I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new set of tires. I was deciding between Michelin and Metzler. After reading many posts on the subject I thought I decided on the Michelins. My main objective is performance. When I finally saw a Michelin up close I noticed that the thread pattern is very similar to the Dunlop 402's. I know that many on this forum have said that the Michelins&nbsp\\;track much better (road grooves etc.) than the other brands and are great in foul weather but with the thread being almost identical to stock Dunlops I'm&nbsp\\;sceptical and on the fence once again with my decision. A Harley service guy said that they have been sending a lot of Metzlers back because they were way out of balance. They said this have been happening since they changed factories.&nbsp\\;
Please help!

 

I just put 2500 Miles on my Michellen Commanders in one week up to Nova Scotia and PEI. I can tell you in my opinion that they handled good in sunshine and in the four hours of straight rain (in PEI). I have had Metzelers which I loved, but they lasted for 5K miles and needed to be replaced. Besides some one on the Forum mentioned their quaility went down since they moved their factory from Germany to Brazil. I also have had Avons and was was very happy with them as well. Got about 8-10K out of them. I bought the Michellen's on recommendation of other Forum members....No complaint's here. JMHO
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CYB

 

For what it's worth, I use to own a Goldwing and the Metz were available for it.&nbsp\\; But they too had a high number of problems.

As of right now, I would shy away from the Metz.

 

I got the michelin's because of the feedback here.&nbsp\\; So far, I am happy with the grip and them not tracking the grooves like the lops. &nbsp\\; I bought the bike with 4K on the lops and put over 6K and was never impressed with them.&nbsp\\; Time will tell, I got about 500 miles on the michelins. &nbsp\\;

 

Do yourself a favor and check out the new Pirelli touring tire and the Dunlop Elite 3's before going with anything else.

 

Has anyone else noticed the Commander tread pattern is almost the same as the 402 Dunlops??
Do the Michelins actually track better with a similar pattern?

 

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Short answer is yes, and YES
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Seriously, just go buy the Michelins and see for yourself.&nbsp\\; I have had two sets of Commanders on my FLHT, and have had a good opportunity to compare them to the Dunlop Elite III's I have on my roadglide.&nbsp\\; I've also tried two other Dunlop offerings and Continental Milestones....I WILL be putting Michelins on my roadglide in August/September before my fall trip.&nbsp\\; The E 3's are a good tire, but in my opinion, the commanders are noticeably better.