Looking for alternative tires to replace the stock Dunlops on my Ultra. I'm having tire cupping issues on the rear stock tires. I'd like to hear folks' opinions on the Michelins and the Metzelers over the Dunlops.

 

I have the commander ll's on my 2001 ultra and my '98 shadow and am very pleased with them. The ones on the ultra have about 9,000 miles and still look very good with no cupping. I think the others are at about 12,000 miles and still good even wear. I expect to get somewhere around 20,000 out of each set. Previously on the shadow I had Metzler 880's and got about 16,000.

 

They both have their fans in here and there are plenty of threads discussing them. Simply use Search for either brand name. I think it is safe to say that you won't be disappointed, which ever you chose!

 

Had Metzler's on Road King got 6800 miles before rear went . Now I have Commander 2's on and at 8000 still going strong.

 

I have run both on my bagger on the rear. I prefer the Michelin.

 

+1 for the Commanders, I doubt I will ever buy anything else

 

I found the Metz 888 to have a higher max PSI (50) as opposed to the max psi (42) of the Michelin with which it felt hard as a rock. It wore out quicker as well by about 1000 miles although I had picked something up with it and it needed to be replaced regardless. I was surprised how bald it was when I took it off.

 

 

I have run the trip 8's, MC !! and Dunlop E III. All good but guess I am the oddball as I liked the MC II the least. Just doesn't seem to handle as well for ME on MY Road King. If your tires are cupping you may not be keeping a close enough eye on the tire pressure. Also IMO the stock 402's suck.

 

A different tire brand isn't going to stop your cupping - you need to check the air pressure.