So money's tight and I need a new rear tire. Last 2 have been OEM Harley Dunlops. Overpriced here in Canada!

I was going to get the Dunlop American Elite tire, but for $35 CDN less I ordered a Commander II.

Michelin is making some pretty big claims in their tire video of good mileage out of these vs. the OEM Dunlops.

My front OEM is about 2/3rds tread and not cupping so I am sticking with it until next season, in which I will get the matching Commander front....

I make this post because of an observation between the OEM Dunlop and the Commander II....

2 things, first, the commander as new is not as 'tall' or pointy in the center, it's more flat than I remember the OEM's being.

Secondly, the commanders tread ridges along the center area are narrow, the OEM are a consistent 1/4" wide or so.

So my question on this is it would seem to me that the commander could be more susceptible to picking up debris like nails or screws?

Thoughts?

 

I got 25000 on my first commander 2 on the rear. Have 6000 on this one still looks new. It gives very good traction, and holds tight in the curves. Have it on my Limited 2011.

 

Don't expect the mileage they claim. Mine lasted about as long as the OEMs. When new they rode great but at the end of their life they became quit squirrelly. I went with the AE this time, we will see how long they last.

 

When I got my 09 Touring, my rear had 1.5MM of tread left...I got 5000 miles out of that and then put on a new OEM tire which went over 17000 miles.
I then picked up a pair take-off rims with OEM's that were probably 80 to 85% tread. This time the rear lasted 8000 miles.
So hopefully this Commander II lasts at least 10000 miles! LOL

 

Just put them on, you'll love them. Night and day compared to a stock tire. A nail is a nail. If you run it over any tire will pick it up.

Gotta say though, twice mileage of stock is BS. I get about 12k out of the rears. I get two to one front to rear. On my third rear Commander and second front in nearly 40k miles.

 

My observation, Michelin knows how to make tires, they will be fine. Don't over think it. The Commander II's are great tires.

 

I've had two sets of Michelin CII's on our Road King, and they have been great tires as far as handling and durability. Single Up I got at least 17K on the rear and about 24K on the front before I changed them. The thing I have found about CII's is they like to stay aired up to max or almost max for best performance and longevity.

 

caberto, what psi you running in them?

Thanks fellas for all your replies!

 

"first, the commander as new is not as 'tall' or pointy in the center, it's more flat than I remember the OEM's being"

That will change when you mount the tire and air it up. It will round out nicely, and you'll love the "feel" of it when you install it. Especially going from a worn tire to the new. enjoy.

 

yup, can't wait!! LOL