Newbie needing help
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: FT. Drum, NY
Newbie needing help
I am on my second bike, an '08 Fat Bob that is mostly stock. I need help finding new tires, the cupping on the front is getting really bad and the wear is downright horrible. been doing research and i have narrowed it down to Metzeler ME888, Michelin Commander II's, or Avon Cobras. I would rather go with the Metezlers but they dont have the exact rear size for my bike, 180/70-16, the closest they and Michelin have is 180/65-16. I ride my bike as a daily commuter, and shortly after putting the new tires on will be making a cross country trip that cannot be delayed except for seriously adverse weather. I value longevity and being able to stand up on wet roads over high speed cornering and peg grinding. what would the effects of going down in aspect ratio have on the bike? Also does anyone know a good shop in the Austin area?
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 18
From: OREGON
I recently spooned a set of the Dunlop American Elites on to my bike... LOVE them! These things are wonderful, be it the super slab (I commute 200 miles a day), cranking corners, or wet pavement. They don't get caught in road grooves, they turn in easy, roll on center easy, hold aggressive lean angles well. I urge you to consider this tire.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: brockton ma
that is the ME880 rear tire 180/70/16 size. Im about to buy that along with the Me888 130/90/16 front tire.
I hope im buying the right tires and the diff in the model number makes no issues.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 18
From: OREGON
Don't know yet. Everything I've read suggests tons and tons. Quick google search will net lots of rider reviews...
I just know initial impression after 1000 miles is VERY positive.
I just know initial impression after 1000 miles is VERY positive.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 97
From: PA
I put on the avon cobra's 200 rear 150 front about 1000 miles ago. I can't say how long they will last, but I hope I can get at least 8k out of the rear. They handle excellent, super grippy even in rain, and seem very smooth on the road. I will probably stick with this set up for a while, even if I need a new set evey year, i value performance over a couple extra miles on them.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
From: Boulder County, Colorado
I have the commander 2s on my '09 fat bob and I'm completely satisfied. I too had the OEM tire cupping problem. I only have a few thousand miles on the Michelins so far, but they have performed better than the OEM dunlops. I read posts where people complain about the commander's wet road performance, but after riding in downpours 2-up in the hills during the Sturgis rally last year, I believe they perform just fine. When it rains, I typically ride much more conservatively.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 181
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
Michelin Commander II's are awesome.
Had the rear put on 7k miles ago and the front put on 3k miles ago and both are wearing slowly and gripping great so far. Highly recommended.
Had the rear put on 7k miles ago and the front put on 3k miles ago and both are wearing slowly and gripping great so far. Highly recommended.
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