Dunlop E3's or Michelin commander II
I've got about 1500 miles on the MCII rear that I put on about 1.5 months ago. I know that's not a lot, but the tire looks very new still and very round. I really like this tire a lot. So much that my matching front MCII just arrived. I'm hoping to swap it out on Monday with new brake pads up front as well. Factory 401 is on the front now...has some more life left but I really want the bike to be smooth.
For twisties the rear is very good. I've also done some good highway travel too and the tire IMO works super. It holds a good line and don't follow groves or gets out of shape on tar snakes. Least that's what I feel.
My old rear OEM was flat across the tread when I changed it. Worn for poor inflation from previous owner. INDY who R&R's the tire on the wheel said WOW dude you should have changed this about 1000 miles ago! Anyway, bike rode like a new bike when I put the new MCII on it and my confidence went up too. Had it out in the rain a little bit and the rear feels very good. SO with the matching front, and new at that, I'm hoping to get more smoothness and confidence out of the bike as well.
BTW, I got both of mine with brakes from Jake Wilson. FREE SHIPPING TOO, and not a bad price for pads and tires.
Hope this helps some on the fence. I really like the look and feel of these tires. Don't miss the thin white wall at all.
For twisties the rear is very good. I've also done some good highway travel too and the tire IMO works super. It holds a good line and don't follow groves or gets out of shape on tar snakes. Least that's what I feel.
My old rear OEM was flat across the tread when I changed it. Worn for poor inflation from previous owner. INDY who R&R's the tire on the wheel said WOW dude you should have changed this about 1000 miles ago! Anyway, bike rode like a new bike when I put the new MCII on it and my confidence went up too. Had it out in the rain a little bit and the rear feels very good. SO with the matching front, and new at that, I'm hoping to get more smoothness and confidence out of the bike as well.
BTW, I got both of mine with brakes from Jake Wilson. FREE SHIPPING TOO, and not a bad price for pads and tires.
Hope this helps some on the fence. I really like the look and feel of these tires. Don't miss the thin white wall at all.
Last edited by GMRO; Jun 15, 2012 at 07:49 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 182
Likes: 1
From: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
I got the MCII in the front and i like very much so far. The rear Dunlop is still good so it will be a while before I out a MCII in the back. For the folks ni Canada, check Canada's Motorcycle for prices. Haven't found cheaper yet.
http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/
http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I think I'm going to give the Commander II's a try. I've got about 8500 on the Dunlops and can feel the cupping and wheel wobble starting in the front. I used to use the Michelins on my dirt bike. They stuck better to the dirt but were also noticibly softer than the Dunlops, but that's apples and oranges.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,888
From: PNW
Put about 3000 miles on my MCIIs. So far, so good. They have handled everything I have thrown at them - high speeds, miles and miles of curves, and lots of rain. Not one wiggle from them. They feel grippier to me than the stockers. So far I'm impressed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,733
Likes: 9,242
From: Snow Hill, NC
I get about 10000 on original Commander and about 11000 on EIII so if the Commander II is better than the original i will surely get one for the next change...For me there is almost no difference between D402 and Original Commander...The EIII was better at not tracking on tar snakes...
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
I rarely gush about tires. As long as they are round and hold air, I like them. I put an MCII on the rear and it felt good. But when I did the front a couple miles later I fell in love! The bike LOVES TO LEAN like it's never done. I can't say enough good about the handling of the Commander II tire. I'm hooked.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Below is just my own observation and opinion:
Had E3 in the rear and original 402 in front, lasted over 40K miles, threads down to 2/32" Replaced by Commander II, going on 5.5k miles. The way I'm putting along, I can't say I can tell the difference.
Guess is just my riding style, Commander II is suppose to grip better, don't follow tar snakes, etc, etc. I have ridden in the rain in both tires, felt the same to me....
Had E3 in the rear and original 402 in front, lasted over 40K miles, threads down to 2/32" Replaced by Commander II, going on 5.5k miles. The way I'm putting along, I can't say I can tell the difference.
Guess is just my riding style, Commander II is suppose to grip better, don't follow tar snakes, etc, etc. I have ridden in the rain in both tires, felt the same to me....