Michelin Commander II's on my 2010 R3T

[ponters]

That was my point and only point, many can say the car tire is wrong but until they have actually tried one it is simply talking out of your arse.

I have been riding for 30 years+ and would never have considered it before last year, but simply put, motorcycle tire makers are not making tires for this bike that hold up.

I had a close call today and had I had a cycle tire I probably would be in the hospital tonight but the grip of the car tire saved my arse.

I happy for all of you that choose to wear helmets full face and full garb, for me, that would simply remove all the enjoyment out of it.

I apologize if anyone was offended.

Thats cool mate.

tell me, do you really feel that the car tyre pulls up faster? I get that there is a larger contact patch in emergency braking but if you are travelling at speed most of your braking would be from the front tyre, or do you reckon that having the bigger contact patch makes that big a difference. If it does then depending on your roads and riding perhaps it is a serious worthwhile consideration for some people. I personally wouldn't as the roads I seek out tend to have lots of twists in them that I feel the rounder tyre is of advantage but for highway cruisers I see the merit particularly if they are doing high k's.

Never considered the straight line braking from a rear tyre would make a big difference, would be very interested in hearing more about your experience. That said, if you were in a bingle, would your insurance cover you because here in Aus, if you are running an unspecified tyres your bike is considered un roadworthy rendering insurance invalid. Is it the same there?

look forward to your feed back.

 

[Elvis]

Thats cool mate.

tell me, do you really feel that the car tyre pulls up faster? I get that there is a larger contact patch in emergency braking but if you are travelling at speed most of your braking would be from the front tyre, or do you reckon that having the bigger contact patch makes that big a difference. If it does then depending on your roads and riding perhaps it is a serious worthwhile consideration for some people. I personally wouldn't as the roads I seek out tend to have lots of twists in them that I feel the rounder tyre is of advantage but for highway cruisers I see the merit particularly if they are doing high k's.

Never considered the straight line braking from a rear tyre would make a big difference, would be very interested in hearing more about your experience. That said, if you were in a bingle, would your insurance cover you because here in Aus, if you are running an unspecified tyres your bike is considered un roadworthy rendering insurance invalid. Is it the same there?

look forward to your feed back.

I needed both brakes and I know my previous Avons and Metzlers would have started sliding as my buddy had to alter his course to keep from hitting the car that ran through a red light.

I almost stood up on the rear while using the front and it felt like a horse that decided to stop, it was quick.

My insurance said a tire is a tire but I did have to buy a speed rated tire which I did.

 

[Elvis]

Elvis, didn't mean for you to get jumped. I am with you. I put my first car tire on last year on a 2005 Goldwing. The ride was smoother and it was a run flat tire as well, but breaking no different. It was an ABS model.

As far as grip, I highsided my R3T 2 years ago when a car stopped in front of me. As I hit both breaks and tried to maneuver around the car, the rear got real squirly. She ended up throwing me and rolling over me. With the car style position of the rear peddle, it is difficult at best to feather the rear under emergency conditions. I want the Car tire to help the rear stay hooked up to the road in an emergenc.

I agree plus what it does for me in the rain. I have never been comfortable riding in the rain but all that changed with the Altimax, of course the guy behind me has to to back off because of the rooster tail.

 

[GPMAZ]

I sometimes ride without a helmet, but not all of us ride like idiots every time we get on a motorcycle either.

Not to belabor the point, but the way you were riding had no effect on that guy that ran the red light. That's exactly my point regarding helmet use. Of course its your choice, state laws permitting, and I support that choice. My point is that if and when the time comes that you really need a helmet it will very likely not be due to the way you were riding at the time.

Interesting about how you don't enjoy the ride all geared up. I suppose I used to feel the same. Now if I run around the block without a helmet to check for noise on the bike I feel very uncomfortable. I wear an armored jacket in the Phoenix heat. If its too hot for the jacket, its too hot to ride.

 

[Tripps]

Never rode on a car tire, but... I wonder why no manufacturers sell bikes with OEM car tires, if they're cheaper and better? Seems the profit motive would assure it?

 

[Elvis]

Not to belabor the point, but the way you were riding had no effect on that guy that ran the red light. That's exactly my point regarding helmet use. Of course its your choice, state laws permitting, and I support that choice. My point is that if and when the time comes that you really need a helmet it will very likely not be due to the way you were riding at the time.

I see your point Harry. I know is is smart to wear one but then again I know how bad my neck and shoulders hurt after having the wind bounce it around all day long too. I suspect that will be the day I quit riding when I have to wear one all day every day.

Interesting about how you don't enjoy the ride all geared up. I suppose I used to feel the same. Now if I run around the block without a helmet to check for noise on the bike I feel very uncomfortable. I wear an armored jacket in the Phoenix heat. If its too hot for the jacket, its too hot to ride.

I wear a kevlar coat in the winter time but it has more to do with warmth than safety.

 

[Elvis]

Never rode on a car tire, but... I wonder why no manufacturers sell bikes with OEM car tires, if they're cheaper and better? Seems the profit motive would assure it?

I suspect the margin is better on motorcycle tires, less material, less freight cost + labor. The last rear tire I bought was $230-$250 and the care tire was $97.

 

[CanberraR3]

I suspect the margin is better on motorcycle tires, less material, less freight cost + labor. The last rear tire I bought was $230-$250 and the care tire was $97.

You can't seriously be suggesting that manufacturers fit MTs rather than CTs to bikes because the margin on MTs is better. By all means use a car tyre on a bike if you want but to imply that MTs exist because of some conspiracy between tyre and bike manufacturers is laughable.

 

[Elvis]

You can't seriously be suggesting that manufacturers fit MTs rather than CTs to bikes because the margin on MTs is better. By all means use a car tyre on a bike if you want but to imply that MTs exist because of some conspiracy between tyre and bike manufacturers is laughable.

No, what I am suggesting is no one is holding motorcycle tire makers to a higher mileage standard, as a matter of fact is close to being a price fixing case. The engineering and technology is out there to make them last, but without any pressure why should or would manufacturers let that high margin go away?

 

[Bigfoot390]

Michelin Commander II

The darkside/rightside lobby can go somewhere else to debate this !

I for one would be much more interested in the cornering and wear ability's of this tire. Who still has one and how do you like it?