update! fixed handling problem caused by commander II
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I thought about the Commander II, but I think I'll be sticking with Dunlop. American tested and American made. Not just because of that, but because I believe they are a proven, superior tire. Like any other tire you have to keep them inflated properly to get the life and wear of which they are capable.
I've run the foreign tires in the past with some success, but I have found the Dunlops to be just as good and I believe a tad better in regard to slow speed handling and their ability to handle road irregularities.
Avon is owned by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, but have their "tyre" plant in Great Britain. Good luck with the Avons.
I've run the foreign tires in the past with some success, but I have found the Dunlops to be just as good and I believe a tad better in regard to slow speed handling and their ability to handle road irregularities.
Avon is owned by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, but have their "tyre" plant in Great Britain. Good luck with the Avons.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
I have no idea what the mfg date is, but I'm sure glad that Mich is no longer on my bike. It's fun to ride again!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Ditto! I have almost 5k on mine and love them. Won't put anything else on my bike.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
First, the setup: I have a 2010 Ultra Limited with 76k on the odo. I run 40/38psi with KurveyGirl's angled valve stems, Howard's Ohlins on the rear, and Ride On tire sealant in the tires. Iron Butt rides are my addiction, but I live at the base of the Rockies, so the tires see a healthy mix of highways and twisties. Two sets of the stock Dunlops went to 20k before changing and two sets were changed out early at 15k each because of upcoming trips - the only thing I hate more than throwing good rubber away is changing tires on the road.
My dealer wanted some quick feedback on the Commander IIs and gave me a screaming deal on a set, knowing I'd put some quick serious miles on them - they now have 6k on them, and as soon as I wear them out, I will be going back to stock Dunlops.
Why? They won't hold air when pushed on hot days, as if sidewalls are flexing too much and breaking seal at the bead. Two dealers have looked at them and can't find anything wrong with the tires or valves and it affects both tires equally, and nobody's got any better ideas what might be causing it.
After install, I took a trip from Denver to Eureka, CA, then down the coast to Hearst Castle before turning through Death Valley, up to Reno and then back home - about 20% of that trip was Interstate, while the remainder was 2-lane. Any twisties and temps above 80* would cause a loss of pressure - as much as 5 psi on one day - while cool leisurely rides down the coast were ok. On a very short 200 mile day into Death Valley, though, both tires lost 3 psi.
The tires handle ok - no better and no worse than the stockers - but I've never had this kind of aggravation keeping air in the Dunlops.
I'm going back...
My dealer wanted some quick feedback on the Commander IIs and gave me a screaming deal on a set, knowing I'd put some quick serious miles on them - they now have 6k on them, and as soon as I wear them out, I will be going back to stock Dunlops.
Why? They won't hold air when pushed on hot days, as if sidewalls are flexing too much and breaking seal at the bead. Two dealers have looked at them and can't find anything wrong with the tires or valves and it affects both tires equally, and nobody's got any better ideas what might be causing it.
After install, I took a trip from Denver to Eureka, CA, then down the coast to Hearst Castle before turning through Death Valley, up to Reno and then back home - about 20% of that trip was Interstate, while the remainder was 2-lane. Any twisties and temps above 80* would cause a loss of pressure - as much as 5 psi on one day - while cool leisurely rides down the coast were ok. On a very short 200 mile day into Death Valley, though, both tires lost 3 psi.
The tires handle ok - no better and no worse than the stockers - but I've never had this kind of aggravation keeping air in the Dunlops.
I'm going back...
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 1
From: Madison, WI
My Commander II on the rear is much too slippery all the time. My stock rear Dunlop with 24K had more traction in the rain than the new C-II.
With so many loving it and so many hating it, I have to wonder if there was a change in production at some point.
I only have 2K on it and will donate it to use as a fire-ring.
This tire is simply unacceptable to me even if it wears to 50K.
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