Tyre reviews are easy when everything is brand new.
Fresh rubber, fresh mousse, plenty of grip and a bike that feels fantastic.
But what happens after 30 hours of riding?
That’s what we wanted to find out with the Michelin StarCross 6 tyres and Dura Mousse setup fitted to our 2026 Yamaha WR250F, supplied by Yamaha Motor Australia.
Rather than changing the tyres for every different type of riding, we’ve left this setup on the bike and used it across almost everything we’ve thrown at it.
That has included deep ripped sand at Bega and Cessnock, the clay, rocks and bog holes of the Narrabri 8 Hour Relay, loamy grass tracks around Macleay Valley, and the hard, rocky sandstone conditions of our local tracks.
In other words, this tyre and mousse combination has been properly used.
When the Michelin StarCross 6 tyres were new, we were already impressed with the grip and, particularly, the confidence they gave the front end when turning. This was all from the Med/Hard version of the Range also!
The big question was whether that performance would remain after months of riding.
The answer has surprised us.
At around 30 hours, the rear tyre certainly looks worn. In fact, looking at it through the eyes of a racer, the first instinct is that it’s probably time to replace it.
But out on the bike, we’re not getting the usual signs that the tyre has reached the end of its useful life.
The front still provides confidence and the rear continues to deliver predictable traction.
Even more impressive has been the durability of the StarCross 6 Medium/Hard rear tyre in the sandstone conditions we regularly ride in. Knob tearing and chunks of rubber being ripped from the tyre are common problems in this type of terrain, yet the Michelin has continued to wear without losing individual knobs.
The Dura Mousse inserts have also surprised us with their longevity.
After around 30 hours and approximately six months of use, the mousse is only just beginning to lose some of its initial firmness. The standard Dura Mousse lubricant has also continued to perform well, out doing what I expect and have seen from other lube with other brands.
At this point, we’ll likely look at adding a small section to bring the mousse back to its original feel, but considering the amount of riding it has completed, we’re extremely happy with the result.
For riders, longevity matters.
Tyres and mousse are not cheap consumables, so getting more hours from them while maintaining performance can make a significant difference to the overall cost of riding.
In the latest Always Moto video, David Hogan takes a closer look at the Michelin StarCross 6 tyres and Dura Mousse inserts after 30 hours of genuine riding and explains what he thinks of their performance, wear and value.
Watch the full video below.
If you’ve never tried either product, it could be time to give them a go. Dura Mousse discount information is available through Always Moto by watching the Youtube video, while Michelin StarCross 6 tyres are available through motorcycle dealers across Australia.
For more information on the Yamaha WR250F range, visit your local Yamaha dealer or head to Yamaha Motor Australia.
