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[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...