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For most sport-touring riders, the Michelin Road 6 GT is the best all-round choice for fast cornering in wet weather. In Tyre Reviews’ summary of Motorrad’s 2024 comparison, it set the quickest wet-handling time (76.81 seconds), posted the lowest wear result after 2,000 km, and delivered neutral steering with clear feedback. It did not win wet braking, however: the Metzeler Roadtec 02 stopped from 100 to 0 km/h in 43.3 metres, compared with 46.5 metres for the Road 6 GT.
That distinction matters. A tire that changes direction quickly and holds a wet corner is not automatically the one that stops shortest in a straight-line emergency. The right purchase depends on your motorcycle’s approved fitment, whether you value turn-in or braking most, and how much stability, feedback and longevity you expect from a sport-touring tire.
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Quick answer: which tire should you buy?
Use the motorcycle manufacturer’s approved front and rear fitment as the non-negotiable starting point. If your bike accepts the tested GT versions and your priorities are balanced wet cornering, predictable steering and useful wear, choose the Michelin Road 6 GT. Choose the Metzeler Roadtec 02 when the shortest measured wet-braking distance is more important than the quickest-feeling steering. Choose the Dunlop Roadsmart IV GT for the most agile response, and the Pirelli Angel GT II for a sporty but stable character.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The figures below come from a specific 2024 comparison: identical BMW R 1250 RS motorcycles, 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires, and the test pressures and conditions selected by Motorrad. They are useful for ranking these models against one another, not guarantees of the same result on a different motorcycle, size, pressure or road.
#1 Best Overall
- Sport Touring Compound: The high silica content compound is specifically engineered for sport touring, providing excellent grip on dry surfaces and ensuring maximum safety on wet surfaces and in low temperatures.
- Innovative Tread Design: The unique tread pattern combines high mileage capability with a modern and attractive look, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- Versatile Performance: Designed with a new front and rear profile, this tire guarantees neutral and uniform performance across various road conditions, making it suitable for different riding styles. Stable and Controlled Ride: Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling winding roads, the ANGEL ST delivers the stability and control needed for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- Long-lasting Durability: Engineered for excellent mileage, this tire maintains constant and reliable performance throughout its entire lifespan, ensuring longevity and value. Clear Lifespan Indication: The functional design includes indicators that clearly state the residual lifespan of the tire, allowing riders to stay informed about their tire's condition.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The advanced compound and tread design work together to provide maximum safety in various weather conditions, giving riders confidence in their tire's performance. Optimized for Modern Bikes: Specifically tailored for the latest generation of sport touring bikes, the ANGEL ST meets the demands of contemporary riders with its cutting-edge design and technology.
| Best for | Recommended tire | Why | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall wet cornering | Michelin Road 6 GT | Fastest wet-handling time, lowest wear result, neutral steering and clear feedback | Sixth in the cited wet-braking test |
| Shortest wet braking | Metzeler Roadtec 02 | 43.3 m from 100 to 0 km/h, first in the braking test | Less agile feeling at normal-to-brisk speeds |
| Fastest turn-in | Dunlop Roadsmart IV GT | Called the most agile tire in the field, with good feedback | Can feel twitchy on an already agile motorcycle |
| Sporty stability | Pirelli Angel GT II | Second overall, stable cornering and forgiving wet limit | Not the quickest wet-handling tire in this comparison |
Wet cornering and wet braking are different jobs
Wet cornering evaluates how a tire maintains grip while the motorcycle is leaned over and changing direction. The rider is balancing throttle, steering load, lean angle and surface water while the tire works at a combined lateral and longitudinal limit. A quick lap can reflect confidence, smooth transitions and a broad warning range before the tire lets go.
Wet braking is a largely straight-line measurement. The motorcycle is upright, the rider applies maximum braking and the test records the distance needed to reduce speed from 100 to 0 km/h. Tread compound, water depth, carcass behavior, ABS calibration and the tire’s ability to clear water under a heavily loaded contact patch all influence the result.
Because the forces and motorcycle attitude differ, the two rankings can diverge. Road 6 GT led wet handling but was sixth for wet braking; Roadtec 02 won braking while feeling slower to turn. Treat “best wet grip” as an incomplete statement unless you specify cornering, braking or both.
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Motorrad’s comparison, summarized by Tyre Reviews, first ran the six tires for 2,000 km before the wet and dry evaluations. That sequence exposed wear before performance testing rather than measuring a brand-new tire only. The motorcycles were BMW R 1250 RS models wearing 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear sizes.
| Tire | Wet handling time | Wet braking distance (100–0 km/h) | Result in context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Road 6 GT | 76.81 s | 46.5 m | Fastest handling; lowest wear result |
| Metzeler Roadtec 02 | 77.29 s | 43.3 m | Shortest braking; broad wet limit |
| Pirelli Angel GT II | 77.80 s | 44.9 m | Second overall; stable and neutral |
| Dunlop Roadsmart IV GT | 77.98 s | 45.9 m | Most agile steering response |
| Continental RoadAttack 4 GT | 81.10 s | 44.9 m | Balanced alternative; tied second in braking |
| Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32 | 88.25 s | 45.9 m | Slowest wet-handling result in this field |
Small time differences should not be read as a universal hierarchy for every bike. A change in carcass construction, wheelbase, suspension setup, rider input or pressure can alter steering effort and available grip. The test is strongest as a controlled comparison among these six models in the stated BMW fitment.
Michelin Road 6 GT: best all-round wet-cornering choice
Why it ranks first for most sport-touring riders
Road 6 GT combined the quickest wet-handling time, 76.81 seconds, with the lowest wear result after the 2,000-km pre-test. The test described its steering as neutral and its feedback as clear, so the rider can sense increasing load without an abrupt breakaway. That combination is more useful for mixed commuting, touring and spirited cornering than a tire that wins only one discipline.
How Michelin’s design supports cornering
Michelin describes its 2CT+ construction as extending the harder center compound beneath the softer shoulder. The underlying harder rubber supports the shoulder during lean, increasing rigidity and cornering stability while preserving a softer surface compound where the motorcycle spends more time at an angle. Michelin also uses Water Evergrip sipes that widen as the tread wears, helping maintain water evacuation later in the tire’s life.
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Rank #2
- High-Performance Tire: Designed for exceptional handling and grip on both wet and dry surfaces, this tire is perfect for sport and touring bikes. Its high-performance capabilities ensure reliable traction and stability, enhancing the overall riding experience for both daily commutes and spirited rides.
- Innovative Tread Design: The asymmetric tread pattern ensures efficient water displacement, providing superior traction in wet conditions. This innovative design also enhances dry grip, making it ideal for versatile riding conditions and improving overall safety.
- Dual-Compound Technology: This technology enhances tire longevity by using a harder compound in the center for extended wear and a softer compound on the shoulders for increased grip. This combination ensures the tire maintains high levels of grip across varying conditions, delivering consistent performance throughout its lifespan.
- Optimal Stability: The specially developed profile of the Diablo Rosso II provides improved stability during cornering and acceleration. This design allows for precise handling and better control, giving riders the confidence to push their limits on the road or track.
- Bonus Keychain: The tire comes with a stylish Pirelli keychain, a perfect accessory for motorcycle enthusiasts. This keychain not only adds a touch of style to your riding gear but also serves as a practical item to keep your keys organized.
On Michelin’s product information, the company cites a 2022 Motorrad test in which Road 6 GT finished first for wet grip in curves and first for dry maneuverability. Michelin also claims 10% longer longevity than the previous generation, based on an independent DEKRA open-road test. That percentage is a manufacturer-reported comparison under DEKRA’s conditions, not a guaranteed mileage figure for your motorcycle.
Who should choose it
- Riders who want one tire for wet curves, dry roads and touring distance.
- Owners who value neutral steering instead of a strongly quick or slow profile.
- Riders who want the best wear result in the cited comparison without giving up wet agility.
Do not choose it solely because it won the wet-handling lap if your riding includes frequent panic stops in heavy rain. Roadtec 02’s measured braking advantage is meaningful for that specific priority.
Metzeler Roadtec 02: best measured wet braking
The stopping-distance advantage
Roadtec 02 stopped in 43.3 metres from 100 to 0 km/h in the cited 2024 wet-braking test. That was the shortest distance among the six tires. Angel GT II and RoadAttack 4 GT were next at 44.9 m, Roadsmart IV GT and Battlax T32 measured 45.9 m, and Road 6 GT measured 46.5 m.
Cornering character
The test reported excellent wet grip and a wide limit range, meaning the transition toward the tire’s available grip was not described as abrupt. Its compromise was agility: at normal to brisk speeds, Roadtec 02 felt slower to steer and preferred a wider arc. That can be reassuring on a loaded touring motorcycle, but it may feel less eager when you are flicking through a sequence of bends.
Best use case
Select Roadtec 02 when wet straight-line braking is your overriding concern—frequent rain, urban traffic, two-up touring or a riding style that places a premium on stable, deliberate steering. Check that the exact Roadtec 02 size and construction approved for your motorcycle is available; the tested result does not transfer automatically to a different casing or dimension.
Dunlop Roadsmart IV GT: the agility specialist
Fast turn-in with a warning before the limit
Motorrad’s testers called Roadsmart IV GT the most agile tire in the field. It measured 77.98 seconds in wet handling, close to the leaders, and 45.9 metres in wet braking. The test reported good high-speed grip and feedback, predictable wet behavior, above-average traction and a limit range that announces itself early.
That early warning is valuable when you ride briskly on roads that change from dry to damp. You can detect the approach to the limit and adjust throttle or line before the tire feels completely unloaded. Agility is not the same as instability, though. On a motorcycle that already turns very quickly, Roadsmart IV GT can feel twitchy; steering damper settings, suspension sag and worn head bearings should be checked before blaming the tire.
Rank #3
- New traction area compound applied with optimized resin components in the initial compound mixture in order to upgrade the grip characteristics
- Silica Rich EX
- RC Polymer
- Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires - Serving society with superior quality
Who should buy it
- Riders who want light steering and rapid line changes from a sport-touring tire.
- Owners of heavier motorcycles that benefit from a more eager initial response.
- Riders who prefer pronounced feedback over a deliberately slow, planted turn-in.
Pirelli Angel GT II: sporty stability with strong wet balance
Angel GT II placed second overall in the 2024 comparison, recording 77.80 seconds in wet handling and 44.9 metres in wet braking. Testers noted high cornering stability, neutral steering and a forgiving wet limit. It is a sensible choice when you want a sporty feel without making the motorcycle nervous during long, fast sweepers.
Pirelli also reports a 10/10 result in Motociclismo’s 2019 comparison after 7,000 km of highways, rural roads and measured wet and dry testing, with the company reporting the lowest wear in that test. That was a separate test, conducted in 2019 and covering a different route and methodology, so it should be read as supporting evidence rather than a direct repeat of Motorrad’s 2024 ranking.
Angel GT II is particularly attractive to riders who carry luggage or a passenger and want stability under load. Confirm whether your motorcycle requires the GT construction or the standard version; the casing specification affects the way the tire supports weight and responds to steering inputs.
Continental RoadAttack 4 GT: a balanced alternative
RoadAttack 4 GT tied Angel GT II for second-best wet braking at 44.9 metres, but its 81.1-second wet-handling time was slower than the four tires ahead of it. That makes it a middle-ground candidate rather than the first pick for a rider whose only goal is the fastest wet cornering.
It can make sense when your motorcycle’s approved fitment, local availability or preferred steering character favors Continental’s GT option. Evaluate it on the same fundamentals as the leaders: exact size, load index, speed rating, pressure and compatibility with the motorcycle’s electronic aids. A balanced result in one controlled test does not remove the need to set up and maintain the bike correctly.
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Battlax Sport Touring T32 completed the same comparison and measured 45.9 metres in wet braking. Its 88.25-second wet-handling result was the slowest of the six tires tested. That does not mean it is unsafe or unusable; it means it should not be the first recommendation for a rider who explicitly prioritizes fast wet cornering based on this comparison.
If T32 is the only approved or readily available fitment for your motorcycle, ride within the conditions the tire and bike can support, keep pressures correct and leave a larger margin on wet roads. A properly fitted, correctly inflated tire is preferable to forcing an unapproved model because a table shows a faster test lap elsewhere.
Rank #4
- Sport touring all-season radial with high-end performance for the money.
- Ideal for entry-level riders and economic-minded veterans.
- Offers safe, reliable feedback on dry or wet roads.
- Formulated polymers in the compound deliver an impressive cost/mileage ratio.
- Zero degree steel-belt construction for improved stability and a smooth ride. Tubeless.
How to choose between cornering speed, braking and stability
Choose by your dominant risk
- Rainy bends and changing road surfaces: Road 6 GT offers the strongest combination of wet handling, feedback and wear in the cited comparison.
- Emergency stops in heavy rain: Roadtec 02 has the shortest measured wet-braking distance.
- Fast transitions and light steering: Roadsmart IV GT is the agility choice.
- Loaded touring and stable sweepers: Angel GT II provides high cornering stability with neutral steering.
Do not compare a GT tire with the wrong construction
“GT” generally identifies a construction intended to support heavier sport-touring motorcycles or higher loads, but the exact meaning and approved applications vary by manufacturer. Do not substitute a standard version for a GT version, or vice versa, unless the motorcycle manufacturer and tire maker list that combination as approved. A different carcass can change steering effort, contact-patch behavior and load capacity even when the nominal dimensions look identical.
Fitment checklist before ordering
- Read the motorcycle handbook or official fitment chart. Record the approved front and rear dimensions, construction type and any model-specific tire designation.
- Match the load index. The replacement must meet or exceed the motorcycle’s required load capacity for solo, passenger and luggage use.
- Match or exceed the speed rating. Never install a tire with a lower speed rating than the motorcycle requires.
- Confirm radial or bias construction. Do not mix construction types unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
- Check the GT or standard designation. Use the version specified for your bike’s weight and suspension loads.
- Verify electronic-aid compatibility. Tire circumference and carcass behavior can affect ABS, traction control and cornering-control systems; use an approved combination.
- Set the pressure from the motorcycle manufacturer’s specification. Do not copy a pressure from another motorcycle or assume the maximum molded on the sidewall is the recommended running pressure.
- Have the tires mounted and balanced by a qualified motorcycle technician. Ask the technician to inspect wheel condition, valve stems, bearings and alignment while the wheels are off.
Pressure, break-in and wet-road technique
Pressure is part of the tire system
Pressure changes the size and shape of the contact patch, carcass flex and steering response. Too little pressure can create excess heat, vague steering and irregular wear; too much can reduce compliance and available grip on rough wet pavement. Start with the motorcycle manufacturer’s cold-pressure recommendation and recheck with an accurate gauge before riding. Adjust only within the manufacturer’s guidance for solo, passenger or luggage loads.
Give new tires time to settle
New tires may feel different because the tread surface is fresh and the profile is unworn. Use a progressive break-in period with smooth acceleration, braking and lean inputs. Avoid treating a new tire as fully familiar on the first wet ride; build lean and braking loads gradually while you learn its steering response.
Leave margin for standing water
No sport-touring tire can guarantee grip through deep standing water, diesel contamination, leaves or polished road markings. Reduce speed before the corner, keep inputs smooth and avoid abrupt throttle changes while leaned over. If water depth or visibility makes the line uncertain, the safest tire choice is to slow down or postpone the ride.
Wear, inspection and replacement decisions
The 2,000-km pre-test wear result favored Road 6 GT, while Pirelli’s separate 7,000-km Angel GT II comparison reported low wear under its own route and conditions. Neither figure is a promised service life. Mileage varies with motorcycle weight, throttle use, road surface, temperatures, pressure, passenger load, suspension condition and how much the bike is ridden upright versus leaned.
Inspect both tires before every long trip and after any impact. Replace them at the legal tread limit or earlier if you find cuts, punctures that cannot be repaired under the manufacturer’s rules, exposed cords, bulges, severe cupping, cracks or a handling change you cannot explain. Tire age also matters; follow the motorcycle and tire manufacturer’s guidance, particularly for bikes that cover few miles but spend long periods parked.
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- Fitting the wrong size: A nominally similar dimension can alter profile, clearance and electronic-system behavior.
- Mixing unrelated front and rear models: Different profiles and carcasses can produce mismatched turn-in and feedback unless the combination is explicitly approved.
- Using car-tire habits: Motorcycle tires need motorcycle-specific mounting equipment, balancing and pressure procedures.
- Ignoring suspension problems: Worn steering-head bearings, incorrect sag or a damaged wheel can mimic vague or nervous tires.
- Judging grip while the tire is cold: Temperature, road contamination and weather can make the first miles feel very different from a warmed, clean tire.
- Chasing a test number: A 0.5-second advantage or a few metres of braking distance is not a reason to violate the bike’s approved fitment.
Final buying recommendation
For a motorcycle approved for the tested GT fitment, buy the Michelin Road 6 GT when you want the most complete package for fast wet cornering, clear feedback and wear. Buy the Metzeler Roadtec 02 when wet braking is the deciding measurement. Pick the Dunlop Roadsmart IV GT for the liveliest steering, or the Pirelli Angel GT II for sporty stability and a forgiving wet limit. Whichever model you select, the correct motorcycle-specific size, load and speed rating, pressure and professional installation matter more than a ranking obtained on another machine.
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