Tire life on the dyna...
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: under a rock in the swamp
I got about 7K out my rear Metzler 880. I did not really like that tire. I had it break loose on me way to many times on corner's and bends on the road. I want to Commander II tire on the rear it has roughly 9K on it right now and still fairly good tread left. I enjoy it does stay put on the road much much better then the 880's did. So i am kind of liking them Commander tires. Thinking about trying the Night Dragons but i have not seen much reviews that seem to say roughly the same thing which makes me wonder with such variances of the reviews as to tread life etc whats up? Oh and yes i freely admit i do ride like a lunatic on a death wish so my bad 
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: WV
I always wondered if super-slab surface makes a difference. PA tends to use cement on their interstates where WV uses blacktop. I would think that cement would wear a tire quicker... This really has nothing to do with the question at hand, however.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Lanesplitter's Paradise
I'm currently on my second set of Michelin Commander IIs. I got 16,000 miles out of the rear on the last set. Before the Commanders, I had Avons on my bike, and I absolutely loved them, but they simply did not last. I was pushing it getting 8,000 miles out of the rear.
The Commanders are, in my humble opinion, a good compromise between performance and longevity.
The bike is an '06 Low Rider that's ridden about 500+ miles per week in all conditions, mostly above 70 MPH, with a little city riding and lane splitting thrown in.
The Commanders are, in my humble opinion, a good compromise between performance and longevity.
The bike is an '06 Low Rider that's ridden about 500+ miles per week in all conditions, mostly above 70 MPH, with a little city riding and lane splitting thrown in.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I think both of these guys are right. The biggest, easily, is tire compound. The Michelin Commander IIs and others are multi-compound tires. The centers are harder rubber for durability and sides are stickier for grip ... best of both worlds. But, for me, road conditions are probably second. I don't ride hard off the line or hard brake a lot, but I do ride a lot on curvy, twisty back country roads where the asphalt has seen much better days ... probably why my front wears just as fast as the rear.
Replaced the stock Fat Bob Dunlops at 9,000. I got 15,000 from my last set of tires - C IIs.
About to install a set of Dunlop American Elites - multi-compound like the C IIs. They are actually a touring tire, but the tread/contact patch seems to be a little more rounded , if that makes sense. So I think they'll handle well. I also think they are a better looking tire. IMHO, the C IIs are pretty ugly.
Wow - I'd go broke if I had to put new tires on that fast!
Replaced the stock Fat Bob Dunlops at 9,000. I got 15,000 from my last set of tires - C IIs.
About to install a set of Dunlop American Elites - multi-compound like the C IIs. They are actually a touring tire, but the tread/contact patch seems to be a little more rounded , if that makes sense. So I think they'll handle well. I also think they are a better looking tire. IMHO, the C IIs are pretty ugly.
Wow - I'd go broke if I had to put new tires on that fast!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
Like the OP, I have about the same mileage on my bike...around 8k. I have the stock Michelin Scorcher "31" tires on it.
Don't have a tread tool, but the front appears to be about 40-50%, and the rear a little less. I'm expecting to bet about 11-12k out of the stock rear. When it's time to replace it, I will replace the front at the same time because it will be close also.
I'll likely go back with the stock Scorchers, as I have been happy with their handling and wear so far. If I do go with something different, it will be the C IIs. Either way, it will be Michelin. I run Michelin tires on everything...bike, wife's truck, my truck, etc., and I always will.
Don't have a tread tool, but the front appears to be about 40-50%, and the rear a little less. I'm expecting to bet about 11-12k out of the stock rear. When it's time to replace it, I will replace the front at the same time because it will be close also.
I'll likely go back with the stock Scorchers, as I have been happy with their handling and wear so far. If I do go with something different, it will be the C IIs. Either way, it will be Michelin. I run Michelin tires on everything...bike, wife's truck, my truck, etc., and I always will.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Wow, the dynas are lighter than the Touring and the stock Dunlaps get real close to 20k. I ride very spirited and I may be able to get 17-18k out of my stockers. Wonder why the lighter bikes rubber (Dynas) wear faster?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
Sometimes it is costly. I have 4 bikes and ride all of em a lot. My street glide is rode the most with shopping and trips.
Some times I have to get 2 full sets at one time. That hurts.
We have a bike supply going out of business in Huntsville, AL. so I picked up 2 rear tires for $170.
That's a big savings. They only had the dunlop 401 and a 404 but that will work until I can do the 200 mod later on. if you are close to Huntsville, AL. stop by north Alabama biker supply. They have everything marked down from 40% to 75%
Some times I have to get 2 full sets at one time. That hurts.
We have a bike supply going out of business in Huntsville, AL. so I picked up 2 rear tires for $170.
That's a big savings. They only had the dunlop 401 and a 404 but that will work until I can do the 200 mod later on. if you are close to Huntsville, AL. stop by north Alabama biker supply. They have everything marked down from 40% to 75%