Michelin Commander II's on my 2010 R3T

[reinie]

My Metzlers were nearly bald with 13,000 miles on the front and 10,500 miles on the rear. I had to replace the OEM rear at 2500 miles when it was punctured picking up a nail. I looked around on the internet for a longer lasting tire and came across the new Michelin Commander II which is claimed to have a 25,000 mile tread life. I had to order a rear application for my front rim got get the right size. The rear Michelin is a 180/65 which isn't much different from the OEM 180/70. These also are a bias ply tire as opposed to the OEMs being radials. Since having them mounted a week ago I've found them to handle as well if not better than the Metzlers and the ride seems smoother over rough pavement. Time and many miles of riding will tell if their tread wear claims hold up, but so far-so good with them.

 

[warp9.9]

The touring has a 180 on the front? I thought it was a 150 like the standards. I am going to try the 140 michelin on mine next I be;ieve it will add to front steering response. And is a V rated radial. load rate 67

 

[reinie]

Let me clarify.

The Michelin I used on my front rim was a 150 which was manufactured for rear use. The Michelin I used on my rear rim was a 180 which was also manufactured for rear use. Basically, I am using two rear tires on my R3T. There doesn't seem to be any handling or other problems with running two rears. I am running both in the proper rotation so the rain grooves will shed water, making hydroplaning less of an issue. I hope this clarifies which tires went where for you.

 

[rainman]

How bout some pix of that

 

[warp9.9]

The Michelin I used on my front rim was a 150 which was manufactured for rear use. The Michelin I used on my rear rim was a 180 which was also manufactured for rear use. Basically, I am using two rear tires on my R3T. There doesn't seem to be any handling or other problems with running two rears. I am running both in the proper rotation so the rain grooves will shed water, making hydroplaning less of an issue. I hope this clarifies which tires went where for you.

Thanks dude now I am not confused anymore

 

[pjsmithres]

Tires

Great for the tires.Michelin road 2 front might also be a choice. How about the 240 tire. the monopoly on that tire, they could ask $500 a piece and we have to pay.
Anyone have an alternative replacement for the 240, please let me know.

My Metzlers were nearly bald with 13,000 miles on the front and 10,500 miles on the rear. I had to replace the OEM rear at 2500 miles when it was punctured picking up a nail. I looked around on the internet for a longer lasting tire and came across the new Michelin Commander II which is claimed to have a 25,000 mile tread life. I had to order a rear application for my front rim got get the right size. The rear Michelin is a 180/65 which isn't much different from the OEM 180/70. These also are a bias ply tire as opposed to the OEMs being radials. Since having them mounted a week ago I've found them to handle as well if not better than the Metzlers and the ride seems smoother over rough pavement. Time and many miles of riding will tell if their tread wear claims hold up, but so far-so good with them.

 

[reinie]

I will try to post some pics of my Michelins on my R3T

I'll get my wifey's digital camera and take a few pics of them on my R3T. The weather is wet & miserable today, so maybe tommorrow. Weird thing is that I went from radial tires to bias ply and like the bias ply tires better so far.

 

[CanberraR3]

Great for the tires.Michelin road 2 front might also be a choice. How about the 240 tire. the monopoly on that tire, they could ask $500 a piece and we have to pay.
Anyone have an alternative replacement for the 240, please let me know.

There are 3 motor cycle tyres in 240x16 size. Metz and Avon Cobra are 240/50 and Bridgestone Exedra Max is 240/55. I've tried all 3 and the Bridgestone is the best IMO. Slightly higher profile works well. Plenty written about it on this place. Only other option/s is car tyres. Plenty of choice although some recommended over others. Also plenty written about that on here.

 

[Evil Mitch]

There are 3 motor cycle tyres in 240x16 size. Metz and Avon Cobra are 240/50 and Bridgestone Exedra Max is 240/55. I've tried all 3 and the Bridgestone is the best IMO. Slightly higher profile works well. Plenty written about it on this place. Only other option/s is car tyres. Plenty of choice although some recommended over others. Also plenty written about that on here.

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.

 

[slidderhd]

Elite 3

Ok, I haven't heard anyone mention it, but the Goldwing's run Elite 3s and get in the neighborhood of 18k on a rear. Anyone try them on the R3T?