Michelin to introduce a trio of motorcycle tires

GREENVILLE, S.C.—In the end, 2023 was a bit of a down year for motorcycle tire sales, at least according to Michelin. Much like other tire segments, the two-wheel tire space saw a decrease in demand as inventory levels were drawn down.

Nonetheless, Michelin focused on the rebound, designing the tires that consumers want for the motorcycles they ride. And in the months ahead, as demand increases, the tire maker will be poised to meet that demand, in part with new offerings.

"Innovation is at the heart of Michelin's strategy. We invest in the evolution of our motorcycle tire ranges in order to always be the reference in the field for both riders and OEMs," Edouard De Peufeilhoux, director of Michelin's Two-Wheels Business Line, said in a statement. "After challenging market conditions in 2023, we have a strong conviction that motorcyclists are eager to return to the road and track."

Early next year, Michelin will roll out a trio of motorcycle tires—the Michelin Power 6, Michelin Power GP 2 and Michelin Anakee Road. All three will be introduced at the EICMA trade show in Milan Nov. 7. And each—destined for the North American market in 2024—are designed to optimize performance and longevity while offering consumers the ride and handling they expect from their vehicles.

"We have worked closely with motorcycle manufacturers to ensure that Michelin tires, thanks to their performance, contribute to the riding pleasure of every rider and meet the specificities of the new motorcycle models presented at the EICMA show," Peufeilhoux said. "As a result, we are immensely proud of the development team that has designed these three new products unveiled at the end of the year."

Here's a look at the three new tires.

Designed for sportiness and ride, the Michelin Power 6 is aimed as a fitment for a range of sports motorcycles, laying a foundation for future launches in this sector, Michelin said.

"Beyond sport performance, this tire keeps an eye on mileage for the daily rider or those who travel long distances," the Greenville-based tire maker said in a news release. "The grip in dry and wet conditions as well as its handling and sportiness make this tire a suitable answer to the demands of sport bike riders."

Michelin did not yet specify which sizes will be available in the North American market in 2024, but did say it was suited for motorcycles over 300cc and has been selected as a homologation on the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke.

With the Michelin Power GP 2, Michelin is bringing performance to the track—and the roadway—with better performance thanks to improved grip in both wet and dry conditions, when compared to its predecessor, the Michelin Power GP.

To enhance its ride precision, Michelin focused on the development tools behind the MotoGP, allowing the Michelin Power GP 2 to benefit from the design expertise and experience behind more than 500 victories in the FIM World Championship.

"Thanks to its level of riding precision, it amplifies the track experience allowing the most experienced riders to push their limits on the track," Michelin said.

North American consumers will see the tires in 2024 and the tire sizes available will be disclosed at launch.

The Anakee range may be best known for its aggressive off-road performance, but Michelin is complementing that capability with an on-road tire—designed for adventure touring motorcycles used for long road trips as well as everyday travel.

"As these bikes are versatile, their range of use is just as wide," Michelin said. " … The design of the tire has been created to be in harmony with the style of these bikes, which have become lighter over the generations but are still an imposing size and weight."

The Michelin Anakee Road tire boasts high levels of grip in wet and dry conditions as well extended service life and stability.

Like, the Power 6 and Power GP 2, the Anakee Road tires will roll out in North America in 2024. Available sizes will be detailed later.