Michelin Commander ll Tire Pressures from Michelin!

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Aug 9, 2012 | 06:34 AM

caddyman

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From: Co Monaghan Republic of Ireland

Michelin Commander ll Tire Pressures from Michelin!

I joined the Michelin forum in the UK and after asking them what tire pressures I should use on my new Commander ll's for my 2007 Ultra this is the response I got which is for the 2009- onwards bikes;
(I hope it's of some help as I asked everyone and couldn't get a straight answer!)

http://motorsport.michelin.co.uk/for...9e90f260a#p261

"Hi Caddyman.

Thanks for your query, and pleased to hear you like the Commaders. Initial advice is as follows ( I am awaiting further info from our "2-wheel experts" in relation to rider weights).

Pressure for the Harley Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic (1548cc) 2009 - onwards, if on tyre sizes front 130/80 – B17 65H TL/TT (tubeless tube type) and Rear 180/65 – B16 781H TL/TT the tyre pressures (set when tyres are cold) should be as follows:-

Front – 36 psi (pounds per square inch)
Rear – 40 psi (pounds per square inch)
Please be advised to follow values indicated in the motorcycle handbook in relation to the tyre size fitted – specifications can change without our knowledge.

Will be in touch again when I have further info."

Regards
Mike (Michelin)

Aug 9, 2012 | 06:41 AM

Notgrownup

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From: Snow Hill, NC

What is max pressure on the tyre itself?I would tend to bump it up a bit...

Aug 10, 2012 | 06:24 AM

caddyman

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From: Co Monaghan Republic of Ireland

Its 42psi on the tires on my '07 UC and I have been running both front & rear at 41 as I read on hear that a lot of guys run them at 40-42!

The reason I joined the Michelin Forum was just to get an answer from Michelin directly as to what the pressure should be as there is so much variation out there with different guys saying 36 up to 44psi.
It looks now like they won't or can't give a straight answer! Do you or anyone else out there reading this have them on your bike (especially a 2007-2009 UC) and if so what do you run them at?

Aug 10, 2012 | 09:42 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Hi Paul, from across the Irish Sea! Having ridden since the 60s I have found over the years that tyres tend to have a sweet spot in which they are happy to operate, especially modern ones. Personally I use slightly higher pressures, by a couple of psi, over manufacturer's recommendations. I find that helps offset wear due to braking on the front and improves comfort at the rear for my delicate posterior!

The numbers you quote all seem to me to be within expectation, allowing for personal taste and taking into account solo and duo settings.

Aug 10, 2012 | 03:17 PM

Notgrownup

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From: Snow Hill, NC

Yeah! what the "G" said above... i will probably run about 42-43 psi in mine which is what i run in my regular Commander and the Dunlop Elite III... But like GBrown said, there is a sweet spot.

Aug 10, 2012 | 03:35 PM

caddyman

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From: Co Monaghan Republic of Ireland

Thanks guys for that affirmation of what I was doing already. I know what you mean by sweet spot, I have a Kawasaki Nomad on Venoms and the Ultra on Commander ll's and both handle far better the closer I get to the max pressures quoted by the tyre manufacturers!

Heading to Spain on Monday for a weeks cruising around Andalucia and have hired a Yamaha Midnight Star so I must remember to bring my tyre guage and see what pressure she's running before I set off.