Michelin Commander II's on my 2010 R3T

[Captain Bob]

I am told even the detuned R3T has too much power and weight for most 180 size tires.

A question I have, is the Michellin Commander II a R3T spec tire? I was told that there are only 3 brands of tires that are spec'd for the R3T, Metz, Avon, and maybe Bridgestone (I am talking 180 size tires for the R3T). It is questionable if the new Bridgestone Excedra is R3T spec'd. If you recall, it was the older Excedra that had the recall (coming apart inside the tire).

I like the idea of a long lasting (tread ware) tire but not if it may come apart like the Excedra's did.

Any thoughts?

 

[mport]

I just wonder how many of those original Bridgestone tires had seperation problems? As with most recalls, it was not likley that there were many. Due to law suits and safety issues, they recalled all of them. I have the new Exedra Max on mine and I love it so far[2000 miles]. I wore out 2 of the" recalled" style Bridgestone tires on mine after the original Metz and I had no problems at all. I don't run my bike near as hard now as I did on the original Metz. The first few thousand miles I was doing a lot of full throttle runs playing with all the power. Now that I have rode it for a couple years I'm a little easier on the throttle. I only got 5000 miles on the first tire but I have got 8000 plus on each tire since. It's my opinion that with normal riding, any tire that is sized the same would be fine on the r3t. The weight of the Rocket is no different that other make touring bikes. HD's Goldwings etc. Just keep in mind if your going to ride your r3t like a drag bike, you should stick with an approved tire.

 

[CanberraR3]

I did read an article on the michelin comander II in Cruiser magazine yesterday and although they dont make a 240/50/16 yet it was promising to read that they wher testing on a boulevard so there is hope of a 240 atleast. weather they do one in a 50 or 55 profile also well we will have to wait and see.

Actually here is what the article said ......................................

A 40,000km tyre?

Yep Michelin says its tests prove the
new commander II rear tyre goes
nearly twice the distance of its nearest
competiters before it needs replacing...
and the front tyre lasts even longer.(The
test mule was a 2010 H-D FLT Electra Glyde classic by the way.)
Michelin says the durability is not
achieved at the cost of handling and
explaines the tyre uses a new long-
lasting rubber compound,has a more
ridged high density carcass and a aramid
fibre crown ply to enhance resistance
and lightness for impeccable stability,
even at high speeds.Even more the new
tread pattern optimises water dispersal
for outstanding wet weather grip.
There are already more than a dozen sizes
available with more coming.
We are putting a set on our long term test Suzuki Boulevard and will let
you know the results.

The long term test Boulevard Cruiser mag has is an C50 (800cc) which has a 170 or 180 rear I think. Don't hold your breath for a 240, but you never know. I'd say it's a long shot at best.

 

[slidderhd]

That settles it. The dark side is the only way to insure a tire can handle the torque of the R3T.

 

[GPMAZ]

That settles it. The dark side is the only way to insure a tire can handle the torque of the R3T.

As long as you don't need to actually turn the **** thing, and as long as you don't mind being laughed at by the vast majority of the motorcycling public.

Brings to mind a somewhat overused quote. "Just because you can do something, that doesn't mean you should."

 

[slidderhd]

If your riding this baby to be different, then I say go for a different tire as well.

 

[CanberraR3]

Fitting a steering wheel instead of bars would be "different" too. Why not do that at the same time? Answer should be the same for the tyre.

 

[slidderhd]

Fitting a steering wheel instead of bars would be "different" too. Why not do that at the same time? Answer should be the same for the tyre.

What an awesome idea. Gotta find a column shifter though to complete the look...

 

[Elvis]

As long as you don't need to actually turn the **** thing, and as long as you don't mind being laughed at by the vast majority of the motorcycling public.

Brings to mind a somewhat overused quote. "Just because you can do something, that doesn't mean you should."

NO one around here will laugh as hard about the car tire as they will the guy that is replacing rear tires every 4-6K miles.

 

[TriumPhil]

Sorry, Elvis, but I have to disagree with you on that point. Unless you're riding on diamond encrusted or carborundum infused roadways, just about anyone should get between 8-11,000 miles on the Metzeler rear tire if it is being properly maintained and not unduly abused. Therefore, I do laugh at those who claim abysmally low mileage from them.

I put the Michelin Commander II on my '07 Standard's front wheel ( Michelin Commander II Cruiser Front Tire - Cruiser Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore) about a month ago and it has improved my steering and handling very dramatically. It is a great mate to the Exedra Max that I now run on the rear.