Opinion: Went from American Elites to Michelin Commander 2s
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
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From: Carlsbad, CA
Opinion: Went from American Elites to Michelin Commander 2s
Per my earlier post (referenced at end), due to mid speed wobble on my Ultra Limited, I replaced both front & rear Dunlop American Elites with Michelin Commander 2s. I’m running the Harley recommended 36psi in the front, and 40 psi rear.
I’ve only got only about 400 miles on the new Michelins, but here’s my initial impressions:
- they ride rougher than the Dunlops. They ride like as if they were overfilled with air. Yet, they are as recommended by HD. They feel like the pressure needs to come down some, but I’m not gonna do that at risk of cupping.
- they seem to handle much more responsive than the Dunlops, almost to the point of being twitchy. They are easier to set the bike into a sharp slow speed turn.
- I haven’t pushed them hard in the turns yet, or braked hard, nor ridden on wet roads.
- they seem to ride very true, and not be affected by road grooves or slab mismatches, which our freeways are full of
How does my experience compare to Your’s?
My earlier post:
I’ve only got only about 400 miles on the new Michelins, but here’s my initial impressions:
- they ride rougher than the Dunlops. They ride like as if they were overfilled with air. Yet, they are as recommended by HD. They feel like the pressure needs to come down some, but I’m not gonna do that at risk of cupping.
- they seem to handle much more responsive than the Dunlops, almost to the point of being twitchy. They are easier to set the bike into a sharp slow speed turn.
- I haven’t pushed them hard in the turns yet, or braked hard, nor ridden on wet roads.
- they seem to ride very true, and not be affected by road grooves or slab mismatches, which our freeways are full of
How does my experience compare to Your’s?
My earlier post:
Last edited by TriGeezer; Jan 5, 2020 at 05:27 PM.
40 PSI front and rear I rode them at. Didn't seem to ride rough at all. The rest of your comments seem to be the same as me
When a switched to a 21" front I went with a Metzler. Still have the MCII on the rear.
When a switched to a 21" front I went with a Metzler. Still have the MCII on the rear.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I've never run the Michelin's but anytime you put a new set of tires on a bike, you are going to get the same impressions you did with the switch. Better ride, easier to set into turns ( they are still round and not flattened with miles) and don't follow road grooves as mush as the old tires. Any new brand tire will give you that feeling when you replace old worn out tires.
True test will be comparing them with longevity and wear over time. You have to pick a tire on your riding style and wants. Do you want a hard tread compound that will last many miles on the interstate or don't care about lifespan but want sticky tires for cutting through the curves as fast as you can.
Enjoy the new tires. They really wake up the way a bike rides.
True test will be comparing them with longevity and wear over time. You have to pick a tire on your riding style and wants. Do you want a hard tread compound that will last many miles on the interstate or don't care about lifespan but want sticky tires for cutting through the curves as fast as you can.
Enjoy the new tires. They really wake up the way a bike rides.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 870
Likes: 245
From: Transfer, PA
People need to stop going with Haley pressure for non factory tires. On my bike, I run at max pressure on the sidewall of whatever tire I'm running. With lowers, tourpak, gear and my fat *** I'm never far from the rated capacity on the tires.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
Last edited by caulk04; Jan 5, 2020 at 07:44 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 878
Likes: 309
From: 23456/27948
I've been running MC II's on my 08 UC for approx 12k miles. 40psi front and rear. Like the feedback from various road conditions; especially minimal wandering on bridge grates and grooved roadways.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
People need to stop going with Haley pressure for non factory tires. On my bike, I run at max pressure on the sidewall of whatever tire I'm running. With lowers, tourpak, gear and my fat *** I'm never far from the rated capacity on the tires.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
example - Im running AVON Cobra Chrome. That one tire has at least a dozen pressure recommendations depending on what bike its installed on.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
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From: Carlsbad, CA
People need to stop going with Haley pressure for non factory tires. On my bike, I run at max pressure on the sidewall of whatever tire I'm running. With lowers, tourpak, gear and my fat *** I'm never far from the rated capacity on the tires.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
I'm due for new tires this winter so I have my eye out. Planning on American Elites unless I see a good deal on the new Commander 3.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,652
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From: Near Yosemite
What I've always wondered about the philosophy of running max PSI is what happens to the tire when it gains an extra 10+ PSI once they get nice and hot on the summer asphalt? Now they're WAY over max, yes?