Today, let’s explore the newest addition to Michelin’s range, the Star Cross 5 series of tires. Michelin’s introduction of four of their best dirt bike tires in this lineup has enhanced aspects like performance, traction, handling, braking, and cornering.
With rigorous testing and cutting-edge technology, Michelin has achieved a remarkable outcome. Significant highlights include the Comfort Case Technology (CCT), which increases tire flexibility, a lighter weight achieved through a two-ply composition, and an entirely new tread pattern.
Furthermore, these four unique tires are designed to meet specific terrain needs, providing you with a competitive advantage.
Michelin Star Cross 5 Review
Pro & Cons
- Maximum durability
- Superior grip and traction
- It may not perform as well in sand or deep mud
Brief Overview of Michelin’s Star Cross 5 Series
To help you make a more informed choice, this article will keep things concise and deliver the necessary information about this innovative Star Cross 5 series.
Introducing CCT and Improved Tire Flexibility
Firstly, let’s discuss the CCT, or Case Comfort Technology, a feature that enhances the flexibility of these tires. As a rider, this increased flexibility can deliver various benefits.
For instance, it can absorb more energy, reducing rider fatigue and allowing for higher air pressure while maintaining flexibility. Using tires at a higher air pressure helps to prevent the tire from dislodging from the wheel.
The Lighter Weight Advantage
Michelin reports that the Star Cross 5 series tires are 15% lighter, which was accomplished by using a two-ply, high-density rubber instead of the traditional three-ply construction. Despite the reduction in ply, the strength and durability of the tire remain uncompromised.
Features and Benefits of the New Tread Spacing
| Tread Spacing Features | Corresponding Benefits |
|---|---|
| Tighter block spacing | Designed for harder terrain |
| Larger spacing with huge notches | Ideal for sand terrain, allows floating feeling and faster soil evacuation |
| Different patterns for traction, handling, braking, and cornering | Better performance in diverse conditions |
The most notable difference among these tires lies in the tread spacing. Tires designed for harder terrains tend to have tighter block spacing.
For example, the sand tire, now accompanied by a rear counterpart, eliminates the need to mix and match.
This tire features large spacing and large notches cut into the center blocks to cut through soil, provide a floating feeling, and evacuate soil faster, making it ideal for tracks like Kohia Creek.
The soft tire, more versatile in nature, works well under muddy, soft, loamy, or sandy conditions, similar to those at Paula Raceway.
The medium tire, however, serves as the most adaptable option in the Star Cross 5 series, performing well under a variety of conditions and terrains, from compact and firm to muddy and rocky.
Lastly, the hard tire is a perfect fit for hard pack and rocky conditions typical of the SoCal region. Its unique tread spacing and alternating pattern offers more traction and a larger contact patch.
Peculiarities of the Rear Tires
The design of the rear tires is similar to that of the front, but there are a couple worth mentioning: the rear soft and the rear sand tire.
The rear soft tire has “mud-phobic” bars that allow even better soil breakaway, enhancing the tire’s self-cleaning properties. On the other hand, the rear sand tire features large scoops and a tread block design for improved traction.
Tire Mileage
To begin, the tires on my bike have roughly 430 miles on them. Although this estimation may be slightly off, it is a fair approximation.
Observing the tires, they’re still in great shape. Some of the treads are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, with a few knobs missing here and there, but this only began happening recently after several rides.
I am using them in conjunction with new Platinum Nitro Boosters from Nitro Mooses. The 110/118 tire is an excellent fit with the NM18305 Platinum Nitro Boost. Initially, it was a bit stiff, but it quickly adapted and provided consistent traction.
Riding a Two-Stroke
As a rider of a 252-stroke, I like the ability to spin the tire. I found this tire to be quite predictable; I knew exactly when I could rev the engine and have it skid around a corner or brake and make it slide easily. Furthermore, I found it provided sufficient traction even with lower rpms, pulling me up any terrain.
The Front Tire
The front tire tells a slightly different story. It has been through the same 430-ish miles as the back tire. While it is a good tire, it doesn’t quite match up to my favorite front tire, the Bridgestone M59. I find the Bridgestone M59 gives me greater predictability when entering turns.
With the Michelin front dirt bike tire, it was mostly reliable, but occasionally, it would behave unexpectedly, sometimes letting go sooner than expected or gripping more than anticipated.
These anomalies did lead to a few scares and falls. Though these were likely more rider errors than tire faults, the predictability of a tire is crucial.
Despite some wear and tear on the side knobs, the front tire performed well overall. It handled well in wet conditions, on roots and rocks, and even on dry, hard-packed surfaces.
Price Point
While it’s not the cheapest set of tires, it delivers high performance, which is what one expects from Michelin. They consistently produce high-quality tires across all vehicles – cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Recommendation
I would recommend a combination of the Michelin Star Cross 5 medium rear tire and a Bridgestone M59 front for mountainous terrains. I’m excited to try this combination soon.
Final Thoughts on the Star Cross 5 Series
This overview should provide a better understanding of the capabilities of Michelin’s new Star Cross 5 series tires.
Please consider our experiences, compare them with your own, get a set for yourself, and share your thoughts. We’re enthusiastic about these tires and hope you are, too.
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