Michelin Commander II Tire

[soundmindryan]

In the market to replace my worn out Metzeler ME800. Yamaha shop parts guy recommended the Michelin Commander II. Everything I can find in a few searches today have not turned up anything but Harley and cruiser reviews. Tire descriptions call it a cruiser tire. Anyone have any experience with this tire?  The claims are that it will last almost twice as long as competitor's tires. Whaddaya think?

Ryan
'89 FJ1200

[aviationfred]

My FJ came with a Commander tire on it. The tire was completely bald and I replaced it before I even tagged the bike.

Every thing I have heard or read on the tire has been good. You are correct that all the good reviews are from Harley owners and cruiser owners. With the really high mileage (Hard Rubber Compound) that the users are getting, I would hesitate on using one. Even a moderate throttle input while leaned over going through an intersection could cause the rear to step out.
Just my 2 cents.  

Fred

[oldktmdude]

   Ryan, I think it depends on the type of riding you do. Definitely seems to be aimed at the cruiser style of bike. Very good milage on that type of bike. Would not be suited to my kind of riding demands. Horses for courses!   Regards, Pete.

[soundmindryan]

Yeah, I smell what you're steppin' in. When i read a review that says "even taking curves at 70 mph" I was like, "Whoa buddy, hang on there!"
I mostly commute but also occasionally test my own and the bike's limits, too, and usually that testing is done at a faster speed than I would prefer the rear end from sliding out. Advice well taken. Will keep you posted.
The ME880 seemed pretty hard, too but only let me down once, in the rain.  The Avon Azaro took the same corner in the rain and stuck. I have a few days to make up my mind. Still looking to see if someone has tried the Commander II on a Sport-touring.
Later.
Ryan

[oldktmdude]

  What size is your rear wheel? When you mention Avon Azaro I'm guessing 16". If so, that narrows your choice down considerably. Might be time to think about a switch to a 17" conversion. I can almost sense a new case of Moditus coming on!   

[soundmindryan]

  What size is your rear wheel? When you mention Avon Azaro I'm guessing 16". If so, that narrows your choice down considerably. Might be time to think about a switch to a 17" conversion. I can almost sense a new case of Moditus coming on!   

I've had an acute case of moditis for about 4 years without the fundage to pay for treatment. Wheel swap,RPM Fork and shock,spin on oil filter, Blue-dots and reservoir, etc.  Spent good chunk of change after sliding her into a guardrail in aforementioned rain mishap. (@#$% Metzeler)
I've already treated it with flip-up windscreen, 3/4" handlebar riders, GSXR mirrors, Corbin gunfighter & lady with rear backrest, Yoshimura 4-1, cut down rear signals, trimmed rear fender, yadda yadda yadda.
I have a HOUSE that has given the wife and I a sepreate severe case of Moditis. You can guess where the FJ mod money goes. 
Thanks.
Please send your donations to help treat this poor child's severe condition..... J/K

[Dan Filetti]

My FJ came with a Commander tire on it. The tire was completely bald and I replaced it before I even tagged the bike.

Every thing I have heard or read on the tire has been good. You are correct that all the good reviews are from Harley owners and cruiser owners. With the really high mileage (Hard Rubber Compound) that the users are getting, I would hesitate on using one. Even a moderate throttle input while leaned over going through an intersection could cause the rear to step out.
Just my 2 cents.  

Fred

Does anyone remember what tire David R. had on his bike for what seemed like, forever? I know he got it in a roadside pinch and it was labeled a 'Harley tire'.  I know he was pretty pleased with it, and it did last a very long time.

Not sure it was this tire, but someone will remember.

Dan

[1tinindian]

I seem to remember that being a Dunlop tire, Dan.
It actually had "Hardly Doable" on the side wall.

I have no comment on the tire in question, but I'll just add that for whatever it's worth, I prefer a tire that is going to stick and handle well over a long wearing tire.
The comfort of knowing l can really lean the old girl over in a high speed sweeper and know the tire is going to be there for me is worth the lack of high mileage wear.
My Dunlop Q2 tires have been just that tire!

Good luck on that moditus!

Leon

[rktmanfj]

Does anyone remember what tire David R. had on his bike for what seemed like, forever? I know he got it in a roadside pinch and it was labeled a 'Harley tire'.  I know he was pretty pleased with it, and it did last a very long time.

Not sure it was this tire, but someone will remember.

Dan

"Hey Frank, I can fix that. Put a Dunlop D401 on the rear. I'm almost
through my second front and the rear still has plenty of tread on it.
Not sure how bad it is in the rain though. :-)

David R."

[FJ111200]

These Commander II's look like they'll do the job very well on my old XS1100's.
I've been looking for ages for a good, high mileage tyre.
One my Bitsa XS11 i've got a FJ1200 3CV front end running a Michelin Macadam with a Continetal Milestone rear, which is doing the trick at the moment, but i'll definately be looking at these Commander II's next time around.
Thanks for the head's up. 
On my XJR1200 i'm running Bridgestones, again, but they are giving good results so far. We''ll see.

[soundmindryan]

Pulled the trigger on a Commander 2. Asked the service manager at Yam Shop about them and he said he hasn't seen any installed on bikes to have enough wear to have one replaced but has sold a lot of them. At first impression, it seems good.  Will give a better review after I scuff it in after about 200 miles. Very steady on road. I really don't know how many tire reviews can be done after replacing bald tires as I did and give a true comparison,  as a tire wears over a year or so and then you install a NEW one,  OF COURSE, it's going to handle better. So far,  two 50 mile commutes and two 25 mile trips into town haven't revealed any disappointment. Will keep you posted.
Ryan