Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 Review on Road and Gravel

Michelin hosted the international launch of the Anakee Adventure 2 in stunning Tuscany, where invited journalists rode a wide range of modern adventure touring bikes onto the famous Strade Bianche and Eroica Panorama Road under sunny skies and dry conditions.

The diversity of motorcycles used is remarkable. From relatively light and agile machines like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and CFMoto 800 MT-X to mid-range models like the BMW F 900 GS and Honda Africa Twin with 21-inch front wheels, everything is represented. The lineup is rounded off by classic big enduros like the BMW R 1300 GS and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 with 19-inch front wheels. However, all these bikes have one thing in common: they all ride on the new Michelin Anakee Adventure 2.

In total, we cover a little over 200 kilometers. The route takes us over winding, partly narrow asphalt roads typical of Tuscany, as well as over finely graveled sections of the Strade Bianche. Here, the new tire from Michelin is set to demonstrate its versatility. But before we dive into the joys and limits of this latest black treasure, let's focus on the technical aspects of the Anakee Adventure 2.

With the Anakee Adventure 2, Michelin positions a road-focused adventure tire that still offers sufficient reserves for detours onto loose terrain. The 80/20 classification does not reflect actual everyday use but rather indicates the development priorities. It's about where the tire is supposed to excel—not how often it will be used off-road.

The development focused on three key points: reduced rolling noise and vibrations, improved mileage, and increased wet grip. At the same time, the off-road capabilities were to be maintained at least at the level of the predecessor. The development took around two years, during which approximately 600,000 test kilometers were covered. For Michelin, the Anakee Adventure 2 is the most important tire innovation of the year in the motorcycle segment.

On board is the already well-known 2CT technology, where a harder rubber compound in the center of the tread minimizes tire wear and softer rubber on the shoulders provides traction. However, the rubber compound used in the Anakee Adventure 2 is the true innovation and sensation. For better wet grip, softer compounds are needed, while the mileage of a tire is better with harder compounds. To still achieve these two opposing development goals, the new silica-based rubber compound was specially developed and patented for the Anakee Adventure 2. According to the manufacturer, significant advancements in mileage and wet grip are possible. Compared to its predecessor, the Anakee Adventure 2 is said to last 14% longer and offer 10% more grip in the wet. However, which technology or rubber component exactly accounts for this improvement remains a secret. Michelin plans to use the new rubber formula in other tires, including those in the automotive sector.

The tread design of the Anakee Adventure has also been revised. With a negative tread ratio of 32%, the tire sits right between road-oriented models like the Anakee Road (16% negative tread ratio) and much rougher knobby tires like the Anakee Wild (62%). The tread design also plays a crucial role in noise behavior. Michelin claims a significant reduction in rolling noise by 30%, achieved through the strategic arrangement and angle of the tread grooves.

The test kicks off on brand new tires and in quite chilly temperatures. In the early morning hours, the CFMoto’s tire temperature display shows just eight degrees. It's all the more pleasing that the Anakee Adventure 2 quickly provides a trustworthy feel. After about ten to fifteen minutes at a moderate country road pace, the tire reaches operating temperature and starts to perform smoothly.

The steering behavior is a major advantage. The Michelin feels pleasantly harmonious and predictable. With adventure tourers featuring 21-inch front wheels, some tires tend to cause the bike to "tip" into lean at a certain point. This behavior is absent with the Anakee Adventure 2. From an upright position to greater lean angles, everything builds up in a linear and well-controlled manner.

With motorcycles featuring 19-inch front wheels, this impression is further amplified. The wider tread provides an extra boost in stability and confidence, especially in faster corner sections. Overall, this results in a very neutral handling.

The tire also shows no weakness in terms of grip level on dry asphalt. Even with spirited riding and strong acceleration out of corners, the grip level remains high. Of course, modern adventure tourers can always be pushed to the grip limit with their power, but in normal to sporty use, the Michelin feels very confident.

A special focus was placed on noise development. In a brief workshop, we were even shown how tread design and groove angles lead to different frequencies. This is also why many knobbier tires "sing" on asphalt. In practice, the Anakee Adventure 2 produces typical rolling noises of a rougher tread in the range between about 75 and 100 km/h, but at a rather subtle level. Noticeable if you listen closely, but hardly disturbing. I also didn't notice any negative vibrations during the ride.

Despite its name, the Anakee Adventure 2 is not a tire for hardcore off-road use. The negative tread ratio and the height and shape of the knobs are too minimal for that. Additionally, the relatively round tread, especially with wider 19-inch front wheels, reduces the possible lateral grip on loose surfaces.

Even on the relatively easy gravel sections of the Strade Bianche, it quickly becomes clear where the limits are. The traction can be quickly overwhelmed on modern, powerful, and heavy adventure tourers, especially during acceleration. This clearly shows that the tire was primarily developed for use on asphalt.

Nevertheless, the Anakee Adventure 2 offers clear advantages over pure road tires. On gravel roads and simple dirt paths, the robust carcass provides pleasant self-damping. Irregularities, edges, and minor bumps are noticeably softened, enhancing comfort.

Additionally, the transverse tread grooves contribute to mechanical interlocking with the surface. Compared to road tires with predominantly longitudinal grooves, this results in a noticeable increase in traction and control. For occasional trips off paved roads, the Michelin is thus well-suited, as long as you keep the concept's limitations in mind.

The Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 clearly positions itself within the existing Anakee family and bridges the gap between purely road-oriented and significantly more off-road-focused concepts. After this test day, it's also easy to pinpoint which type of rider this tire is intended for.

Riders of large adventure tourers with 19-inch front wheels who practically stick to asphalt and have no ambitions towards gravel or off-road will likely be better off with a pure road tire like the Michelin Road 6. In this case, there's no real need for compromise.

For motorcycles with 21-inch front wheels, the Anakee Road represents the most road-biased option within the Michelin lineup. It is ideal for riders who primarily stick to asphalt but very rarely venture onto loose surfaces.

The Anakee Adventure 2 is aimed at riders who are primarily on the road but regularly incorporate small detours onto gentle gravel roads or dirt paths. In this use case, it offers more reserves and safety than a pure road tire without having to accept significant drawbacks on the road. Visually, it also presents itself as more of an adventure tire than the Anakee Road.

However, those who seriously want to go off-road and seek enjoyment there can't get past knobby tires like the Anakee Wild or similar models.

The intriguing question remains whether the new rubber compound can really deliver the promised advancements in wet grip and mileage in everyday use. This couldn't be verified in the dry conditions of Tuscany. Future tire comparisons and long-term tests will reveal more. However, the first impression under dry conditions is clearly positive, showing that Michelin has created a very balanced all-rounder for light adventure use with the Anakee Adventure 2.