Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 739
Likes: 3
Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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]
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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]
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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! 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 739
Likes: 3
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 739
Likes: 3
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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!
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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!
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: KY
RE: Michelin Commanders: Initial Impressions
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.
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