Michelin CommanderIIs

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Sep 17, 2017 | 11:51 AM

#11

JekyllnHyde

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamble71

Yeah, besides the excessively short mileage life, that's another indication something's wrong in the front. Only problem is, it's really hard to judge the springer front end and parts for it ain't cheap

At first i thought it might have something to do with the springer front end but then I saw that others who don't have springers are experiencing the same thing.

I was curious so I just measured the tread depth on my Avon Cobras (90/90-21 front and 200/55R17 rear) that have exactly 6271 miles on them. Here are the tread depth measurements on them new and current. (measurements were taken from center of tire). I also factored in the TWI (Tire Wear Indicator).

A tire actually has 1mm less before they recommend changing because the TWI takes up 1mm of depth. So on new tires that claim they have 5.2mm of tread depth you actually have 4.2 before you get to the TWI. I typically run 38psi for the front tire and 40psi for the rear.

FRONT TIRE
New: 5.2mm
Current: 3.5mm
Difference: 1.7mm
TWI: 2.5mm left before they reach the TWI

REAR TIRE
New: 6.8mm
Current: 3mm
Difference: 3.8mm
TWI: 2mm before they reach the TWI

The numbers indicate that the front tire is wearing at a slower rate than the rear.

If I did my math correctly (and it's possible I didn't lol), the front tire is wearing at a rate of 1mm every 3688 miles. New, the front tire had 4.2mm of tread before it reached the TWI. 3688 x 4.2 = 15,489 miles. The rear tire is wearing at 1mm every 1650 miles and new it had 5.8mm of tread before reaching the TWI. 1650 x 5.8 = 9,570 miles.

I doubt I'll get 15,000 from the front and 9500 from the rear because I think tires wear at a slightly higher rate as the miles add up. More realistically I'll probably get 13,000 to 13,500 out of the front, and about 8000 to 8500 from the rear tire.

Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Sep 17, 2017 at 11:59 AM.

Sep 17, 2017 | 01:16 PM

#12

gamble71

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From: Florida

That's where I'm at on the rear... nowhere near that on the front

Sep 17, 2017 | 01:26 PM

#13

JekyllnHyde

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Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 3,056

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamble71

That's where I'm at on the rear... nowhere near that on the front

Are you getting uneven wear from the front tire? The mileage you're getting out of them doesn't seem right, even with a 21" wheel. You should be getting at least double that. Were you getting the same results from other brand tires? You're right about the springer, its tougher to troubleshoot what the problem might be. But I'm assuming there is one.

Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Sep 17, 2017 at 01:28 PM.

Sep 17, 2017 | 02:29 PM

#14

gamble71

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From: Florida

It came with the standard Dunlops, but it's been so long ago I don't remember what they got. The wear pattern seems to start more on the left, but seems to even out the further I go. Seriously thinking about going thru the front end and start replacing it til we figure out what it is

Sep 17, 2017 | 04:39 PM

#15

JekyllnHyde

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Connecticut

yup, that's what I'd do too. Check your wheel bearings to if you haven't already. Good luck.

Aug 3, 2019 | 06:00 AM

#16

bassnman

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 222

Likes: 31

From: Parsippany,NJ, USA

Just changed out my rear Mich Commander II on my 013 Ultra, rear tire had 19,500 mi it was not down to the wear bars, could've went another 1000 mi.
ran 37-38 psi, so far these tires are serving me well..

Aug 3, 2019 | 09:43 AM

#17

Bobster109

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2019

Posts: 216

Likes: 208

From: MW Ohio

I just changed to the Michelin Commander II's, I have 2500 on the rear and 2000 on the front. So can't really say about the mileage I will get yet, but I can say it would have to be horrific to go to another tire after doing a 1600+ road trip on these tires, they made my Heritage ride so much smoother and handle better than the American Elites I replaced them with that I will sacrifice some mileage for the grin they give me on the highway. Unbelievable the ride quality.

I am just wondering since these are more of a touring tire, if some that ride more aggressively could do better mileage and performance wise with the new Michelin Scorchers's??? Would like to know what the real difference is in these two tires? But I sure am liking these Commanders on the Heritage for the less aggressive riding I do.

Last edited by Bobster109; Aug 3, 2019 at 09:45 AM.