Michelin Anakee3 tire test

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• The new Michelin AnakeeIII equip the TGV: Trail à Grande Vitesse … into the wild !
• Launched at 180 km / h and weighted with 10 kg of sand in each bag, the BMW R 1200 GS sets off in a very impressive darting. The following video shows us the same motorcycle, imperial at a good 220 km / h odometer. What a difference ? She wore the new Michelin Anakee IIIs…
• An extremely broad spectrum
• Enter the fourth dimension
• Endurance and handling
• On the way !
• Anakee Wild: the adventurer
• Dimensions table
• Before
• Back
• ANAKEE WILD
• Indicative prices observed *

The new Michelin AnakeeIII equip the TGV: Trail à Grande Vitesse … into the wild !

Launched at 180 km / h and weighted with 10 kg of sand in each bag, the BMW R 1200 GS sets off in a very impressive darting. The following video shows us the same motorcycle, imperial at a good 220 km / h odometer. What a difference ? She wore the new Michelin Anakee IIIs…

Like the new generation of SUV, such as Porsche Cayenne and other missiles of 2 tons and more than 300 hp, modern trails today display performance, on-board electronics and behavior to make a sportswoman cry on the network. secondary. Power, weight, maximum speed no longer have anything in common with their single-cylinder ancestors or even the first two-cylinder engines that initiated the revolution in this category. From then on, the tires no longer have the same specifications and it is in this context that Michelin released its Anakee III and Wild, 100% new trail tires, to meet a changed market and demand.

An extremely broad spectrum

The whole difficulty of the exercise is to make tires for these incredible motorcycles that have become modern trails. Their versatility is matched only by their level of performance and for a manufacturer, covering their entire range of use is equivalent to making a big difference, which admittedly is not given to everyone. It is probably for this reason that on the video, the BMW R 1200 GS "liquid" goes into a dancer … Comfort, performance, endurance, dry or wet road, a good tire must know how to do everything.

Enter the fourth dimension

In view of the use of a modern trail, more than 90% of the time on the road, Michelin has put a lot of technology common to the PilotPower3 and the Power Supersport in its latest born, off the beaten track. The development was done in direct collaboration with BMW, whose big flat is a benchmark in terms of trail GT. With the last “liquid” opus pushing the limits of reasonableness even further, Michelin has completely revised everything, if we can say that when it comes to tires..

Designed to be loaded and roll quickly, the Anakee has carcass plies based on high modulus polyester (HLMS) which combine two antagonistic properties: high rigidity and high breaking strength, but also flexibility in compression to ensure good absorption of bumps and braking.

Surrounded by a 0 ° belt based on very rigid aramid, the tire maintains its profile whatever the speed, which allows Anakee to be approved up to 240 km / h (V index)! The icing on the cake, the use of aramid, 5 times lighter than steel with equal strength, allows to keep a reasonable weight. Very interesting data on a trail where the large diameter front tires (19 or 21 inches) have a significant gyroscopic effect. A good point for maneuverability therefore, that this aramid belt. In contrast, its rigidity and stability are such as to stem the movements specific to large trails subject to aerodynamic lift phenomena. Indeed, the raised front mudguards which raise the motorcycle at high speed, the top cases or suitcases or even passenger which load even more the rear amplify the problem, and unload the front. Maneuvers well illustrated by the video and which have apparently been completely eliminated.

Note also that in small dimensions, the Anakee III can be diagonal. However, high-performance machines are all fitted with radials (see table of dimensions below). It should also be noted that all tires are approved with or without a tube, which ensures great mounting versatility. Finally, to satisfy the equipment of the last R 1200 GS, two new sizes have been introduced: 120/70 R 19 front and 170/60 R 17 rear. A strategic and relevant choice since it is Bibendum which equips 80% of the production of the R 1200 GS in original equipment today. A nice work of co-development therefore.

Endurance and handling

Without harming its capabilities anyway, according to its designer, the Anakee III has a reduced notching rate of 30 to 20% compared to the Anakee II. It thus benefits, but not only thanks to that, of an increased longevity. The designs of the notches are also evolving as wear and tear in order to maintain the initial performance as long as possible..

The new 100% silica rubber contributes a lot, as it also improves performance in wet conditions. According to independent tests conducted by Dekra, the Anakee III would be able to do 20% more mileage than its direct competitor, the Metzeler Tourance…
To make us feel the clear improvement in behavior compared to its predecessor, Michelin has simmered a little gymkhana for us with two R 1200 GS, one shod in Anakee II and the other in III, with equal pressures and verified before our eyes. . The aim of this workshop was to highlight the work done on the profile to obtain the right force on the handlebars, depending on the camber angle. With a ground surface 10% greater for an inclination of 30 °, the Anakee III not only offers more performance (dry or wet), but also more confidence to its pilot. On the bike, the benefit of this new profile is obvious: the front no longer falls when setting the angle, which no longer requires permanent trajectory correction, while reducing the effort on the handlebars … and pilot stress. A much more natural, instinctive and restful behavior.

On the way !

After this exercise, Michelin invited us to discover the surroundings of Portimao (southern Portugal), via small winding and bumpy roads. The terrain is particularly tricky with wet areas in the undergrowth and sometimes even muddy at the exits of paths, while other passages in the sun are completely dry. Sometimes, finally, the bitumen points to subscribers absent in the gully areas. In short, if we did not do all terrain or really wet ground, nor motorways, we were able to test the Anakee III in a wide variety of situations. In real conditions, we find a very natural tire offering very good grip on dry ground, like many trail tires elsewhere, it must be admitted. Setting the angle is easy with this type of machine with a high center of gravity and corrections during a turn in the presence of obstacles, for example, are easy, with large handlebars required. The improvisation typical of this kind of tracks is therefore perfectly in its strings. On the other hand, it is easy to maintain the course if necessary and the generous angle grips do not scare him. Only warning during this course, a nice slip when accelerating on a portion stained with mud at the exit of a forest path. Too strong acceleration while I was piloting the Triumph 800 Tiger and which resulted in a nice escape from the rear, but all in all very controllable, despite the effect of surprise.

In these very precarious and varied grip conditions, the Anakee III is therefore considerate. Comfort or braking level, nothing to complain about, it must be said that the large deflections of this kind of machines filter rather well the unevenness of the road. A short stint on the handlebars of a Honda Crossrunner, less high on the legs, and especially less well suspended seems to confirm this comfort, even if one should not expect a miracle when the rear shock absorber does not do its job. Even though the tire is soft and comfortable, it is not a substitute for good suspension. Despite the high pace of our driving, we were unable to determine the limits of this tire. That’s a pretty good sign. It is likely that 90% of users will use it more calmly. The most excited should also find their account there, given the average level of the riders present on this test. At the extreme limit, the Pirelli Scorpion Trail, a rear bigomme will be more sporty, but probably much less versatile. Moreover, it is not this target that Bibendum is aiming for, but rather the Metzeler Tourance, from the same group (Pirelli and Metzeler are in fact the same entity). Moreover, if the Scorpion trail is approved up to 270 km / h and exists in 17 p before to equip the Ducati Multistrada, this is not the case of the AnakeeIII. Last thing, the prices are not soaring since the increase is less than 5% compared to its predecessor, the Anakee 2 offering lower longevity and performance.

Anakee Wild: the adventurer

During this presentation, Michelin also informed us of the upcoming arrival of the Anakee wild, in the summer of 2013. Much more adventurous, since it is intended for 50% road use, 50% TT, it shares the same design as the Anakee III, but is distinguished by a much higher notching rate due to the presence of studs. Despite this, it retains its BMW approval on the R 1200 GS and its “V” index, ie 240 km / h. A big plus compared to the new Continental TKC 80 which is only approved at 160 km / h..

Strong points

• versatility
• homologation with or without chamber
• natural behavior

Weak points

• sportiness

Dimensions table

Before

90/90 – 21 M / C 54S TL / TT
90/90 – 21 M / C 54H TL / TT
90/90 – 21 M / C 54V TL / TT
100/90 – 19 M / C 57H TL / TT
110/80 R 19 M / C 59H TL / TT
110/80 R 19 M / C 59V TL / TT
120/70 R 19 M / C 60V TL / TT *
* Approved by BMW
on the 1200 GS

Back

120/90 – 17 M / C 64S TL / TT
130/80 R 17 M / C 65S TL / TT
130/80 R 17 M / C 65H TL / TT
140/80 R 17 M / C 69H TL / TT
150/70 R 17 M / C 69H TL / TT
150/70 R 17 M / C 69V TL / TT
170/60 R 17 M / C 72V TL / TT *
* Approved by BMW
on the 1200 GS

ANAKEE WILD

• Front 120/70 R 19 M / C 60V TL / TT
• Rear 170/60 R 17 M / C 72V TL / TT

Indicative prices observed *

• 100 / 90-19 front / 150 70-R 17 rear: 239 €
  * Nantes / Orvault motorcycle village

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