Review: Michelin Starcross 5 Tyres

A product the Transmoto team has tried, tested and would recommend to a mate.

WHAT IS IT?

The StarCross 5s represent the most significant upgrade to Michelin’s off-road tyre range in many years. The biggest departure from their predecessors (StarCross 3 and 4) is an all-new, 15% lighter casing design, coupled with the use of higher-density, more durable materials. The StarCross 5s come in Soft-, Medium- and Hard-Terrain options and in a wide range of sizes for both trail/enduro and motocross bikes. We’ve predominantly tested the Soft and Medium fronts and rears (in 90/100-21 and 120/90-18 sizes, respectively), so our feedback focuses on those particular hoops.

WHY WE RATE IT

Compared with 80/100 and 90/90 21-inch fronts, the Starcross 5’s taller 90/100 profile makes them noticeably more forgiving on square-edged bumps, while their larger contact patch really improves grip levels for cornering and braking. In very rutted conditions, that broader footprint does make them want to climb the walls of deep ruts a little more, but on all other surfaces, we found the 90/100 sizing offers superior steering precision, bump absorption and predictability. While the StarCross 5 Medium front is great in the conditions it’s designed for, we found it doesn’t match the Soft’s grip levels in either soft or, strangely, hard terrain. The Soft front is superb on loam and grasstrack, and yet still offers plenty of traction in hard conditions, where it remains surprisingly wear-resistant.

The Starcross 5 Soft and Medium rear tyres are similarly versatile, offering excellent grip, feel and predictability across a variety of terrain. The ‘Mud-Phobic Bars’ (which first appeared on Michelin’s Enduro Comp 6 a few years ago) used on the Soft rear work very effectively in preventing dirt build-up between the knobs to optimise traction. It delivers excellent drive in soft and medium terrain, but does wear noticeably faster than the Soft front (and Medium rear) on harder, rocky ground.

What’s really important with all StarCross 5 tyres, front and rear, is that you run slightly higher pressures than normal. Why? Because you need to offset the added flex that’s been built into these tyres’ sidewalls (which is designed to improve ‘give’ and traction). Running the recommended 14.5-17.5psi also ensures the tyres don’t roll on the rims (which will accelerate wear and/or throw side knobs) or give you pinch-flats. At conventional pressures (12-14psi), the Starcross 5s actually feel like you’re rolling on 8-10psi.

After months of testing, the tyre combo we’ve found to offer the best overall combination of grip and durability across a wide variety of terrain is the Soft front paired with the Medium rear.