New for 2016, the Michelin Starcross 5 is the French manufacturer’s latest range of motocross rubber – promising increased performance compared which the acclaimed Starcross 4.
Recently Dave Willet of Moto Magazine has been testing two of the latest Michelin motocross tyres on his two Suzuki long termers, the soft version for the RMZ250 and medium version for the RMZ450.
The Starcross 5 range has been condensed to four different options:
Excluding the sand and hard tyres, each option has a wider operating range across a variety of terrains, making tyre choice easier for riders. This was a point not lost on Dave who found that “the new Michelin soft tyres even give decent grip when the track gets harder”.
A self-cleaning tread pattern ensured that grip remained constant throughout the day as the track developed, with Michelin using newly developed ‘mud-phobic bars’ to reduce the amount of dirt clinging to the tyre.
Dave says:
“The tyre noticeably hooked up well and trick the boxes of pulling clean through the mud and also finding good grip later at the bottom of the hard ruts. I did notice ultra grip at the beginning on wet slippery jump take-off surfaces, too. There is a section of track where the a left handed turn exits on to a turning table top face and the tyre give me more trust to move than when I’ve ridden there previously. I let the rear move or move more to the side – tracking off sideways like in the dry.”
Preferring a medium front on the heavier bike, it was then back out on to the track to give the next Starcross 5 option a try, stating afterwards:
“The front gets a high five from me as it manage the ground conditions through the day well and held up well. The rear does have a good grip range as it managed the day through mud to baked hard. When the track got harder later on, it still gripped well unlike some budget tyres were you get spin instead of grip. I’ve even thought I had a clutch slipping when testing a low-budget tyre.
The tyres have had a massive overhaul and I’m happy to say the benefits are welcomed and highly noticeable. The different compounds held up and are more than capable of another two outings – which is good for me.”
You can read Dave’s review in full on the official Moto Magazine website.
The Starcross 5 range is already available in a number of sizes and terrain options, with further options due to arrive in the UK in the coming months.
You can check out the full trade range of Starcross 5 tyres here – new for 2016, advice on which Michelin mousse to use is also listed on each individual product page!
