire and it’s definitely not the balance.
I work in a business where we use tires (not motorcycle), two months ago I helped a customer source a Michelin tire due to a defect. Whatever man makes, man can screw up.
Michelin is typically a good brand but no manufacturer is perfect.
Michelin is typically a good brand but no manufacturer is perfect.
Done that already, no change.The most likely source of the problem is the shop. It’s not a balance issue. And probably not a tire issue. If the symptom is as radicals as you describe there is something “wrong” with the set up. I’d ask the shop to dismount the tires and remount them. visually check to see the beads are seated. Something is wrong and it’s probably not the tire and it’s definitely not the balance.
I've removed Anakee's from two motorcycles - an F700GS and my current R1200GSLC. Both were due to noise and a perceived lack of traction. I replaced with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II's both times. While listed as an 80/20 tire, I've found them to be very good for my riding as I don't go off-roads much. I'm a newer rider (less than 3 years). I'm becoming more comfortable with leaning while on on/off ramps - in fact, I leaned enough that I felt my boot drag a bit once (and that got my attention). I don't ride much in inclement weather, so cannot comment on rain usage.
All I know is that I trust these tires. If you decide to try another brand, maybe Pirelli will work for you.
All I know is that I trust these tires. If you decide to try another brand, maybe Pirelli will work for you.
You didn’t say what bikes the previous PR’s were on but what about spooning on a PR5 that you liked?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Previous bikes were all Suzuki, 2 of DL650 V-Strom and 3 of DL1000 V-Strom. They all run well on Road series. I was so confident on Road series that I bought Road 6 without doing any research.
Went back to the shop that installed my Road 6. They still had my old Anakee's. I explained I wanted to test my front tire by installing back my old Anakee. As they were informed by me previously about the problem, they said they'll do it free of charge and then put back Road 6, free of charge too. So they did, balanced it and I went for a test ride. The result is, the bike was perfect again. No pulling left at all. Then I went to one highway to see about the rear swerving, and that one was gone too. So everything was back to perfect. Went back to the shop, they put Road 6 again, balanced it and I went to the same roads for the test. Bike was pulling left again and the rear was swerving on the highway.
So, I have my conclusions now. It's the front tire.
So, I have my conclusions now. It's the front tire.
That's an impressive bit of detective work. Well done!Went back to the shop that installed my Road 6. They still had my old Anakee's. I explained I wanted to test my front tire by installing back my old Anakee. As they were informed by me previously about the problem, they said they's do it free of charge and then put back Road 6, free of charge too. So they did, balanced it and I went for a test ride. The result is, the bike was perfect again. No pulling left at all. Then I went to one highway to see about the rear swerving, and that one was gone too. So everything was back to perfect. Went back to the shop, they put Road 6 again, balanced it and I went to the same roads for the test. Bike was pulling left again and the rear was swerving on the highway.
So, I have my conclusions now. It's the front tire.
The guys in shop were very nice and helpful. They also filled complaint to Michelin importer but they say it's hard to get any response from them. They offered replacement tire, whichever brand I wanted but I know them for many years. They are just small family bussiness and very honest. Knowing them and the way they work, I know if I accept the replacement, they would be paying out of their own pocket and then wait for Michelin to refund. And that may never happen. I just can't do that, it wouldn't feel like the right thing to do. So, I won't. I kindly refused the replacement. I'll see in Spring if I can get Scorpions Trail 2.That's an impressive bit of detective work. Well done!
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