Michelin Starcross HP-4

We got these tires in 2 weeks ago and they just looked like they were going to work great! Michelin has been trying to get this tire market since before we did our Blue Groove Tire test. We finally got our hands on a few sets and now you can too. We put a set on our trusty YZ250 as well as our CRF450R. Tire sizes are 90/100-21 and 110/90-19 for both bikes. We tested in hard packed, dry conditions where the HP4's performed far beyond our expectations. The rear gripped so well we were able to hold faster lines with greater ease than ever before. If you are a skid into corners/ blast out type of rider these tires will grip too well for you. The front, being rather wide, provides grip that leads to the utmost confidence for blue groove conditions. You will be pushing harder into corners and carrying more speed than you thought possible in such nasty conditions.

We also tried these in softer, intermediate conditions to see how they would work and came away quite surprised by their performance. As with the hard conditions the rear worked beautifully, inspiring confidence in high speed corners. Gripping well and providing excellent feedback. The front performed equally well, providing good feedback. We found in softer conditions the front would grip and then let go with less drift in between than we have grown accustomed to. Initially this can be a bit un-nerving and our editor in chief wound up on his ear as a result. But once you get used to the feel the supreme tracking these tires offer is worth the learning curve. Mounting the HP4's is typical for the front. The rear on the other hand, will seem to require the effort of two people. Make sure you let the rear sit in the sun for a while before you put it on!

Retail:
Front 90/100-21 $93.95
Rear 110/90-19 $110.95 www.michelinusa.com