The rear Dunflop has crapped out at 7k . . . Kind of surprised, but I know that is typical. Front tire looks great, but both tires are original and now 10 years old.

Decided to go with the Michelin Commander II. The stock Dunlop on the '03 SERK is the MT90B16 74, a "130" from what I can tell.

Been reading and some posts seem to imply that I could put a 140 on the rear if I went with the Michelin Commander II . . . Evidently the Commander II is made a little thinner than the stock Dunlop?

Anybody have any experience with the Commander IIs and going a little wider than stock when replacing the rear tire and swapping from stock Dunlop to Michelin Commander II?

 

You could go witht he MU series...i think it's a bit wider.

 

No thanks, looking for evidence can I can use a 140 Michelin II to replace stock 130 Dunlop without issues.

Has any body done that?

 

Where i am getting with this is if you go with a MU85b16 or a MU90b16 you would get much better wear, the threads are deeper...Have you checked the specs on the Michelin website.

 

Found out the Michelin Commander II 140 is .40" wider than the stock Dunlop 130 . . . And looks like there is only about .5" of extra space with the stock Dunlop 130 installed.

So, my idea of putting on a little wider Commander II 140 instead of the stock size Dunlop 130 is not going to work.

So, I will be ordering the Commander II 130, the same size even though a tad thinner (sidewalls are a tick thinner on the Michelin) than the stock Dunlop.

Thanks all, for the help.

 

I think you will find an 03 has an MU rear as stock on most touring models? Your RK may have an MT for 'traditional' reasons. Do you have the later spec narrow 1 1/8" belt? Earlier models had 1 1/2" wide. If so, not only can you fit an MU you should alternatively be able to fit a 150/80, which some brands sell with the same load rating (around 76/77).

 

I have the 1.5" belt.

 

An MU should fit, although you may have to trim the rubber curtain on your belt guard, to stop rubbing. Some brands of MU will go in without problems, but others may rub, there doesn't seem to be a black and white case!

 

OK, not sure what you mean by "MU"? Sorry

 

That has been mentioned above. Your stock tyre is known as an MT, which defines its size of 130/90x16, as well as its load rating, of around 73/74. An MU is a more recent spec, corresponding to 140/85x16 in size and with a higher load rating of around 76/77. All very confusing and I don't know who is responsible! Some tyre brands carry the details on their websites, for example the weight rating for 76/77 etc.