Anybody using these tires ? If so ; how do you like them ?

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...mander-ii.html

 

We've installed a few here at DIA but still too early for any good feedback.

 

There may be an article on them some time this summer in American Iron magazine.

I am testing some out right now. I agree with the positive comments I have seen on the forum.

I also know that each tire size may have a different spec which makes comments and reviews difficult to evaluate apples to apples.

I was told, for example, that the 200 on the rear of my NT would be multi-compound if I 'upgraded' to Dunlop 407's. That's true of some sizes but not the 200. The Elite now has multi-compound in the 200.

I am one that does not believe in mixing manufacturers between front and rear. I want predictable consistency where traction, handling, and speed/load ratings are concerned. The tread pattern on the Commander II's is unique enough that it is probably not consistent with other patterns. However, HD decided, just for looks, that a 200 belonged on my NT. I would have been much happier with a 180. As a result there is such a difference in tread contact area on my NT that I don't think you would be able to feel a difference between manufacturer's front and rear.

The front tire for my NT in a Commander II is not the same exact dimensions as the Dunlop. It looks different but doesn't feel different. I haven't ridden on any Elites yet but I am supposed to get double the miles from the Commander II to my D407's. That will be a good thing! It makes sense that this is true, however, since the 407's in my size are not multi-composite (others are) . It would be interesting to find out if they are comparable to the Elites now that there is a 200 that will fit my bike in those.

The handling is noticeably different at first. You get used to it and so it doesn't seem so different as time goes on, but it is. I personally prefer the Michelin II's.

I have about 3500 miles on the ones that I'm riding on.

C#

 

What psi do you have the commanders at? Stock or higher.

 

Thanks for the info guys

 

36 to 38 psi rear (supposed to be 36-40). 32-34 front (supposed to be 30). I want to run them at the recommended psi (30 and 40) but at my age I can never remember what that's supposed to be and I'm always in too big a hurry to go get out the book plus I wouldn't be able to find my reading glasses anyway <grin>.

 

I have not used these paticular tires so I won't endorse or give a negative opinion on them but I will throw this out there for others to consider. I used to road race, ion's ago, and always found that the Michelin brand tires were a very hard compound and that affected and sacrificed traction on wet surfaces. They were a tire that would really take a beating but man did that bike get "squirrely" on wet surfaces. If we ran in and on a very hot surface we ran the Michelin's, when on a course that had extreme turns and chicanes we ran Dunlopes and when we got into wet or humid weather or wet trackes we threw on Goodyears. All the compounds that everyone uses on the roads for everyday riding first gets its data from the track. Just a little general knowledge for the purposes to aid one in picking a tire. Certain tires, tread patterns and compounds really do have thier differences and one should always consider how and where they ride when picking a tire.

 

I've posted several times on these. they are new and have just came out last NOV I think.

IF they go 2X as far as the lop's 407's and Metz's 880's as Michelin claims then this will be one of the best wearing tires made and Prob best seller.

 

And with that watch the price go up! 1500 miles on mine and I can still see the casting rib down the center but still too early to tell.