Time for new Tires ??
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 97
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From: St Pete / Crystal River FL
Time for new Tires ??
OK I cant put it off any longer, Have been scanning thru threads about what tire to replace stock on my 2012 FLHTC (16,580m back gone and still some hair on front). After scanning thru threads the Mich MCII's seem to be well liked for their ride. But it didn't seem anyone (riding a Dresser) had many miles on them ... not looking for 20K tire 12-15K would be acceptable with my riding style. (2 up Dresser). Not happy with the stock front Dunlop but the rear was ok so I figured with all the tire technology out there, must be something better available ?? Seeking wisdom from those who have made the switch to MCII's or other brand options as I now have to pull the Trigger or stay home !
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 184
From:
I got 10,000 miles from the rear before a piece of beer bottle cut it down. I think I would have got 12,000 out of the Mich. CII's. I have replaced that tire with a Bridgestone Exerda Max because it's the size I needed which is hard to find. I run a 200/50/17 and most only make a 200/55/17 which was what the Michelin was and it threw my gearing off quiet a bit. The bridgestone was only $140 from Dennis Kirk and the reviews I read looked like it was a good tire and capable of 10 to 12,000 miles so I'll pass along the info as it plays out.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
I just replaced my Commander IIs this week. I ride 2 up most of the time and tour a lot. I got 15600 miles out of the rear. I replaced them with Dunlap American Elites. I like the Commanders on the road, but they weren't very good in slow maneuvers and sidewalls were noisy in curves. I really didn't get the mileage I was expecting out of them either.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
Tire threads are like oil threads.
Everyone has (and is going to recommend) their personal favorite.
The Michelin Commander II does get very good reviews.
I have never used it, so I won't comment on how good it is.
When I wanted new tires, that is the tire I went in asking about.
The Indy I was at recommended the new Dunlop American Elite (not the same as the factory Dunlop).
I am very happy with those tires so far. I have about 3,500 miles on them now and they still look like new.
Just about any major brand tire is going to feel 100% better to you when you first swap out those old tires.
How long those new tires last will depend mostly on your riding conditions (road type, temps, riding style, etc).
Everyone has (and is going to recommend) their personal favorite.
The Michelin Commander II does get very good reviews.
I have never used it, so I won't comment on how good it is.
When I wanted new tires, that is the tire I went in asking about.
The Indy I was at recommended the new Dunlop American Elite (not the same as the factory Dunlop).
I am very happy with those tires so far. I have about 3,500 miles on them now and they still look like new.
Just about any major brand tire is going to feel 100% better to you when you first swap out those old tires.
How long those new tires last will depend mostly on your riding conditions (road type, temps, riding style, etc).
Stage I
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Azle, TX
I've just hit 17.5K on my CVO Ultra and have been searching the blogs about tire recommendations. I've seen folks getting anywhere from 8K to 15K. Everyone has their own preference, lots of blogs about Dunlaps, Mets, Avons, Mich, etc. It seems there's two basic groups, those who like the feel of the "softer" tires and those who like to get high mileage. I'm personally going to stay with the Dunlaps, they feel fine to me and I got 17.5K out of the first set. Good mileage and I had no problems on the Pig Trail, Twisted Sisters, or the Dragon. I guess I'm cheap, but replacing tires every 5K just because they feel better over rain grooves is not my thing.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: East TN
Commander IIs are so much better than the stock Dunlops. Best upgrade I have done and the Dunlops I replaced still had several 1000 miles of life left.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Replaced my stock with Dunlop American Elites. Very satisfied. A buddy rides with MCIIs. Believe you'd be satisfied with either. Maybe shoot for whichever has a rebate or sale...
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I just replaced my Commander IIs this week. I ride 2 up most of the time and tour a lot. I got 15600 miles out of the rear. I replaced them with Dunlap American Elites. I like the Commanders on the road, but they weren't very good in slow maneuvers and sidewalls were noisy in curves. I really didn't get the mileage I was expecting out of them either.
Interesting,,, I did a search earlier today for tire noise on curves,,, only found post about Bearing failure... My '13 Ultra started making a hum or when I hit about 6500 miles on the bike, riding 2 up going straight it does not do it,,, lean a little to the right and it hums a little,,, lean it to the left and it's the loudest... it still has the stock Dunlops on it... Doesn't seem to do it right away,,, but after riding it for several miles.. I run 36 in the front & 40 in the rear... and I check them weekly.
Any ideas?
