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Dunlop TrailSmart Max vs Michelin Anakee 3 — 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 | TrailSmart Max | Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 93 | 80 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | TrailSmart Max | Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 93 | 66 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | TrailSmart Max | Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 100 | 70 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | TrailSmart Max | Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 100 | 77 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | TrailSmart Max | Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 87 | 78 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop TrailSmart Max | Michelin Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 95 | 74 |
| Dry | 93 | 80 |
| Wet | 93 | 66 |
| Comfort | 100 | 70 |
| Treadwear | 100 | 77 |
| Handling | 87 | 78 |
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 Dunlop TrailSmart Max is highly regarded by adventure motorcycle riders for its exceptional balance between sport-touring road performance and light off-road capability. Users consistently praise its handling, wet-weather confidence, and comfort, positioning it as a superior upgrade over many original equipment tires.
Pros
- Excellent handling and turn-in precision on tarmac
- Strong wet-weather grip and stability
- High levels of rider comfort and low noise output
- Versatile performance across varying road conditions
Cons
- Limited performance in deep mud or technical off-road terrain
- Tendency to power slide under aggressive acceleration in heavy rain
- Perceived as less capable in off-road environments compared to dedicated dual-sport tires
Observations
- Riders of large-displacement adventure bikes like the BMW R1200 GSA report high satisfaction with longevity and road-biased performance.
- Users of mid-weight adventure bikes like the V-Strom 650 appreciate the high grip levels on tarmac but note the tire's limitations on loose gravel surfaces.
The Michelin Anakee 3 is a polarizing adventure-touring tire that receives mixed feedback regarding its performance and comfort. While some riders praise its exceptional longevity and reliability during long-distance touring, a significant portion of users report concerns regarding high noise levels and inconsistent wet-weather traction.
Pros
- Impressive tread longevity and durability
- Reliable performance for long-distance touring
- Solid construction quality associated with the Michelin brand
Cons
- High levels of road noise
- Unpredictable or 'scary' handling in wet conditions
- Lack of feedback and confidence-inspiring grip in certain scenarios
Observations
- Owners of heavy adventure bikes like the BMW R1200 GSA and Triumph Tiger Explorer report varying experiences, with some citing high noise levels as a primary drawback.
- The tire is frequently noted for its long service life on heavy-duty adventure motorcycles, often lasting well beyond 7,000 miles.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop TrailSmart Max | B · Michelin Anakee 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All Season All Terrain and Off Road tires | All Season All Terrain and Off Road tires |
| Vehicle type | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
Which one should you actually buy?
Dunlop
Michelin
Winner: Dunlop TrailSmart Max — better comfort, wet and treadwear. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Dunlop TrailSmart Max scores 100 vs 70 on comfort.
Dunlop TrailSmart Max scores 93 vs 66 on wet.
Dunlop TrailSmart Max scores 100 vs 77 on treadwear.
Dunlop TrailSmart Max scores 93 vs 80 on dry.
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.