Last Updated on: May 31, 2026

Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 was actually not my first choice this spring. But the set arrived sooner than Metzeler Karoo 4 Street.

I had planned to get them at one point, later in the season or next year, all depending. In reality the Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 tyres might actually turn out to be a good choice for this summer and season.

Michelin Anakee Adventure 2, front and rear.

Before getting on with it, just a little bit of upfront information. I’ve had many sets of the previous incarnation. Probably one of the most successful tyres in the class. They always served me well. As a result, I had high expectations.

Technical details; see bottom of page.

First impressions

There are considerable visual differences between the new and old version. The thread patterns are different, much deeper plus also wider than on the outgoing tyres. Both front and back.  While running them in I got a good, and somewhat familiar feeling. Stable, predictable, grippy, seemingly a good match for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.

Michelin claimed they’ve reduced noise on the new iteration. My view is that they have “moved” noise from the front wheel to the back wheel. The humming or “singing” frequencies are also lower pitched. Probably because of a combination of thread pattern, and their wider, deeper properties compared to the old version.

On my motorcycle the front tyre is surprisingly quiet. The rear hums.

Spring riding with new tyres and new motorcycle.

This goes un until around 85-90ish kph, at which point the singing fades away. With the old set, and especially the front wheel, the singing was especially present from 50/60 kph and up to 90. It amplified when you went into curves and corners.

On the new set, and specifically the rear, the noise fades and basically vanishes one when you corner. Is the noise a problem? Not for me, but some might be disappointed. I don’t think they’ve “reduced the noise by 30 percent” as claimed. But no doubt the new set is quieter.

As for behaviour on pavement, grip, stability, predictability, overall comfort, the new version is every bit as good as the outgoing version. Or better. With 19″ front and 17″ back, mounted on a big adventure motorcycle, don’t expect a totally noise free ride. However, if I were to choose I’d much rather have moderate noise coming from the rear than singing from the front.

Michelin Anakee Adventure 2, the upsides

One of the upsides, at least for me, manifested quickly when taking the motorcycle on fire and forest roads. In the woods of Sweden, specifically Värmland, I found some miles of newly laid, fresh gravel. Deep enough to call this an acid test. The sort you find here and there in Scandinavia, especially during spring.

In Värmland Sweden I found deep gravel.

Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 is a significant improvement when the going gets more interesting. Thread pattern, and depth of threads result in better grip. The front wheel was directionally stable and predictable, while the rear got enough grip, and yet easy to spinn up while keeping control.

And the tyres has kept on showing their strong suits. I’ve ridden soft, more wet dirt roads with tracks. That too was expedited with the same feeling of rubber confidence. But it has to be said, those who really like to ride in mud shouldn’t consider a 80/20 tyre. They appear good enough to get your safely through more benign challenges.

Riding in some Norwegian woods.

What I am getting at, is that the 20 percent offroad, at least on my motorcycle, comes across as closer to 30 than 20. Huge plus in my book.

Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 reflections

Mentioned earlier I intended to start the new season on a new motorcycle with Metzeler Karoo 4 Street. Most of all because I’ve had good experiences with the 50/50 sibling Karoo 4. But they were late on the market, the new motorcycle needed new tyres, so the choice was made because of availability. Again. Plus, I really wanted to find out if indeed Anakee Adventure 2 was any good.

I think it’s fair to say, it is good.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in Norwegian Wood.

Without having tested Karoo 4 Street I think the marketplace for mixed riding tyres is big enough for both to sell well. And the Metzeler variant probably isn’t noise free either.

I think both Michelin Anakee Adventure 2 and Metzeler Karoo 4 Street will appeal to the same buyers. Highly likely their behaviour will wary slightly, all depending on the motorcycle, its size and wheel dimensions. If you want something completely noise free, then you have to let go of good support for alternative riding.

It’s that or going for a more road/pavement biased type. 90/10 or pure bred road tyres. At the expense of offroad and gravel/dirt confidence. As for lifespan, well you’ll have to come back later to learn about my experience in that department!

See also