Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Dyersville, IA
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
I was doing a search on tires and saw J&P Cycles had the MT90H-16 on sale. Went and picked up a front and rear. Can't wait to get them mounted and a nice day to try them out.
Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Chelsea, AL
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
Taterdog, I tried a 140/90B 16 on my 01 Ultra and had problems with the belt rubbing. When I would try to back up, it would grab the tire and make it almost impossible to push backwards. I finally gave up and bought the correct tire size. Maybe the Michelin size isn't as bad, but if it doesn't work you'll be out another tire cost. There's not a lot of play between the belt and the tire on these older baggers. Take a good look at yours and you'll see what I mean. Just make sure to roll the bike forward to get the belt in forward running position, and then roll the bike backwards several feet to see the how close it gets that way.
I ran a set of Michelin's on my Ultra, and just replaced the front w/ over 24k miles on it. I replaced the rear tire at over 16k miles. I liked the ride and handling of the Michelin's. I'm now trying out the E-3's to see how they do,and so far I'm liking the E-3's. They do ride a bit stiff, but not bad.
I ran a set of Michelin's on my Ultra, and just replaced the front w/ over 24k miles on it. I replaced the rear tire at over 16k miles. I liked the ride and handling of the Michelin's. I'm now trying out the E-3's to see how they do,and so far I'm liking the E-3's. They do ride a bit stiff, but not bad.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
Thanks for the update Papamte,you convinced me. I just ordered Michelin Commander MT90B16 for the front and same size for the rear. Thanks, bro! I owe you one.
Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Chelsea, AL
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
Taterdog, I tried to make the 140/90 work but the only way was to angle the tire more which opened up new issues with the alignment. Some say it will work, but I don't see how without changing out the drive structure to get some added clearance. Also, I noticed that my drive belt has a bit less clearance on the top run of the belt than the bottom. I have new wheels and bearings that were installed this year, so there shouldn't be any issues with worn parts. The later year Harleys use a narrower belt and pulley system to get the clearance for the wider tires that now run on the rear.
Good luck with your new tires. I know you will enjoy them!
Good luck with your new tires. I know you will enjoy them!
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 739
Likes: 3
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
ORIGINAL: glens
Yeah, also that they were Z-rated performance tires. Not the Commanders, not that being made either here or there makes much difference. Where are the Commanders made? It is a French company, after all.
Yeah, also that they were Z-rated performance tires. Not the Commanders, not that being made either here or there makes much difference. Where are the Commanders made? It is a French company, after all.
Just happened to notice the Commanders I put on the Ultra say: Made in Spain
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 352
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From:
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
This is great I love this forum, but now I'm even more undecided on the tires I want to run, I guss I just have to try a set and keep going.
[IMG]local://upfiles/46843/5D1E2948444341AD91340223A95FE863.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/46843/5D1E2948444341AD91340223A95FE863.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
I have my Ultra in at the dealers now for the 10,000 check. I have almost 10,000 on the rear tire and it looks like I need a new tire. My dealer told me to stay with the Dunlop until about 20,000.
They said the front tire did not need replacing and I should not mis match the brands. Example .. like a Mich on the back and a Dunlop on the front. What do you all think?
They said the front tire did not need replacing and I should not mis match the brands. Example .. like a Mich on the back and a Dunlop on the front. What do you all think?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
i've heard that as well. but its not so much of a mixing brands issue, its the different tread patterns/tire composition issues. so do i know if you can mix dunlops with michelins? no. but i suspect its more of an issue of the salesman trying to clear out some old stock..... hopefully, someone will have a more definitive answer for you (us).
