Michelin Commander III Touring
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: Troy, OH
Michelin Commander III Touring
BACKGROUND: I have a 2021 FLHTK that I needed to replace tires on. I've liked Michelin tires on my cars and didn't care for the OEM Dunlop (personal preference). Decided to go with the Michelin Commander III Touring 130/70 B18 DOT 0421. Purchased from Cycle Gear. I have about 150 miles on them.
THE ISSUE: Right out of the gate, the front tire had a vibration, feels like holding onto a beehive especially around 40 MPH in straight line riding. Lean it left or right and it's really smooth. I called Michelin to discuss a warranty issue.
PROBLEM: Alvin with Michelin denied my warranty due to improper fitment. Apparently Michelin does not make a single tire for an FLHTK, especially not the Commander III. However, they do make it for a 2021 FLHTKSE CVO Limited. The reason, the fender size, wheel spacing, and the load make it not recommended.
However, Michelin Commander III Touring from Michelinman.com reads, "The newest MICHELINŽ tire for all types of V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". So, who would think that a 130/70 B18 Michelin wouldn't fit on a bike with original equipment 130/70 B18 tires?
Here's my thoughts: One, steer clear from Michelins if you own a Harley Touring motorcycle. Two, anyone have suggestions on this? This is an expensive set of tires that are now essentially worthless.
THE ISSUE: Right out of the gate, the front tire had a vibration, feels like holding onto a beehive especially around 40 MPH in straight line riding. Lean it left or right and it's really smooth. I called Michelin to discuss a warranty issue.
PROBLEM: Alvin with Michelin denied my warranty due to improper fitment. Apparently Michelin does not make a single tire for an FLHTK, especially not the Commander III. However, they do make it for a 2021 FLHTKSE CVO Limited. The reason, the fender size, wheel spacing, and the load make it not recommended.
However, Michelin Commander III Touring from Michelinman.com reads, "The newest MICHELINŽ tire for all types of V-Twin Cruisers and Touring bikes". So, who would think that a 130/70 B18 Michelin wouldn't fit on a bike with original equipment 130/70 B18 tires?
Here's my thoughts: One, steer clear from Michelins if you own a Harley Touring motorcycle. Two, anyone have suggestions on this? This is an expensive set of tires that are now essentially worthless.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 70
From: Northhern Mississippi
I would think any 130/70 B18 provided the load capacity the tire is the same as stock would work. Maybe try having the tire re-balanced. Otherwise, Dunlop American Elites or go back to a stock dunlop.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 109
From: LA - (Lower Alabama)
Yep, me too. After a couple of months I went back to HD dealer about warranty on the tire. For an hour charge they will diagnose the tire and check balance on it. I called Michelin direct and they only work through their distribution and said I have to work w who I bought the tire from.
Michelin warranty is worth nothing. Not buying any more of those tires. By the time I pay for diagnose and mounting on a tire I could buy a whole new tire.
Michelin warranty is worth nothing. Not buying any more of those tires. By the time I pay for diagnose and mounting on a tire I could buy a whole new tire.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,145
From: Las Vegas
There are many of us that had the vibes - https://www.hdforums.com/forum/wheel...mander-3s.html
I went to the Dunlop AE's, and found them like many others have, to be a great tire.
ETA: I wore out the AE's, then couldn't find a rear AE to replace it with. I found a new AE for the front, and put the CIII back on the rear. New AE rears became available, so I have one stored and ready when the rear CIII wears out.
Also, Cycle Gear is well aware of the problem, and refunded me for the front CIII.
I went to the Dunlop AE's, and found them like many others have, to be a great tire.
ETA: I wore out the AE's, then couldn't find a rear AE to replace it with. I found a new AE for the front, and put the CIII back on the rear. New AE rears became available, so I have one stored and ready when the rear CIII wears out.
Also, Cycle Gear is well aware of the problem, and refunded me for the front CIII.
Last edited by 702; Mar 21, 2022 at 12:09 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: Troy, OH
Thank you
Thank you for the quick posts. I did see the vibration complaints, but I also saw plenty of people without a problem. I tossed the dice and came up short I guess.
I think I'll be going to the Dunlop Elites, as soon as I can. Cycle Gear, fortunately, is going to submit a warranty claim for me to Michelin. Maybe they will get a different response? In either case, the tires are coming off. The Cycle Gear rep was a little confused that the tire isn't a "recommended fit."
I had the installer check the balance while I stood over his shoulder the next day. The tire is balanced. Just poor quality and poor service. A simple, "not recommended for FLTHK" in the information would be helpful. "All V-twin and heavy baggers" leads me to believe my bike falls in that tire's category.
I think I'll be going to the Dunlop Elites, as soon as I can. Cycle Gear, fortunately, is going to submit a warranty claim for me to Michelin. Maybe they will get a different response? In either case, the tires are coming off. The Cycle Gear rep was a little confused that the tire isn't a "recommended fit."
I had the installer check the balance while I stood over his shoulder the next day. The tire is balanced. Just poor quality and poor service. A simple, "not recommended for FLTHK" in the information would be helpful. "All V-twin and heavy baggers" leads me to believe my bike falls in that tire's category.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,257
Likes: 3,710
From: oxford, pa
I went with Dunlop AE's and love them! they are giving a $20 Visa debit card for each tire purchased if you buy from an authorized dealer
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 1,248
From: Clayton, NC
After a high number of reports of this same problem I seem to recall there were some postings about the one of the molds for the Commander III was found to be flawed.
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Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Below the Gnat Line
I don't doubt that Michelin denied the claim, if they could find a way. The entire CIII debacle will haunt Michelin for a long, long time. Personally, I will have to grow to hate American Elites before I would try anything Michelin after the way they have acted over the CIII issue.
Yes, as @theheder noted, it appears to be a mold issue with two different sizes of front tire. It seems to be that the two halves of the mold don't come together centered, so on one side of the tire, the left mold is higher and on the opposite side of the tire (180° out), the right side is higher, hence the vibration as the tire rotates from one side being high to the other side being high. That's also why the tire doesn't vibrate through a curve, as you noted (mainly because you're not going from high to low as the tire rotates).
OP, normally, I wouldn't recommend mixing brands or tread patterns, but given that you've just bought a new rear, I would think you could come out cheaper to keep the rear (no reports of vibration on those) and just replace the front. Eventually, you'll wear out the rear (probably sooner) and you can match brand and tread pattern then.
Yes, as @theheder noted, it appears to be a mold issue with two different sizes of front tire. It seems to be that the two halves of the mold don't come together centered, so on one side of the tire, the left mold is higher and on the opposite side of the tire (180° out), the right side is higher, hence the vibration as the tire rotates from one side being high to the other side being high. That's also why the tire doesn't vibrate through a curve, as you noted (mainly because you're not going from high to low as the tire rotates).
OP, normally, I wouldn't recommend mixing brands or tread patterns, but given that you've just bought a new rear, I would think you could come out cheaper to keep the rear (no reports of vibration on those) and just replace the front. Eventually, you'll wear out the rear (probably sooner) and you can match brand and tread pattern then.