In early 2021, Michelin quietly launched a new retro street tire in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch front and rear sizes, some in hard-to-find widths and aspect ratios. Despite the lack of fanfare, the new Road Classic generated a lot of buzz among owners of classic and modern classic motorcycles, many of which require odd sizes, inner tubes in their spoked wheels, or both. Not only can all sizes of the Road Classic front and rear tires be used with or without tubes, it’s one of the few premium road tires left that’s available in certain sizes. That’s great news if, like me, you need a 130/80-18 rear for a 2001 Kawasaki W650 (and matching 100/90-19 front) and want the kind of wet and dry grip, handling, and longevity that only a dedicated street tire can offer. By combining an attractive retro tread design with the latest materials and technology, Michelin says its Road Classic improves upon the Pilot Activ tire it replaces with better performance in terms of comfort, handling, straight-line and cornering stability, and wet and dry grip. With a groove-to-tread-rubber ratio of 26%, the tire’s slick center and shoulder areas provide high contact with the road and excellent dry grip. In wet conditions, the 100% silica compound and chamfered groove edges break through water on the road and maintain that high level of grip without sacrificing tire life with a softer compound. To make the Road Classic a tubeless tire that is also compatible with tubes, Michelin used two Bi-NST plies directly beneath the tread rubber to reduce centrifugal growth at speed, which helps maintain a constant and optimum shaped contact patch. Under these two top plies, two Bi-NC casing plies are rigid enough to support the load with stability yet are supple enough to deliver a comfortable ride. An airtight butyl rubber liner allows the tires to be used on tubeless wheels or with inner tubes on a tube-type rim. I’ve been very happy with the Road Classics. They mounted and balanced easily without a lot of added weight, give the W650 light, neutral, and stable handling and steering, and offer plenty of grip, right to the limits of the bike’s cornering clearance. They’re quiet, comfortable, and deliver good feedback on dirty roads. As soon as I have the opportunity to sample the Road Classics in the wet, we’ll update the online version of this review. See all of Rider‘s tire reviews here. Michelin Road Classics are available in nine front and 10 rear sizes, all of which can be run without or with tubes. Because it is often listed in Michelin’s literature as just a tubeless tire, however, some dealers are unaware that it can be run with a tube; even Michelin’s website doesn’t show it as available for some bikes that it is actually suited for, unless you search by size rather than by motorcycle model. Checking the sidewall for the words, “Tubeless, on tube-type rim fit a tube,” can clear up the confusion. Make sure you get the right speed rating for your bike as well, because a couple sizes are available in both H and V ratings. Shop for Michelin Road Classic Motorcycle Tires The post Michelin Road Classic Motorcycle Tires Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.