Michelin Commander II Review

[HDSickness]

Well I put the Commander IIs on and road about 200 miles so far and like the new tires. Notice 2 things: alot quieter tire and seems alot more stable in ruts and grooves then the Dunlop 402s I have been using. Happy so far.

[ltrhdevo]

Just put new dun's on about 400 miles , let's see who can get 15,000 on the rear
Man that my be a chore for one season

[chasarms]

I just ordered a set from the local. They are supposed to be in Thursday or Friday, and I can take the bike in soon thereafter for the fitting.

I will offer comments once all is complete.

[chasarms]

Just got the call. The new skins are in!!!

Hopefully, I can get them put on tomorrow. If so, maybe I can post a pic or two and offer some comments.

[Classic]

i PUT 1000 on mine There defiantly better then the dunlops. Quit and handle better. No ware yet on them. still have the nubs.

[HDSickness]

I have put around 1000 miles on mine so far and really like them.Very quiet, great handling and not bothered by grooved pavement like the 402s I had been using. Very happy with these tires.

[Classic]

any rain riding?

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by Classic

any rain riding?

Yes, and I hate my Commander in the rain.
But not for the reason you'd think.

I have 1 up front, and it grips so well in the rain it has made me realize how bad the stock Dunlop is in the rain. I have no probelm with the stock Dunlops on dry pavement, have always gripped no problem, but I swear it is like riding on ice on any wet pavement.

I really wonder if something is wrong with my back tire it is that bad. I can baby it around turns and the back tire constantly gets loose, I have no confidence in its cornering ability in the wet, whereas the Commander is great in the wet. Recentlyish, I had a light turn red REAL fast at an oily, early rain intersection. I braked as hard as possible and the rear end was all over the place while the front stayed planted even when I added lots of brake. I blamed it on the slipperyness of the road, but now I wonder what would have happend in that situation if I had a Commander o n the rear. I don't hesitate to bet that it would have stayed straight and noot fishtailed.
But anyway, gotta love the commander!!!!

[chasarms]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

. . . I can baby it around turns and the back tire constantly gets loose . . .

For me, the first time it did that would be last time I rode it before getting a new tire.

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by chasarms

For me, the first time it did that would be last time I rode it before getting a new tire.

Yea, well I'm getting there.

I am considering cutting my losses or just avoiding rain. That tire will be dead in a few thousand miles anyway...