New Michelin tyres tested

Michelin has launched a new sports touring tyre to replace its Macadam 100X.

For the full story on the new Michelin Pilot Road tryes, don’t miss the new MCN, out April 10.

The Pilot Road lines up with the well-proven Pilot Sport and the Pilot Race, and is designed to give good grip in all conditions while returning reasonably high mileages.

We put Michelin’s claims to the test on the hot and sticky roads of south-west Spain and on the not-quite-so hot and sticky roads of the UK. Here’s our first impressions:

*Stability is good and long, high-speed curves are not a problem, even on the likes of Suzuki’s 1200 Bandit.

*The rounded profile also make it easy to change direction and there’s good feedback.

*Grip from cold is good – something the other tyres in the Pilot range are not normally noted for. And once they’re fully warmed up, the predictability is excellent.

*They’ll be in the shops at the end of the month, and are slightly more expensive than the Macadam 100Xs at about £85 for a front and £110 for the back.

Details: 0845-366-1550.

The Pilot Road’s more flexible construction is designed to give it extra comfort over rougher surfaces, and improve its wear rate.

Front Sizes: 110/70 ZR 17. 120/60 ZR 17. 120/70 ZR 17. 110/80 ZR 18

Rear sizes: 150/70 ZR 17. 160/60 ZR 17. 170/60 ZR 17. 180/55 ZR 17. 190/50 ZR 17. 160/60 ZR 17.