Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Eagle Eye]

This morning I took a ride up to Metal Dragon for some new shoes for my bike.  Over the past year I've been reading this and that on the board about the Michelin Commander IIs and thought I might add to the conversation a bit.  Having done a quick search, I didn't see anything specific or vary recent about rider experiences with these tires.  So here goes.

Even though it was only a 35 mile ride home and a bit around the neighborhood, I feel like yelling from the rooftops, "BUY THESE TIRES!!!!"  Aside from the low speed handling improvement over new Dunlop 402s, these tires are simply amazing.  One of the most noticeable improvements was with the uneven road conditions on hwy 80 between Hayward and San Jose.  They're re-stripeing the road and adding lanes, so to remove the old paint, they remove about 1/4-1/2 inch of asphalt.  This leaves a grove about 8-12 inches wide meandering all over the road, depending on where the old lanes went.  On the ride up, I made every effort to avoid these groves, because it tended to toss the bike or grab, preventing an even transition for both front and back tires.  After the new tires were installed, no effect at all!  I couldn't even feel the groves.  I'm simply amazed at the difference in handling at all speeds. 

I have to admit, the front tire had over 20,000 miles on it by the time it was changed today, so it was done - kaput.  It was cupped and had a ridge off to each side of center.  I'm sure that is one big reason it was grabbing onto the roads imperfections so strongly.  Even so, this tire has done this as long as I can recall while riding this bike.  It never handled as well as they do now.

I believe Jim installed the 140 on the rear, but now that the bike is parked, I can't see to confirm.  Tomorrow I'll have it up on the lift and will check it out then.  If they did put the larger tire on, I don't believe any cutting was necessary.  This will be confirmed as well.   

Front tire...


Rear view...


Side of rear tire...


Jim riding back after testing...


Hope this helps someone with their decisions...

[Twolanerider]

Have been using them awhile and like them also.  They are a bitch to mount but great on the road. 

[CVOBreak]

Had them on my 07 STC awesome tire, can't wait till the have the front for the breakout. Rear is available now!

[Eagle Eye]

Have been using them awhile and like them also.  They are a bitch to mount but great on the road. 

You're right...Jim's sidekick Joe needed help getting the bead set on the rear tire.  The front went on much easier, I suspect.

[Sklywag]

I just had another rear Metzler come apart on me, lost chunks out of the rear tire at 6200 miles.  I am done with Metzler!

So, I just got a set of the Michelin Commander IIs for my 06 CVO.  Haven't ridden it yet as I am doing some other work on it so the rear tire is still off the bike.  Will be a couple weeks before it is all back together but looking forward to riding it with the tires.

Thanks for posting the good info!

[SBB]

I believe Jim installed the 140 on the rear, but now that the bike is parked, I can't see to confirm. 

Try rolling it forward or backward till you can see the number.

 

SBB

[Eagle Eye]

Try rolling it forward or backward till you can see the number.

 

SBB

Tried that, thanks.  Kind of tight quarters and not enough room to do it effectively.  Mostly didn't want to have to back it out of my garage to see it.  I'll be putting it on the lift tomorrow, so it'll be easier. Jim had it on the receipt, but I can't find the darn thing. I may have accidently tossed it when I stopped for lunch.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I would love to put a set on my '12 FLHXSE but was told that they don't make my size.   

[hd-dude]

Yep, it's a 140 on the rear.
For some reason these are a bitch to get the bead to seat. No problem getting them on the rims though.

Thanks Ken, I can email a copy of the receipt if you need

[eleft36]

And they are quiet, no whining sound when cornering, put them on last year after 2 sets of Dunlap's.
The bike feels lighter also.

[Eagle Eye]

I agree,very quiet!

[Cvo dude]

Best tire I've ever had great in wet weather to.

[9 1/2 Beers]

You have my Vote, I really like them 

[Ironhorse]

Yep, it's a 140 on the rear.
For some reason these are a bitch to get the bead to seat. No problem getting them on the rims though.

Thanks Ken, I can email a copy of the receipt if you need

Jim,...are those radials? Can they be mixed with other brands while waiting for one to wear out?

[sadunbar]

I just had another rear Metzler come apart on me, lost chunks out of the rear tire at 6200 miles.  I am done with Metzler!

So, I just got a set of the Michelin Commander IIs for my 06 CVO.  Haven't ridden it yet as I am doing some other work on it so the rear tire is still off the bike.  Will be a couple weeks before it is all back together but looking forward to riding it with the tires.

Thanks for posting the good info!

Like this?  I've had two rear Metzler's chunk in a row.  My riding friend just mounted a set of Pirelli's, but I think they're way soft.  I'm either going back to Dunlop or to the Michelins...

[Eagle Eye]

I put tens of thousands of miles on Metzlers, but never had this happen.  Isn't this a problem with their Brazilian manufacturer?  I found Metzlers cup way too easily on the front tire.  At less than 7k I started having humming from the front.

[sadunbar]

I put tens of thousands of miles on Metzlers, but never had this happen.  Isn't this a problem with their Brazilian manufacturer?  I found Metzlers cup way too easily on the front tire.  At less than 7k I started having humming from the front.

Both mine were German manufactured.  And both were properly inflated at all times.  Since we take so many trips, I'm religious about checking tire pressure...

[Dead_Reckoning]

Have been using them awhile and like them also.  They are a bitch to mount but great on the road. 

Are you using these?
Front - 130/90B16 73H - Part#: 544126 recommended for your 2003 Harley-Davidson RK
Rear - 130/90B16 73H - Part#: 544135 recommended for your 2003 Harley-Davidson RK

or did you use a 140/90B16 73H for the rear?

I have read that the 140mm rear could rub on the Belt Sprocket?

Have you noticed Improved Longevity (Mileage) vs the Dunlop 402s?

Thanks
DR

[MNTransplant]

Do they come in sizes to fit the 09-SE4? How do they compare to the Dunlops for load rating?

[grc]

Do they come in sizes to fit the 09-SE4? How do they compare to the Dunlops for load rating?

They have a 180/65B16 81H rear that matches the specs for your stock Dunlop, but I don't see a 130/80B17 65H listed for the front.

This is the link for the website; scroll down to the bottom and they list the available sizes:

http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/index.cfm?event=Commander

Jerry

[Dead_Reckoning]

They have a 180/65B16 81H rear that matches the specs for your stock Dunlop, but I don't see a 130/80B17 65H listed for the front.

This is the link for the website; scroll down to the bottom and they list the available sizes:

http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/index.cfm?event=Commander

Jerry

I found these

Michelin Front Commander II 130/80HB-17 Blackwall Tire - 43863
https://www.denniskirk.com/michelin/front-commander-ii-130-80hb-17-blackwall-tire-43863.p544129.prd/544129.sku

130/80B-17 (65H) Michelin Commander II Front Motorcycle Tire
http://www.jakewilson.com/p/52/-/343/750/-/34022/Michelin-Commander-II-Front-Motorcycle-Tire

•H-rated for speeds up to 130 mph
•Feature a radically different tread pattern for head-turning looks along with premium sidewall treatment which complements cruiser styling
•All-new rubber compounds provide remarkable wet grip without compromising durability, while the square bead wires improve casing rigidity, handling and ease of installation
•Amplified Density Technology, a highly dense, more-rigid tire casing, helps deliver excellent feedback and handling
•Rear tires are designed for dramatically extended mileage and feature Aramid tread plies to resist centrifugal growth, reduce weight and provide excellent stability
•Tubeless design
•Blackwall

[Fed68]

I run the Dunlop E3's on my bagger and have loved them since I tried them.  I have read that people like the Commanders even more than the E3's.  I just bought an 02 Softail for a project bike and I am putting the Commanders on it to try them.

[North Georgia Hawg]

I would love to put a set on my '12 FLHXSE but was told that they don't make my size.   

Sadly, that's true Judy. Michelin doesn't yet make the 130/60-B19 that we need to fit the front wheels of our FLHXSE3s.  We can't be bleeding edge AND have all of the aftermarket support too, I guess...

But I think they do make the rear tire to fit our bikes...

Ken

[Sklywag]

Like this?  I've had two rear Metzler's chunk in a row.  My riding friend just mounted a set of Pirelli's, but I think they're way soft.  I'm either going back to Dunlop or to the Michelins...

Oh I have that beat!

[10SE5]

Jim,...are those radials? Can they be mixed with other brands while waiting for one to wear out?

my dealer told me tires can't be mixed. getting my rear tire replace under tire/wheel warranty and trying to decide if I want to spend the money to replace the front. are they really worth  it?

[bigdave110]

I have been running the Commander II on my last 2 bikes.
I do love them.
I will say that they are the best wet road tire I have ever used.
Never felt so good  driving on wet roads!
They also do not cup like the Dunlops have for me in the past.

I DO NOT get the extra mileage out of them that the company and some claim.
I have been getting approx the same as every other bike tire I have used.
I change 1 front for every 2 rear tires. Same as it has always been for me.

I will continue to use them simply for the wet road grip if for no other reason.

Just my experience.

Dave

 

[10SE5]

gonna give them a try. putting them both on

[SckBstrd]

Hey GANG,
Had Commanders on my old '07 FLHX... Loved them.

Been looking into putting the Comm II's on my FLHXSE2 - but can't seem to find the CVO Street Glide 2011 in the fitment guides for those tires.
Has anyone else come across the difficulty finding fitment for the Street Glides?  I think it may be because of the 19" front wheel.

I don't know for sure...  and I'm just getting started in the "look and see" phase.

I have to say the old commanders made ALL the difference in handling on the OLD BIKE.  Looking forward to putting the Commander on this current scoot.  If I can.

Peace.

JJC

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Hey GANG,
Had Commanders on my old '07 FLHX... Loved them.

Been looking into putting the Comm II's on my FLHXSE2 - but can't seem to find the CVO Street Glide 2011 in the fitment guides for those tires.
Has anyone else come across the difficulty finding fitment for the Street Glides?  I think it may be because of the 19" front wheel.

I don't know for sure...  and I'm just getting started in the "look and see" phase.

I have to say the old commanders made ALL the difference in handling on the OLD BIKE.  Looking forward to putting the Commander on this current scoot.  If I can.

Peace.

JJC

Read reply #22.  I do believe the tire size is the same on the '11 and '12 CVO SG.

[SckBstrd]

Read reply #22.  I do believe the tire size is the same on the '11 and '12 CVO SG.

SaDly, Its True.  You Are Right

[DJA]

Just put a set on my SEUC3. What a difference. Ride alone is worth it. Let alone the performance gains. I recommend these tires for the touring bikes. Great Tire.
DJ

[sadunbar]

Just put a set on my SEUC3. What a difference. Ride alone is worth it. Let alone the performance gains. I recommend these tires for the touring bikes. Great Tire.
DJ

How many miles have you put on them so far?

[nu_glider]

I hear nothing but great things about Commander II's, better performance, tire life and handling.  I want pair for my bike!   Unfortunately they don't offer the rear tire in my size.  Front tire was recently released but the 180/55B18 is not available.  I called Michelin who wanted to make sure I understood so they could close the ticket and pass along my request.  All of you folks out there that are in the same situation please call or email Michelin and squeak too.  You know the old saying!

I can hold out another 2-3000 miles at best, then I will have to pull the trigger on both front and rear. 

Hurry up Michelin Man.....

[mrigeo]

Just back from my early summer trip (4800 miles) on these Commander II tires. OUTSTANDING!! Ride better, no tram lining on grooved pavement, quiet, and awesome grip.

[Kcoop]

I have been running the Michelin Commander II tires for about 4,000 miles, not sure if I like them or not. With the increase life of the tire they had to put in a harder rubber compound which I find makes for a rougher ride. I run 36 psi front, 40 psi rear, and I feel more of the road surface. I have also noticed that I feel the road snakes (tar strips) a lot more and they give the bike a twitch, again due to the harder rubber compound and therefore reduced grip

[North Georgia Hawg]

I have been running the Michelin Commander II tires for about 4,000 miles, not sure if I like them or not. With the increase life of the tire they had to put in a harder rubber compound which I find makes for a rougher ride. I run 36 psi front, 40 psi rear, and I feel more of the road surface. I have also noticed that I feel the road snakes (tar strips) a lot more and they give the bike a twitch, again due to the harder rubber compound and therefore reduced grip

My bike with the stock Dunlops does that same thing with tar snakes… Skitters all over the place. Scary as hell!

Ken

[RoadRunnr]

I have been running the Michelin Commander II tires for about 4,000 miles, not sure if I like them or not. With the increase life of the tire they had to put in a harder rubber compound which I find makes for a rougher ride. I run 36 psi front, 40 psi rear, and I feel more of the road surface. I have also noticed that I feel the road snakes (tar strips) a lot more and they give the bike a twitch, again due to the harder rubber compound and therefore reduced grip

I found the exact opposite, once I went to the Commander II's, I feel the road snakes a lot less. I have much much less squirliness on the ground down roads also, I am extremely happy with the Commanders.

[S E Road King]

Wow. I knew that I was getting great mileage on the Michelin's new tire for my road King. The Commander II. I have always noticed that in Texas that my tires now wear in the center only, as opposed to entire tread wear that I was used to in Montana. (Yea it's the flatland) When I saw the center tread groove starting to disappear (at about 9K) on the Michelin I naturally ordered another because of how many more mile that I was getting out of them than I got out of the E-3's from Dunlop. So. I inspected the new tire and I found that there is actually no TWI in the center of this tire and that I probably have another 1,000 in the one on my bike which is at 9,800 now. Before the Commander II the best mileage I had ever obtained on a rear tire was just under 7K. WOW, and they cost about $15.00 less than the E-3's.

SE Road King
Cedar Creek Lake, Tx.

[DJA]

Sandunbar, I have over 2K on them. No wear showing. I have ridden on wet pavement but not in a downpour. So wet performance is from one standpoint. What I can say is they don't slip on wet pavement
(now I am not riding aggressively when I say this). They stick. I really like the surefooted feel while riding the bike now. It was between these tires and Dunlop Elite III's. Since I like the Michelins on my pickup I decided to give these tires a try. I am very glad I did. You will not be disappointed.
DJ

[sadunbar]

Sandunbar, I have over 2K on them. No wear showing. I have ridden on wet pavement but not in a downpour. So wet performance is from one standpoint. What I can say is they don't slip on wet pavement
(now I am not riding aggressively when I say this). They stick. I really like the surefooted feel while riding the bike now. It was between these tires and Dunlop Elite III's. Since I like the Michelins on my pickup I decided to give these tires a try. I am very glad I did. You will not be disappointed.
DJ

 

Thanks for the update!