Commander II Tires
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Commander II Tires
Just got back from getting my new tires. Holy crap!!! I could not believe how smooth and quiet these tires are compared to the Dunlops. If they last half as long as Michelin claims, I'll be one happy camper. Anyone thinking about new tires really needs to try these. It really is that big of a difference.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,835
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From: Northern WV
I know what you mean regarding new tires, it's a whole new bike again. Regarding Dunlop vs Michelin, how much of the improvement is due to going from worn out tires which have become out of balance to brand new balanced tires? I just replaced my front tire (Dunlop) with the same Dunlop again, night and day difference! It's soooo smooth and quiet once again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,817
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From: Raleigh, NC
Since then I know of six local bikers who have switched to them, and at least a dozen on this forum.
All swear by them, and my initial feeling was the same as yours: if they last half as long as claimed, I'll be a happer camper.
6k miles on them so far, and still running/looking great. I had to replace my stock Dunlops at under 6K.
The last buddy to have put them on his bike just came back from a trip to PA from here (Raleigh, NC). He said he noticed the difference in the rain was like night and day.
It is a valid question about comparing them to worn tires, but the bike never handled or felt as good even when I took it off the showrooom floor as it did when I put on those II's.
Last edited by mmancuso; Aug 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Oroville,Washington.
The Michelins are smoother than the E3 Dunlops that were on my Road King. Got 20 grand out of the Dunlops,but they never had the smooth ride and grip of the Michelins.Even though I intended to buy Dunlops again for the mileage,I couldn't wait for them to come in, and went with the Commanders. If they last as long,I'll be just fine with that.
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Dunlops are a harder tire. I never leave stock tires on any of my bikes as there are much better tires out there that grip much better and handle much better. I'll even take less mileage for a stickier tire with how I ride. But, the Commander II seems to be the best of both worlds. I have put 4000 on them but the rear was already on the bike when I got it. So, I don't know how many miles are really on it. I'll report back when it starts to look worn which is yet to happen.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
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From: Indiana
Am I the only one? Read on:
Had the original Dunlop 402 in front, and Elite III in rear. 42k miles later, down to 2/32nd threads on both (actually 36k for the E3 in the rear). Indy recommended Commander II front and rear, rode them for 3.5k miles, can't really tell the difference.
Maybe my riding style? Usually just putting along nice and easy, bike only seen 4300rpm once or twice. Never corner hard. After all, it's a touring bike, at least for me.
Had the original Dunlop 402 in front, and Elite III in rear. 42k miles later, down to 2/32nd threads on both (actually 36k for the E3 in the rear). Indy recommended Commander II front and rear, rode them for 3.5k miles, can't really tell the difference.
Maybe my riding style? Usually just putting along nice and easy, bike only seen 4300rpm once or twice. Never corner hard. After all, it's a touring bike, at least for me.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
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From: Shelby, NC
Am I the only one? Read on:
Had the original Dunlop 402 in front, and Elite III in rear. 42k miles later, down to 2/32nd threads on both (actually 36k for the E3 in the rear). Indy recommended Commander II front and rear, rode them for 3.5k miles, can't really tell the difference.
Maybe my riding style? Usually just putting along nice and easy, bike only seen 4300rpm once or twice. Never corner hard. After all, it's a touring bike, at least for me.
Had the original Dunlop 402 in front, and Elite III in rear. 42k miles later, down to 2/32nd threads on both (actually 36k for the E3 in the rear). Indy recommended Commander II front and rear, rode them for 3.5k miles, can't really tell the difference.
Maybe my riding style? Usually just putting along nice and easy, bike only seen 4300rpm once or twice. Never corner hard. After all, it's a touring bike, at least for me.
Are you saying that you got 36,000 miles out of ONE rear tire?
I'm lucky if I get 9k