Commander III Tires
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
Depends on what she looks like
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,245
From: San Diego, CA
The OEM front tires on my 2016 Ultra Classic are starting to crack on the sidewalls, so I decide to look into purchasing some Commander III tires based on some of the reviews posted here.....
On the Chaparral Motorsports website, they show front and rear Michelin Commander III Touring tires AND front & rear Michelin Commander III Reinforced Touring tires.....?????
I sent them an online request asking for the difference between the two. They responded that the "reinforced" tires are a heavy duty version of the Commander III Touring Tires....???
I recontacted them, asking for a little more specific info (product numbers, actual weight load differences, and any construction differences) between the tires. I'm waiting for a reply..
I also contacted Michelin on their website live chat... I started out number 7 in line, watched my spot in line count down to number 2 in line, over 15 minutes... then they just ended my live chat session, asking me to choose email or phone contact... I got pissed and closed their website..
So I gotta ask, has anyone heard about these "reinforced" versions of the Michelin Commander III tires....?????
If so, anyone know the details between the regular and reinforced tires....?????
I haven't found anyone but Chaparral Motorsports listing a reinforced version of the Commander III Touring Tires... Gotta say, doubting the reinforced version exists..
On the Chaparral Motorsports website, they show front and rear Michelin Commander III Touring tires AND front & rear Michelin Commander III Reinforced Touring tires.....?????
I sent them an online request asking for the difference between the two. They responded that the "reinforced" tires are a heavy duty version of the Commander III Touring Tires....???
I recontacted them, asking for a little more specific info (product numbers, actual weight load differences, and any construction differences) between the tires. I'm waiting for a reply..
I also contacted Michelin on their website live chat... I started out number 7 in line, watched my spot in line count down to number 2 in line, over 15 minutes... then they just ended my live chat session, asking me to choose email or phone contact... I got pissed and closed their website..
So I gotta ask, has anyone heard about these "reinforced" versions of the Michelin Commander III tires....?????
If so, anyone know the details between the regular and reinforced tires....?????
I haven't found anyone but Chaparral Motorsports listing a reinforced version of the Commander III Touring Tires... Gotta say, doubting the reinforced version exists..
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 15, 2020 at 10:50 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,245
From: San Diego, CA
Well, got my answer from Chaparral Motorsports... It was an in-house thing... at least he didn't try to BS me....
"I'm not sure exactly what the difference is between the two versions as these tires are brand new and we don't have much information on them. I'm going solely based on my own knowledge of standard versus reinforced tires. After looking on Michelin's website, your two sizes are located under the "Touring" section, which is for "V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". The front tire has a load/speed rating of 65H and the rear has an 81H. Michelin does not specify which are reinforced and which are not, so I'm thinking that it is something that we added on our end.
Thank you."
Sorry for any confusion my question may have caused....
"I'm not sure exactly what the difference is between the two versions as these tires are brand new and we don't have much information on them. I'm going solely based on my own knowledge of standard versus reinforced tires. After looking on Michelin's website, your two sizes are located under the "Touring" section, which is for "V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". The front tire has a load/speed rating of 65H and the rear has an 81H. Michelin does not specify which are reinforced and which are not, so I'm thinking that it is something that we added on our end.
Thank you."
Sorry for any confusion my question may have caused....
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 428
From: Northern NY
Well, got my answer from Chaparral Motorsports... It was an in-house thing... at least he didn't try to BS me....
"I'm not sure exactly what the difference is between the two versions as these tires are brand new and we don't have much information on them. I'm going solely based on my own knowledge of standard versus reinforced tires. After looking on Michelin's website, your two sizes are located under the "Touring" section, which is for "V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". The front tire has a load/speed rating of 65H and the rear has an 81H. Michelin does not specify which are reinforced and which are not, so I'm thinking that it is something that we added on our end.
Thank you."
Sorry for any confusion my question may have caused....
"I'm not sure exactly what the difference is between the two versions as these tires are brand new and we don't have much information on them. I'm going solely based on my own knowledge of standard versus reinforced tires. After looking on Michelin's website, your two sizes are located under the "Touring" section, which is for "V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". The front tire has a load/speed rating of 65H and the rear has an 81H. Michelin does not specify which are reinforced and which are not, so I'm thinking that it is something that we added on our end.
Thank you."
Sorry for any confusion my question may have caused....
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
I thought I would come back and give my experience with the C3's
I installed CIII's on my '19 SGS 4/9/20, and a buzz/vibration felt in the grips from 50-60 mph started right away. After 4400 miles, it seems to be getting worse. Since I have no idea about any long term affects this vibration might cause, I ordered Dunlop AE's. I replaced the front today with the Dunlop AE, and the buzz/vibration is gone.
There is more information in this thread https://www.hdforums.com/forum/wheel...mander-3s.html
Seems there are several of us with the same problem.
I installed CIII's on my '19 SGS 4/9/20, and a buzz/vibration felt in the grips from 50-60 mph started right away. After 4400 miles, it seems to be getting worse. Since I have no idea about any long term affects this vibration might cause, I ordered Dunlop AE's. I replaced the front today with the Dunlop AE, and the buzz/vibration is gone.
There is more information in this thread https://www.hdforums.com/forum/wheel...mander-3s.html
Seems there are several of us with the same problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 5,147
From: Louisiana
Well that just sucks. I've got a new Commander III sitting in my garage that I was planning on mounting just anytime now.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 20
From: Chardon, Ohio
I put a set of commander !!!'s on my Road Glide last month, no issues with vibration. The only difference I see is the bike falls in quicker when cornering at speed. I like them a lot more than the Dunlops. Rain traction seemed improved as well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
My dealer has them in stock and I'm gonna put them on my 2019 cvo sg this week, I've always had good luck with Michelin motorcycle tires and hope for the same with these, plus got a great deal on them!