Michelin Road Classic tires

[larrys]

While searching the internet for new tires I learned that my ‘95 Cal 1100 is considered a classic motorcycle these days. Not a great selection of tires for it anymore.
Anyone here have any experience with these tires? What would the hive recommend?
Larry

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

On a customer's Jackal (same sizes tires IIRC), I installed Shinko 230 Tour Masters - 110/90 front and a 130/90 rear.

[SemperVee]

 I installed a set F+R Michelin Road Classic Bias Ply OEM sizes 150/70/17 & 110x90x18.  Could not be happier so far.  American Tires had best price.

[Kev m]

I run them on my smallblocks and I'm happy with them.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

I have the Michelin Road Classics on my V7 850 and am happy with them. I'd rank them better than the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart and Pirelli Sport Demon tires on the same bike.

[Ncdan]

I’ve ran the Shinko touring on all of my 20+ year old MG bikes without a single issue. I’d get from 7 to 8k on the back and around 10k on the front. However I’ve never gotten any more than that on any bike regardless of tire brand. I guess I ride a little bit hard at times.

[mr_pacman]

I put the Road Classic's on my 2014 V7 to replace the sport demons. The Road Classics seem great with 1 season of riding on them. I agree, it's getting tough to find good tires these days.

[kingoffleece]

I have them on my Jackal.  Excellent tire.

[rocker59]

Michelin Road Classics performed well on the '04 California EVT I owned for a few years.

The Triumph Bonneville guys also seem to like them.

[larrys]

I bought a set of the Road Classics. 110/90-18 and 140/80-17. Went for the first spin on them last weekend. They sure feel different than the worn Metzler touring tires that they replaced. The bike leans into the turns with considerably less steering input. First couple of twisties were a bit unsettling, took a little getting used to the change in how it handles.
Larry

[Stevex]

Fitted these to the wife's 09 Bonneville due to lack of choice but can't say I'm that impressed, although the wife has no complaints.

[turboguzzi]

If you like to attack the corners a bit, then Metzler Roadtec 01

[mhershon]

I have them on my V7 first series, in fact I'm on my second rear. They keep the rims off the ground and I have not fallen off despite my clumsiest efforts. They are expensive.

[Michael_A]

FWIW, the Michelin Road Classics are fitted as new on my 2026 V7 Special. A pleasant surprise, as I have had great results with them in the past on other bikes. Touched the peg feelers down on both sides (not at the same time, of course!) on my new V7 on the way home day 1! You'd be hard pressed to find a better all around, modern, tire in "vintage" sizes for street use.

[faffi]

My son's Gen I V7 Classic came to him with Metzeler Roadtec 01, which he hated because they gave no feedback and hence would slip without prior warning. In the wet, they were dire. (I had the same experience with the Metzeler Roadtec 08 radials on my CBF1000.) I recommended my son buy a set of very favorably priced Mitas MC50, and he loves them.

[turboguzzi]

Thats interesting. I have worn both front and rear right to the edge and scrapping footpegs while keeping up with spirited italian riders on the alps, all in total confidence.

The roadtec01 is also used here for vintage racing, seen some really good lap times with them....

If im not mistaken it won also a tire comparo by Motorrad Classic magazine.

Sounds almost like you are talking about another tire TBH... odd

in this video the CB500 racer is on road legal Roadtec01's, Mancuso was on of my adversaries when i was vintage racing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIGBztYELJ4 

 

[DC950]

I've concluded that tires are just one of those things you have to try for yourself.  Some brands generally have a stiff sidewall but softer tread compound and some are just the opposite. Some are in the middle. 

If you go to someplace like cycle gear that has a large selection, use your hands to see what I'm talking about.  Grab the sidewalls and squish them.  Stick a nail in the tread.  You'd be surprised at the differences between brands on tires that are the same size and in the same category.

I've found I like softer sidewalls and harder treads because I get more feedback that way.  Bridgestones are generally like this.  Dunlops are the opposite.  I have both on different bikes.

[faffi]

Our Metzelers were a few years old and seemed to have hardened unusually much and fast. I also had a brand new Metzeler ME55 back in the day that would slide - and I mean SLIDE - during cornering with nearly an inch of virgin rubber on the edges. Then again, I have also had Metzelers that worked great.

In general, I prefer soft carcasses with soft-ish rubber, as they give more comfort and more feel - for me. Some like constant feedback from their tires, like my other son, I just want to feel when they are about to slide. Michelins overall suit me best, and the best of the best for me was the Pilot 4.

[turboguzzi]

Seriously, to put all tires of one brand into one basket and say "brand X is always like this" is very very ballpark.

The only thing to consider is that on average i ride in much high temps than you?

Then we all know tire discussions are a bit like oil discussion :)

[faffi]

If you have access to tires from several manufacturers, you can take on and keep it upright, then sit on it. Just the tire, no rim. You will find that mnost Dunlops will support your weight, while most Michelins will just collapse.

[turboguzzi]

If you have access to tires from several manufacturers, you can take on and keep it upright, then sit on it. Just the tire, no rim. You will find that mnost Dunlops will support your weight, while most Michelins will just collapse.

are we sure we are comparing apples to apples?
Bias will be much stiffer than radials ;)

[Moparnut72]

My '26 Special also came with Road Classics. I only have  2K miles on it but I am very happy with them. They are the first Michelins I have had. I have always been partial to Avons. The Michelins have a lot of tread and even though my mileage is still low they seem to be wearing very well. The Sport Demons I have had on two bikes would have been almost a half used up by this point.
kk