After six long years, it was finally time. My RX135’s trusty old Michelin Sirac Street tyres had served me faithfully through city traffic, highway runs, and even a few dirt detours. But the rear tyre had gone flat in the center, the rubber felt stiff, and with a 2500 km monsoon ride just around the corner, I knew I couldn’t push it any further.

Time for new tyres.

The Problem: Sirac Street Is Discontinued

That’s when I hit the first bump Sirac Street is no longer in production. And let’s be honest, not many other tyres in the 18" category match what Siracs offered. They were a sweet spot between road grip and light touring/off-road confidence. Finding a worthy replacement wasn’t easy.

Michelin launches The Anakee Cross!

After some digging, I stumbled upon the Michelin Anakee Cross. It’s being marketed as a dual-sport tyre, and in many ways, it’s the modern successor to the Sirac. I was a bit unsure though the tread looked more aggressive, and I had my doubts:
Would it hum at high speed?
Would it handle the rain?
Would it spoil the classic RX ride feel?

Despite the hesitation, I decided to take a chance.

Tyre Sizes I Installed:

• Front: 2.75-18

• Rear: 3.00-18

First Impressions – Better Than Expected

The moment I rolled out of the shop with the new set, I could feel the difference. The tyres felt soft and grippy that classic Michelin feel. But the real test came over the next week, with rain-soaked roads, slippery city traffic, twisty ghat sections, and everything in between.

And I’ll say this straight up: I’m impressed.

What I Liked:

• Grip: Whether on wet tarmac or slightly loose gravel, the Anakee Cross sticks. I didn’t expect it to be this planted in the rain, but even in those sketchy monsoon patches, it held on confidently.

• Ride Feel: The RX feels stable, even with these slightly more aggressive treads. At highway speeds, there’s no wobble or weird vibrations. The transition from lean to upright in corners is smooth and predictable.

• Tyre Noise: Practically non-existent. I thought the block pattern would create a hum, but nope  it’s as quiet as any regular street tyre.

• Looks: This might be subjective, but the tyres look mean. The slightly rugged pattern gives the RX135 a more serious, go-anywhere stance without looking out of place.

Things to Watch (So Far, Nothing Major):

It’s still early days, so I can’t speak for longevity just yet. Michelin tyres usually wear a bit faster than harder compounds, but the comfort and grip trade-off is worth it for me. No punctures, no uneven wear, and no signs of cracking, so far, so good.

Final Verdict

If you’ve been hunting for a Sirac Street replacement for your RX or any similar 18" inch tyres for your motorcycle, the Michelin Anakee Cross is a solid contender. It grips well, rides smooth, handles rain confidently, and makes your bike look ready for anything.

I got a pair of these tyres for ₹4400 (Prices may vary depending on the location, availability,etc), it’s a solid investment for anyone planning long rides, touring, or even just wanting better safety in unpredictable conditions.

I’ve still got more kilometers to clock on these, and I’ll be doing a full YouTube review soon but as of now, early impressions are very positive.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. Small change, but a huge confidence boost on every ride.