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[longlast]

     I changed from the Dunlops over to Michelin Commander 2's.
I'm running 130/90 B16 73H on the front and 140/90 B16 74H on the rear.

I've got near 400 miles on them now running in dry and wet conditions. 

I've got to say that these tyres are by far  greater then the Dunlops.  On these side of the pond we have an over abundance of aroundabouts and there's been a number of times where I've been on the roundabout and the Dunlops have slipped " fortunately I've not been on a hard lean" so on the roundabouts I would tend to to take them on a more of a  upright position " not trusting the tyress" they have also slipped when cornering , needless to say it gives one a bit of a chill.

Since I've had the Michelins on the bike it feels and handles so much better,  I can't really describe just how much better the performance and handling these tyres make to the ride.

I'd recommend these Michelin Commander 2's to any one wanting to change rubber.

Thought I'd just give a little input

[KGB]

I prefer the Commander II’s as well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[iski]

Thanks, am considering changing to these next tire change. Mostly good reports from what I have seen. 

[longlast]

Thanks, am considering changing to these next tire change. Mostly good reports from what I have seen.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I'm completely shocked the difference these tyres make over Dunlops.

[J.D.]

I've gone from Avons to Michelins as well and no regrets.  Never really liked the stock Dunlops but may try the American Elite next.

[rayson56]

Ran across this video and found it interesting

[iski]

I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I'm completely shocked the difference these tyres make over Dunlops.

Will be interested in tire life comparison to the Dunlops.  Better grip & cornering performance outweigh that, am hoping tire life does not suffer too much.

[rayson56]

I have gotten 17K to 19K with my D407 & D408 Dunlop Elites, as long as I don't run over a nail, and have 12K on my current tires with tons of tread left.

[longlast]

Will be interested in tire life comparison to the Dunlops.  Better grip & cornering performance outweigh that, am hoping tire life does not suffer too much.

What Michelin says,..

Why choose MICHELIN Commander II?
Proven Longevity

MICHELIN Commander II can last for up to 25,000 miles in back*. A new standard in longevity!

 

*According to commissioned third party tests conducted in 2011 on public roads comparing MICHELIN Commander II, Metzeler ME880 and Dunlop D407/408 tires in sizes 130/80B17 and 180/65B16. Individual results may vary depending on motorcycle type and operating conditions.

 

No Compromise on Stability
and Maneuverability

Thanks to its high-density and therefore stiffer frame (MICHELIN Amplified Density Technology), MICHELIN Commander II features premium handling and responsiveness. The top layers in rear tires are made of aramid fibers, which combine resistance and a lightweight feel for perfect stability, even at high speeds.

Excellent Grip on Wet Surfaces

An brand new longitudinal tread provides outstanding water evacuation, and thus excellent grip on wet surfaces.

[ultrarider123]

You know, Pete, the MoCo has started using Michelin as OEM more, too.  I like their performance on Vickie's Super Low 883 Sportster from a couple years ago.  They rode very nice so next tire change on the '15 may be to Michelin...

Thanks for the write-up, brother.

[J.D.]

Ultimately I'm not doing much performance riding on my Harley and not much wet weather riding either.  The longer life is more important when looking at the trade-off illustrated in the video, which is ultimately why I chose the Michelins.  And they are a remarkably good tire with a much better ride and feel than many I've run in the past.  I wouldn't call them an inferior performing tire wet or dry in any respect, for my use anyway.  Maybe the Dunlop Elite performance level is more than I really need anyway.

[skratch]

Ran across this video and found it interesting

i found the interesting part to be where he calls the stock dunlop, the 'american elite'.  two different tires, two different tread patterns.  i would have like a direct comparison on the actual american elite vs the michelin, as opposed to the stock dunlop vs michelin.

[longlast]

You know, Pete, the MoCo has started using Michelin as OEM more, too.  I like their performance on Vickie's Super Low 883 Sportster from a couple years ago.  They rode very nice so next tire change on the '15 may be to Michelin...

Thanks for the write-up, brother.

  You bet Howard 

  I also like the look of the tyre compared to the Dunlops on the front, for me anyway the tyre seems to give  the front wheel a beefier look that's in proportion with the rest of the bike.

[longlast]

 

[longlast]

Ultimately I'm not doing much performance riding on my Harley and not much wet weather riding either.  The longer life is more important when looking at the trade-off illustrated in the video, which is ultimately why I chose the Michelins.  And they are a remarkably good tire with a much better ride and feel than many I've run in the past.  I wouldn't call them an inferior performing tire wet or dry in any respect, for my use anyway.  Maybe the Dunlop Elite performance level is more than I really need anyway.

 That's pretty much how I was looking at it when I was looking for a tyre that suited my riding style which one could describe as a laid back style. This is the second time that I've moved away from Dunlops the last time I went with Continental that proved a mistake.
My main concern was getting as high a mileage as possible and a good all weather running tyre and so far I think I may have it.
I had entertained the idea of radial tyres but that was about as far as it went.

I got the all weather the handling feels just as good in the wet as in the dry, the mileage is well yet to be seen.

[rayson56]

i found the interesting part to be where he calls the stock dunlop, the 'american elite'.  two different tires, two different tread patterns.  i would have like a direct comparison on the actual american elite vs the michelin, as opposed to the stock dunlop vs michelin.

Yeah he is clearly comparing Michelins with the current D407s and D408s and not the American Elites, but in the video that is made pretty obvious.

[J.D.]

Last thing you'd want is a radial tire LOL.

My rear Avon was worn out at 12k.  It ran and wore well, but just didn't last.  I'll surely get more miles out of the Michelin based on the current mileage vs wear, likely 15k or more.

[longlast]

Yeah he is clearly comparing Michelins with the current D407s and D408s and not the American Elites, but in the video that is made pretty obvious.

Well I'm not an aggressive rider and my Dunlops would slip in the wet it made me nervous on the leaning when in wet weather.
I think he was saying the American Elites are a better weather and aggressive tyre but lower mileage than the Commander 2's

He also said he wouldn't ride the Michelins in wet like he would with Dunlops yet he says the Michelins tread design is great for displacing water in wet weather. Not putting him down or anything but he kind of comes across like a fast talking smooth pitching telemarketer salesman

[skratch]

see, that's the thing.  he was talking about the 'wet weather' performance of the dunlops vs the wet weather performance of the c2's, but he was obviously talking about the stock dunlops.  so if he can't get the name of the tire correct, how much stock can you put in the rest of his 'opinion'?

and yes, it was obvious that he was talking about the stock tires.  but, what i, and probably many others, would like to know, is how do the michelins stack up against the american elites.  that would be something i would care about.  not compared to stock.

[iski]

MC magazines & product reviewers have a very long history of this. Goes back to when I was a kid riding dirt bikes and probably farther than that.  Compare apples to oranges & then claim one is better than the other because. 

[fastfreddy]

im on my third C2 in 20k miles (rear)  ...first one took a 5/16 bolt at 9k , next one cracked, about 2 inch long to me it looked to be where the two compounds are bonded. it had 10k on it and lots of tread and very little cupping on both. had 16k on the front, it started to cup. so I think they will run longer than the Dunlop's and they don't make much noise when they start cupping like the Dunlop's. for me the Dunlop's are a better wet tire.... just me 2 cents your result may vary   PS they both handle great on hot dry pavement, have pipes  and pegs all ground up on both sides of the bike to prove it 

[ScottAL]

Pretty much agree with FastFreddy. I typically get 18-20k miles from the stock Dunlops. I tried the Commander II's once and was not happy with wet traction, otherwise a good tire.

[skratch]

i've got 23k on this set of american elites, still lot of tread left.  think i'll change them in the spring.  i think i'm just gonna stop looking for the greener grass and stick with what i know works.  i get good mileage out of the elites, we weather performance has never let me down, and they are definitely available for a good price.

[longlast]

The Elites being a tyre that suits an aggressive riding style in turn sacrificing mileage and is also suited for aggressive handling in wet conditions.
(I did notice in the video when he was saying he wouldn't think of doing the aggressive type cone riding in the wet with any other tyre,...they didn't show the cone manoeuvring being preform in the wet only a very quick flash of straight wet riding.)

Then the Commander 2's being praised for its handling in wet conditions and higher mileage but not so good for the aggressive rider.
(Yet in the video he says they're not so good in the wet) I'd assume he's being paid for the promotion of the Elites.

It would go to reason if the Elites are cracked up to all that they say then for those none aggressive riders the Elites should have a good mileage life.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Pretty much agree with FastFreddy. I typically get 18-20k miles from the stock Dunlops. I tried the Commander II's once and was not happy with wet traction, otherwise a good tire.

I use to get that out of the Stock Dunlops, until my 17 CVO Street Glide, rear worn out at 13,000 miles.  Second rear shot at 12000 miles.  My 18 CVO Road glide the rear made it 12,500 miles and the second was 12,000 miles.  Not sure what changed, as it was supposedly the same tire on the 09, the 12, the 13 and the 15.  All of which I was close to 20K miles on the rear.

i've got 23k on this set of american elites, still lot of tread left.  think i'll change them in the spring.  i think i'm just gonna stop looking for the greener grass and stick with what i know works.  i get good mileage out of the elites, we weather performance has never let me down, and they are definitely available for a good price.

I just put an elite on the back of my 13 CVO King.  Going to find out how it does,  Was panning on putting on on my 18 CVO Road glide, but just traded it.