Michelin Anakee Road long-distance test on BMW R 1300 GS

Despite all the off-road capabilities that modern touring enduros offer the experienced rider, most people prefer to stay on the asphalt with their usually quite expensive motorcycles. There's no need for big, thick lugs, which admittedly may look sexy, it's more about grip, smoothness and performance. And above all, it's about functioning in a wide range of road and weather conditions. Which we had plenty of during our winter quarters in Barcelona, and especially on the three-day trip back to Austria.

Translation: Despite all the off-road capabilities that modern touring enduros offer the experienced rider, most people prefer to stay on the asphalt with their usually quite expensive motorcycles. There's no need for big, thick lugs, which admittedly may look sexy, it's more about grip, smoothness and performance. And above all, it's about functioning in a wide range of road and weather conditions. Which we had plenty of during our winter quarters in Barcelona, and especially on the three-day trip back to Austria.

Similar to the Road 6, specifically designed for road use, the Anakee Road also features 2CT+ technology, combining a hard rubber compound across the entire tread width with a softer compound on the tire shoulder. The former provides stability and durability, while the latter offers improved grip and handling. Comfort and handling are standout features of this tire, allowing for playful maneuvering through corners without losing traction. Pushing the bike into a lean angle really tests the limits of grip; traction control only needed to step in during hard acceleration out of corners. The Michelin tire handles corners with ease until the boots or foot pegs touch the ground.

Even in cold temperatures, like in the French mountains, where the thermometer barely rose above zero in the early morning, the rubber provided a sense of security. This is particularly true in wet conditions. From wet spots on the road to heavy rain, the Anakee Road almost makes you forget about the external conditions, thanks to its 100 percent silica compound and outwardly designed tread pattern. The tire can handle what most of us are willing to do in the rain, and it can easily compete with the best in its class, especially in this aspect - although it's always advisable to take a smoother line and avoid sudden braking maneuvers in wet conditions.

There are no complaints about the smooth running of the [Motorradmarke] [Motorradbezeichnung], which remains in the green zone even at high highway speeds, and there is also no annoying stand-up torque when braking. All of this is to be expected from a modern 90/10 tire on the road - but what about the 10 percent off-road capability? Normal dirt tracks and gravel roads pose no problem as long as you adjust your speed accordingly. This is where the difference to tires with a coarser profile like the Anakee Adventure comes into play, especially when braking and turning, as they allow for higher speeds or remain controllable for longer. However, caution is advised when it gets wet or muddy on unpaved roads, as the limits are quickly reached. So why choose the Anakee Road over the Road 6, if available in the right size? The harder carcass of the Anakee Road means it remains more stable in rough road conditions or over stone steps, absorbs more impact, and is simply more versatile for traveling.

The new Anakee Road, available in four front and four rear wheel sizes (90/90-21, 110/80R19, 120/70R19, 120/70ZR19 and 150/70R18, 150/70R17, 170/60R17, 170/60ZR17), expands Michelin's range with a 90/10 tire option. Alongside the Anakee Adventure (80/20) and Anakee Wild (50/50), it caters to all the excitement of touring enduros. Featuring a full-silica compound for excellent wet weather performance, and dual-compound technology for grip, agility, and durability, the Anakee Road has proven itself over 3,000 kilometers on the GS, with half on the highway. While excelling in its comfort zone, it shows limitations on wet roads, grass, or mud. However, it remains ready for journeys with occasional dry off-road detours. Stay tuned for more on mileage in our endurance test report on the BMW R1300 GS.