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Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max vs Michelin Power GP — Compared (May 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 | SportSmart 2 Max | Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 98 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 77 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 93 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | – | 83 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 75 | 95 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max | Michelin Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 80 | 89 |
| Dry | 80 | 98 |
| Wet | 80 | 77 |
| Comfort | 85 | 93 |
| Treadwear | – | 83 |
| Handling | 75 | 95 |
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
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max is widely regarded as a highly capable street-focused tire that excels in wet conditions and offers superior stability compared to its competitors. Users appreciate its predictable handling and confidence-inspiring front-end feel, making it a strong choice for daily riders who prioritize safety and versatility over pure track-day performance.
Pros
- Rapid warm-up time on public roads
- Excellent wet weather grip and predictability
- High levels of front-end confidence and stability
- Improved carcass rigidity compared to entry-level sport tires
Cons
- Less aggressive dry-weather cornering performance than dedicated supersport tires
- Not optimized for high-intensity track use
- Potential for a firmer ride due to the stiff carcass construction
Observations
- Recommended primarily for daily riders and lighter motorcycles rather than dedicated track machines.
- Users transitioning from entry-level sport tires report a significant improvement in stability and feedback.
The Michelin Power GP is widely regarded as a premier hybrid tire, excelling in both spirited street riding and occasional track use. Users consistently praise its rapid warm-up time, exceptional dry grip, and surprising confidence in damp conditions, positioning it as a significant performance upgrade over its predecessors.
Pros
- Rapid warm-up time providing immediate confidence
- Exceptional dry grip and predictable feedback
- Superior performance in damp or wet conditions compared to competitors
- High agility and ease of turn-in
Cons
- Limited tread life, with some users reporting replacement intervals between 5,000 and 6,000 kilometers
- Potential for uneven wear or cupping on the tire edges
- High performance focus may not suit riders prioritizing maximum longevity
Observations
- Users transitioning from the Michelin Power RS to the Power GP on Yamaha MT-09 platforms report a noticeable step up in handling and stability.
- The tire is frequently compared favorably against dedicated track-focused rubber like the Bridgestone RS10 and Dunlop Sportsmart TT.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max | B · Michelin Power GP |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | Summer Max Performance tires |
| Vehicle type | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
Which one should you actually buy?
Dunlop
Michelin
Winner: Michelin Power GP — better handling, dry and comfort. Pick the Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max if wet matters most to you.
Michelin Power GP scores 95 vs 75 on handling.
Michelin Power GP scores 98 vs 80 on dry.
Michelin Power GP scores 93 vs 85 on comfort.
Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max scores 80 vs 77 on wet.
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.