Michelin Commander II first impressions

[laraza]

So I had the 180/65 and 130/90 Michelins fitted to the bike and went out on her yesterday, covering about 150, mixed, miles.

Previously I've been running Avon's in the standard sizes and I have to say that the Michelins feel completely different and take a while to get used to.

The ride feels noticeably stiffer than before, whether this is down to them being a Bias rather than Radial, I don't know but makes the bike feel like I've set the suspension up harder. The ride definitely feels less plush.

The bikes turns in, and changes direction, much more quickly, and encourages more lean (footboard scraping) than before and generally feels much 'livelier' which, in my eyes, is a good thing.

Wasn't pushing the grip too much as was really just scrubbing them in but first signs are good.

I'm running 43psi rear and 35 front but may play around a little with these.

 

[barbagris]

Think I'd add a bit to the front. Cross-plies flex differently to radials and often you'll gain flick-ability at the cost of directional stability. Should last the upcoming 5000kms-ish though.

 

[laraza]

Think I'd add a bit to the front. Cross-plies flex differently to radials and often you'll gain flick-ability at the cost of directional stability. Should last the upcoming 5000kms-ish though.

They'd bloody better last well beyond those 5k!! Got them because of the good mileage reports........we'll see.

 

[jake shaw]

I've got 5000 on a rear so far without any signs of wear. Just hoping for another 15 0r 20000 more

 

[Fingers]

I would up the front tire pressure to 40 psi.

 

[barbagris]

They'd bloody better last well beyond those 5k!! Got them because of the good mileage reports........we'll see.

Ride like a Spaniard - they won't last long.

 

[laraza]

I would up the front tire pressure to 40 psi.

What would you run in the rear? 40 seems high for the front?

 

[laraza]

Ride like a Spaniard - they won't last long.

I am a Spaniard but place too high a value on my skin!

 

[Fingers]

I got 29,000 mi. on my 13'R3T running 40psi.

 

[barbagris]

I am a Spaniard but place too high a value on my skin!

Tish and Pish - wear leathers!. "Marica la ultima".

<serious face> Do not underestimate how the heat will affect H rated rubber in the summer sun here. Push the beastie through some corners at speed and it's like taking a file to the rubber. I have take a whole mm off Metzlers at 140kmh cruising in the 100miles or so from just north of Somosierra on the A1 to home. The road surface gets heavy snow/ice in winter so is surfaced with an aggressive tarmac. Take Despeñaperros (A4 south) at speed (who can resist) and the rubber will go all ripply on you. It's the torque and weight.

Front - Would run 38 minimum. And for Prolonged High Speed - Loaded too - 40 or more.
Actually - I'd run them close to max rated pressure - What are the weight ratings btw?