Michelin Commander II

[sonny]

They're hard wearing, but they're also bias ply tires, not radials.

I'm guessing a 180/65 B16 81H would work in the rear, and a 150/80 B16 77H for the front. Probably. Unless that 150 is intended as a rear also - oh well, any knowledgeable tire seller should be able to steer you right.

I'll stick to my Cobras. 15000 miles is pretty decent, they handle awesomely and I love wide whitewalls on the Touring. You'll probably get 10000 more out of the Commander II's, but... Avon all the way.

The Commander II that I have on the Harley are Radials. Maybe bias or radial depends on tire size. Have to check that out.

 

[1olbull]

I'm running the 185-65-16 on my rear. Love it. The cornering is superior to the Metz and the Avon. I have just over 9000 miles on the rear and still have better than 60% tread. My problem is the front. I like having the 150s on the front. I need more info on the commander 150 rear. What are the stats on running a rear tire in the front position? I'm using an Elite 3. 12,000 miles and just under 50%. Both tires handle similar. My tire supplier believes that the soft side walls improve the cornering with the hard center improves mileage. Makes sense...

Sorry but soft sidewalls DO NOT improve handling! No way.

 

[BigNorm]

Sorry but soft sidewalls DO NOT improve handling! No way.

I think he meant the softer compound on the outside of the tire.

 

[1olbull]

I think he meant the softer compound on the outside of the tire.

If he did, I retract.
Just know there is no tread on a sidewall. Just sayin' . . .:-]

 

[cr0ft]

There are just a very few Commander II radials, not sure exactly what sizes are available. Almost all the sizes are B, or Bias.

Edit: MICHELIN COMMANDER II Tire | MICHELIN USA - I see a 200, a 240 and some other with an R for Radial.

And yes, a more flexible tire helps in several ways (ie, radials). The tire deforms more and gives a better contact patch, and because they're less stiff they also give a smoother ride and they remain cooler. Radials also have lower rolling resistance so slightly better mileage. There's a reason why almost all tires nowadays outside of cruiser bikes are radial.

Which is not to say the Commander II's are bad or that bias is bad. Just that radial is probably preferable.

 

[Chip]

Sorry but soft sidewalls DO NOT improve handling! No way.

Thanks for cleaning up my poor writing. Bad habit of writing thoughts without proof reading BEFORE hitting the send button.

 

[1olbull]

Thanks for cleaning up my poor writing. Bad habit of writing thoughts without proof reading BEFORE hitting the send button.

Sorry - did NOT mean to be a grammar Nazi!

 

[laraza]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

Just about to pull the trigger on the Michelins but one last question.....does the 65 profile on the rear, as opposed to the standard 70, feel any different?

 

[Fingers]

Can't really tell any difference in ride,there may be slightly loss in fuel economy never paid that much attention.

 

[Jag]

Go for it, the only difference is quicker turn in, longevity and better ride IMHO