Finally got a chance to put some initial miles (250) on the new Commanders, and I must say that afterridingabout 200 miles in the WV mountains and 50 solid miles of Interstate and Freeway I'm totally impressed with these new tires! All this was 2-up, and I really pushed the tires through the mountain back roads; even scraping the kickstand/floorboards. And the bike felt like it was on rails. As I mentioned earlier, instead of wheel weights I installed 2 ozs. of Dyna Beads in each tire. And this ride was butter smooth whether riding 30 mph or pushing the big rigs on I77 at 80+mph.

I realize new tires aways feel/handle so much better, but these Commanders have initially given me great handling and smooth, positive feedback. Dunlop claims the D402s are 3-ply polyester with 2 fiberglass belts. These Michelins are 3-ply polyester with 2 aramid belts. Don't know if this is contributing to the exceptional handling, but there is a difference between the two.

Someone mentioned in another thread that the Commanders have a softer sidewall. I seriously doubt it since the tech had a tough time getting the tires to seat on the rim to take that initial blast of inflation. Set wheels/tires out in the afternoon sun, and that seemed to give the sidewalls a bit more flexibility to take initial inflation. Tech claimed in his experiences the Michelins usually had a slightly stiffer sidewall.

Haven't had a chance to ride in the rain yet, and of couse have no idea what kind of mileage I'll get; but if your considering trying the new Michelins, by all means do so. IMO, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

My sincere thanks to Shovelhead Bob for convincing me to try the Michelins.[sm=goodidea.gif]

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Okay, okay, so get out and ride already! We need to know how far you get on a set of these babies. Also, go find a thunderstorm and ride for a few hundred miles so we'll know how they handle in the rain, too. Don't mean to be inpatient, but you're burning daylight and I'm going to need new tires soon!

 

Thanks for the initial report. Do us all a favor and ride like hell for the next couple of weeks and see if the rear lasts longer than 10,000 miles and report back....

I'm due for tires and am going to try the Michelins. I had Elite III's on my Venture Royale and never got less than 16,000 on the rear. 10K stinks on these stock Harley Dunlops.

 

Damn, sniped by tatordog!

 

Tater:

Not really fond of riding in the t-storms, but I'm actually looking forward to seeing how these Commanders do in good rain. Heading to the Smokys this weekend, and "if" I get caught in the rain I'll be sure and report back.

 

Thanks for the post I have been looking for info on the commanders. Aim debating between them and 880 metzeler.

 

MNPG:

Working full time, I don't think 10k will be obtainable anytime soon; especially in a couple of weeks!

Sorry, but if I get 10k out of the rear tire on an Ultra I'm totally satisfied!

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Think I'm going to give the Michelins a try after I wear the Dunlops out. I have a buddy that has been running them for about 7000 miles and really likes them. Thanks for the report.

 

I have 6600 on my orignal Dunlops ( Ultra ) and they need replaced very soon. I'll have to look at the Michelins.

 

I was also thinkin Michelins. But how do they look? Anyone with pics?