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Bridgestone BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 vs Michelin Road 5 — Compared (September 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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5 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional tests (TWG score) | – | 88 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 87 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 72 | 87 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 76 | 89 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 70 | 83 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 65 | 80 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Bridgestone BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | Michelin Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 73 | 85 |
| Dry | 85 | 88 |
| Wet | 72 | 87 |
| Comfort | 76 | 89 |
| Treadwear | 70 | 83 |
| Handling | 65 | 80 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T30 is generally regarded as a capable, stable tire that offers reliable grip across varied weather conditions. While many riders appreciate its predictable handling and performance, consensus on longevity is polarized, with some users reporting excellent high-mileage results while others express disappointment regarding premature wear and irregular tread deformation.
Pros
- High levels of stability and confidence during braking
- Strong grip performance in both wet and dry conditions
- Predictable handling characteristics suitable for long-distance touring
- Good performance for mixed-use riding, including commuting and spirited cornering
Cons
- Inconsistent tread life, with some users experiencing premature wear
- Tendency for the rear tire to square off under heavy motorway use
- Reports of irregular 'V' pattern wear affecting cornering feel
- Higher price point relative to the mileage achieved by some riders
Observations
- VFR800 riders report positive experiences with all-weather performance and long-distance stability.
- Heavier bikes, such as the VFR1200, appear to place higher stress on the tire, leading to significantly reduced tread life compared to lighter or more moderate usage profiles.
The Michelin Road 5 is widely regarded as a benchmark sport-touring tire, praised for its exceptional wet-weather performance and impressive longevity. While most riders report high confidence in both dry and wet conditions, a significant subset of users has expressed frustration regarding the tire's susceptibility to punctures, which some attribute to its soft carcass and siping design.
Pros
- Class-leading wet weather grip and rider confidence
- Excellent tread life and durability for touring applications
- Dual-compound construction provides a balance of stability and cornering grip
- Strong performance across diverse riding styles, including occasional track use
Cons
- High susceptibility to punctures from road debris
- Soft carcass construction can be prone to structural damage from impacts
- Some users report a lack of feedback compared to dedicated sport tires
- Premium price point compared to competitors
Observations
- Users on torquey middleweight bikes (e.g., 650cc-765cc) report excellent traction and longevity, even under aggressive riding.
- Heavier sport-touring machines (e.g., K1300R, VFR800) benefit from the tire's stability, though some note unique wear patterns on the front tire compared to the rear.
- Commuters on poor-quality tarmac report high mileage but note that the tire's grip can be tested by extreme road surface conditions.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Bridgestone BA/TTLAX SPORT TOURING T30 | B · Michelin Road 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Premium Touring tires | Summer Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
Which one should you actually buy?
Bridgestone
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Road 5 — better wet, handling and comfort. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Michelin Road 5 scores 87 vs 72 on wet.
Michelin Road 5 scores 80 vs 65 on handling.
Michelin Road 5 scores 89 vs 76 on comfort.
Michelin Road 5 scores 83 vs 70 on treadwear.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.