Michelin Power GP 2 Score
The Michelin Power GP 2 is a masterclass in the 50/50 hypersport category, serving as a significant leap over its predecessor. Designed for riders who split their time equally between public roads and the racetrack, it brings MotoGP-derived technology to a package that is surprisingly user-friendly.
The Good
- Outstanding Front-End Agility & Precision
- Massive Dry Edge Grip
The Bad
- Inconsistent Rear Mileage on Superbikes
- Abrupt Limit Behavior
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Grip Dry
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Grip Wet
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Warm-Up
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Handling
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Mileage
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Value for Money
The new Michelin Power GP 2 is the successor to the well‑known and widely loved Power GP. While the noticeably more aggressive and sporty tread design immediately catches the eye, it is far from the only upgrade. The Power GP 2 has been fundamentally re‑engineered and prepared for the coming years of high‑performance sport riding. How Michelin’s new 50/50 tire performs is what we reveal in our detailed Michelin Power GP 2 review.
Table of Contents
Michelin Power GP 2 Review
Few tires surprised us as much in the 2024 season as the Michelin Power GP 2. It is genuinely impressive and delivers confidence from the very first meters. What makes the Michelin Power GP 2 so special is explained in detail in this test, where we examine each category point by point.
Intended Use of the Michelin Power GP 2
The Power GP 2 is designed for 50% road and 50% racetrack use. This hypersport tire allows you to ride to the track on public roads and enjoy occasional track sessions. Although the GP 2 is fully track‑capable, we can also recommend it without hesitation for pure street use.
Technologies & Improvements of the Michelin Power GP 2
The Michelin Power GP 2 features a wide range of modern technologies, many derived directly from racing.
Front Tire
- 2CT Technology: Two compound zones with 16% carbon black on each shoulder.
- Carbon Black: Provides extreme grip at deep lean angles and under heavy load.
- Silica Technology: Silica in the center improves mileage and wet grip.
Rear Tire
- 2CT+ Technology: Two compound zones with 22.5% pure carbon black on each shoulder. The carbon black is supported by silica in the carcass, significantly increasing stiffness at lean.
- Carbon Black: Ensures maximum grip at high lean angles.
- Silica Technology: Improves mileage and wet‑weather traction.
Improvements Over the Previous Power GP
Michelin has made a major visual change: longer, sharper grooves reminiscent of the Bridgestone RS11 and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa – direct competitors in this segment. The GP 2 now stands out more clearly from the Road series.
As with the Power 6, Michelin focused heavily on optimizing the front tire structure. A new carcass and profile are designed to make handling noticeably more agile.
Grip on Dry Roads
Dry grip is excellent. Although the tire needs a short warm‑up period (around 10 km), it quickly releases its full potential and razor‑sharp handling. Even at low ambient temperatures, the Power GP 2 performs impressively well.
The high grip level in all dry conditions builds confidence and enhances riding enjoyment. The carbon‑black shoulder compounds on both front and rear deliver massive grip at deep lean angles, even under sustained load and high temperatures.
Even in very aggressive road riding – without traction control or electronic aids – we could not push the Power GP 2 to its limits. Throughout our entire road test, we did not experience a single slide or moment of instability. Hard braking on the front or strong acceleration at lean – the GP 2 simply hooks into the asphalt.
Rear‑end grip under braking is also excellent. The tire feels planted and is difficult to unsettle.
In short: in every aspect of dry grip, the Michelin Power GP 2 fully convinced us.
Grip on Wet Roads
We were unable to test the Power GP 2 extensively in heavy rain. However, on lightly damp roads, the tire performed confidently during normal riding. The silica center compound provides enough wet grip for safe continuation.
Naturally, the carbon‑black shoulders do not offer the same wet grip as the silica center, so deep lean angles in the rain should be avoided – which is generally good advice anyway.
Overall, wet grip is impressive for a tire of this performance level. Riding in the wet does not become a balancing act. For standing water or heavy downpours, we cannot give a definitive verdict, but the deep tread grooves suggest good water evacuation as long as sufficient tread depth remains.
Braking Characteristics
Braking performance is excellent. The front tire offers strong braking grip, even on poor asphalt or in cooler temperatures. Trail braking into corners is extremely enjoyable with the GP 2 – it can be steered precisely on the brakes and does not fall into the corner when the lever is released. Exactly how a sport tire should behave.
Riding Comfort
The Michelin Power GP 2 is surprisingly comfortable on the road. Poor asphalt and patched surfaces pose no problem. It is a well‑rounded tire that combines comfort, damping, and sharp sportiness.
Tire Wear
Wear behavior in road use is beautiful. The tire wears very evenly, and the carbon‑black shoulder zones on the rear show a clean “fish‑scale” pattern – a sign of excellent mechanical grip. For a sport tire with racetrack capability, wear performance is outstanding.
Mileage
The mileage of the Michelin Power GP 2 is definitely respectable. Let’s be honest: anyone expecting more than 5,000 km from a “race‑oriented” street tire has unrealistic expectations. For a true sport tire tested on a powerful Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑10R, the Power GP 2’s mileage is more than acceptable.
It’s also important to note that our numbers are not representative of mixed or moderate riding. We pushed the Power GP 2 aggressively on twisty roads at all times, so our values are likely lower than what riders with a more relaxed style would achieve. Less powerful bikes or machines with lower torque (e.g., 600cc supersport models) should see significantly higher mileage, especially at the rear.
In general, on superbikes and 1000cc hypernakeds, the rear tire lasts roughly one‑third less than the front.
Michelin Power GP 2 Mileage on Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑10R
- Front: 2,939 km
- Rear: 1,858 km
The new tread depth of the Michelin Power GP 2 is generous: 6.0 mm front and 7.0 mm rear.
Riding Stability / Cornering Stability
The Power GP 2 blends stability and agility exceptionally well. In long, fast corners, the tire feels planted and confidence‑inspiring at lean. Line corrections are always possible without unsettling the chassis. Straight‑line stability at high speeds is excellent.
In terms of stability, the Power GP 2 is among the best hypersport tires on the market – only the Bridgestone Battlax S23 feels slightly more stable.
Agility / Turn‑in Behavior
The Michelin Power GP 2 is extremely agile at the front. This is the biggest improvement over its predecessor. The tire turns in willingly and precisely, and fast direction changes require little effort. Tight hairpins and complex corner combinations are great fun with the GP 2.
Although the Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑10R is naturally a stable, less flickable bike, the Power GP 2 harmonizes beautifully with it, adding a welcome touch of liveliness. Overall, the tire’s high agility impressed us immensely.
Uprighting Tendency
The Michelin Power GP 2 offers very neutral handling. On the ZX‑10R, we did not experience any uprighting tendency whatsoever. Neither braking at lean nor trail braking into the corner unsettles the tire.
Tire Pressure
On the street, we used the manufacturer’s recommended pressures – and honestly, we never felt the need to adjust them. Lower pressures might unlock even better performance, but during our road testing, we never reached a point where adjustments felt necessary.
The Michelin Power GP 2 can also be ridden with reduced racetrack pressures, highlighting its trackday suitability. Michelin recommends the following for track use:
Trackday Tire Pressure (Michelin Power GP 2 – Michelin’s recommendation)
Measured before the first session:
- Front: 2.1 bar
- Rear: 1.9 bar
Michelin Power GP 2 Experiences
The Michelin Power GP 2 was one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season. Few tires feel this good and inspire this much confidence from the very first meters. Its masterful blend of agility and stability, combined with high grip levels, defines the tire’s character.
Despite its strong sport performance, the GP 2 does not sacrifice wet grip or mileage. During our entire test on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑10R, we didn’t experience a single scary moment – only fun, confidence, and a lot of enjoyment. The Michelin Power GP 2 is a tire for enthusiasts, skilled riders, and connoisseurs who want a top‑tier product from today’s tire industry. Sporty riders in particular will love it.
It is also an excellent choice for trackday riders, especially those who want a tire that can be ridden to the track, used on the track, and doesn’t require tire warmers or a special setup. This allows riders to get used to the tire on the street and then push it with even more confidence on the circuit. For relaxed fun trackdays without competitive ambitions, it is always a great option.
The Michelin Power GP 2 is a true top‑tier product and earns our rating: Highly Recommended.
Alternatives to the Michelin Power GP 2
Although the Michelin Power GP 2 is undoubtedly one of the top tires in its category, here are additional alternatives with similar or broader performance profiles:
- Michelin Power 6 (more road‑oriented sport tire)
- Bridgestone Battlax S23
- Metzeler Sportec M9 RR (more road‑oriented)
- Metzeler Racetec RR
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa
- Pirelli Supercorsa SP V4
- Continental RaceAttack 2 Street
- Dunlop Sportsmart TT
