Best rear tire in rain commander 2 or Elite ?
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: SWEDEN
Best rear tire in rain commander 2 or Elite ?
Need to change my Rear 180/65x16 .Have lots of rain and bad roads in sweden. No tropical heat here at all but lots of cold mornings. What should I buy for my road king 
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
From: Ravenna, OH
I'm sure there are several that perform very well. Everyone will have their preference I suppose.
I had Commander 2's on my Fatboy I just sold and I thought they were incredible in the rain. I got caught in some severe down pours and flooded roads and they were awesome. I once got stuck in right lane in traffic and about 50ft to 75ft had 1" or more water puddled on the pavement, from the strom i was trailing. I was doing 30mph I suppose and in the rain, by the time I saw how deep the water was, couldn't slow much in time or get over. Rolled right through the standing water and other than blowing water up at me, bike never flinched. My heart slowed down once I made it though that.
I have Dunlops on my 2016 Limited and they seem to be fine. I haven't been through the severe conditions I had a few times on the Fatboy yet, but on wet roads from gentle rain, they have been good as well.
I had Commander 2's on my Fatboy I just sold and I thought they were incredible in the rain. I got caught in some severe down pours and flooded roads and they were awesome. I once got stuck in right lane in traffic and about 50ft to 75ft had 1" or more water puddled on the pavement, from the strom i was trailing. I was doing 30mph I suppose and in the rain, by the time I saw how deep the water was, couldn't slow much in time or get over. Rolled right through the standing water and other than blowing water up at me, bike never flinched. My heart slowed down once I made it though that.
I have Dunlops on my 2016 Limited and they seem to be fine. I haven't been through the severe conditions I had a few times on the Fatboy yet, but on wet roads from gentle rain, they have been good as well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
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From: wet coast BC
unless you do not slow down in wet conditions how would you know if a tire performs better. the act of driving to the conditions makes any tire perform well.
probably just me but when I see this question I imagine someone wanting to take corners as fast as when dry during wet conditions, looking for the same traction. I do not think any tire will do both equally well.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 36
From: WV
I've been running Commander II's for about 6 years now with no complaints. I've never felt like I was hindered by it on wet roads. I buy my tires based on the wet road ratings. I figure any tire can stick to a dry, hot road. It's when I get in a bad situation that I'm going to regret not having the "best" I can buy.
Having said all of that, I'm leaning toward a set of Pirelli Night Dragons next time. I've heard really good things about them. May be worth a quick look before you decide.
I can't speak for the Elites. I've never used them.
Having said all of that, I'm leaning toward a set of Pirelli Night Dragons next time. I've heard really good things about them. May be worth a quick look before you decide.
I can't speak for the Elites. I've never used them.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 191
From: Boise, Idaho
I recently installed a set of Michelin Commander II. I don't have experience with them in the rain yet. I can tell you that they handle much better than the American Elites I had been running. They are much improved in the corners over the American Elites.