Michelin Commander III?

[Finn]

Do you by any chance happen to have any experiences of the Michelin Commander III yet?

[IronButt70]

Do you by any chance happen to have any experiences of the Michelin Commander III yet?

They only became available here last month so not much data to go on yet. They will be my next set. By then there should be some stats. The IIs have done very well for me.

[calif phil]

To early to tell. They have a really nice look to the sidewall.  They have to be an improvement over the CII as I was not a fan of those. 

[Finn]

Thanks, guys. I didn't quite realize those are so recent product.

[screem]

i am close to need both F&R for my softail, and i real interested in the III's... i have been running metzlers for the couple sets... poor wear for the rear tire.. so looking to change, will need them by May..

[Finn]

So, there are two alternatives of the Michelin Commander III available:

Michelin Commander III Cruiser

https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motorbike/tyres/michelin-commander-iii-cruiser

"Exceptional Wet Grip for Cruiser Bikes"

and

Michelin Commander III Touring

https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motorbike/tyres/michelin-commander-iii-touring

"Class-Leading Mileage for Touring Bikes"

[SE Road King]

Commander III is a touring tire, you can run them on any wheel that it fits, but, don't expect a touring tire to perform as the high-end sporting tires do. And, there is a reason that Wingers only run that "granite-like" tire made for them, it's the suspension. Every M/C tire is constructed for a purpose. Except for the very lightweights, there are no general-purpose tires for M/C's. In many instances, you can't do better than Michelin. Also, I've been forced to cut a lot of Harley tires off of my bikes over the last 45 years.
I've run a dozen or more of the Commander II's and mounted more than that for others without a complaint about touring in Texas. Marketing pressures always begin in the bean counter's den. So, unless processes have marked improvements, I would keep an eye out. Look between your fists for a lesson there. In my experience with Michelin, I expect them to prove out well. There are many quality manufacturers for M/C tires.
All motorcycle tires require aggressive visual and technical maintenance. You will only be missed by the ones that love you, love them back and do the work.

[r0de_runr]

Commander III is a touring tire, you can run them on any wheel that it fits, but, don't expect a touring tire to perform as the high-end sporting tires do. And, there is a reason that Wingers only run that "granite-like" tire made for them, it's the suspension. Every M/C tire is constructed for a purpose. Except for the very lightweights, there are no general-purpose tires for M/C's. In many instances, you can't do better than Michelin. Also, I've been forced to cut a lot of Harley tires off of my bikes over the last 45 years.
I've run a dozen or more of the Commander II's and mounted more than that for others without a complaint about touring in Texas. Marketing pressures always begin in the bean counter's den. So, unless processes have marked improvements, I would keep an eye out. Look between your fists for a lesson there. In my experience with Michelin, I expect them to prove out well. There are many quality manufacturers for M/C tires.
All motorcycle tires require aggressive visual and technical maintenance. You will only be missed by the ones that love you, love them back and do the work.

Reading this gave me a headache. 

[C#]

So, there are two alternatives of the Michelin Commander III available:

Michelin Commander III Cruiser

https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motorbike/tyres/michelin-commander-iii-cruiser

"Exceptional Wet Grip for Cruiser Bikes"

and

Michelin Commander III Touring

https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motorbike/tyres/michelin-commander-iii-touring

"Class-Leading Mileage for Touring Bikes"

There appears to be very few, if any, dealers for these tires when you put in a city.

[SP33DY]

Drag Specialties stocks 27 items in the Michelin Commander III line. They have stock in all but 4 selections. Your local Indy /Drag dealer should be able to help you out.

[Finn]

Been wondering which one of the new Commander IIIs, Cruiser or Touring, is "comparable" with Commander II. 

It looks like the Touring is available in MT90B16 and MU85B16 (my FLSTC sizes) whereas Cruiser sizes would be 130/90B16 and 150/80B16 for my bike.

[Finn]

Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care.

The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser would be the direct replacement for the MICHELIN Commander II.

It really depends on the motorbike you have and the riding you plan on doing.

The main differences between the Cruiser and Touring versions are:

•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to withstand heavy luggage for long periods of time, with no compromise on durability..
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to provide excellent longevity with enhanced wet grip with its new tread compounds 100% silica.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser is designed for cruisers that tend to travel short distances at a time.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser will provide better wet grip and durability then the Commander II. 

[motorhogman]

Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care.

The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser would be the direct replacement for the MICHELIN Commander II.

It really depends on the motorbike you have and the riding you plan on doing.

The main differences between the Cruiser and Touring versions are:

•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to withstand heavy luggage for long periods of time, with no compromise on durability..
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to provide excellent longevity with enhanced wet grip with its new tread compounds 100% silica.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser is designed for cruisers that tend to travel short distances at a time.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser will provide better wet grip and durability then the Commander II. 

Now ya got me wondering.. I'm on my second Commander II on the rear. I  like the tire.

First one was well worn out at 10,000 mi. despite Michelins claims of far better mileage than competitors.

Now reading the Touring vs Cruiser notes there I'm wondering if I put the wrong tire on my FLHT ? 

The first one was a 130/90B 16 as is the one I currently have on.

Can't seem to find a Commander II listing that shows MT90 vs 130/90..

Trying to figure out if miles less than expected was due to running a Cruiser version.

[Pete_Vit]

Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care.

The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser would be the direct replacement for the MICHELIN Commander II.

It really depends on the motorbike you have and the riding you plan on doing.

The main differences between the Cruiser and Touring versions are:

•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to withstand heavy luggage for long periods of time, with no compromise on durability..
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to provide excellent longevity with enhanced wet grip with its new tread compounds 100% silica.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser is designed for cruisers that tend to travel short distances at a time.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser will provide better wet grip and durability then the Commander II. 

great info thank you

[klammer76]

Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care.

The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser would be the direct replacement for the MICHELIN Commander II.

It really depends on the motorbike you have and the riding you plan on doing.

The main differences between the Cruiser and Touring versions are:

•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to withstand heavy luggage for long periods of time, with no compromise on durability..
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to provide excellent longevity with enhanced wet grip with its new tread compounds 100% silica.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser is designed for cruisers that tend to travel short distances at a time.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser will provide better wet grip and durability then the Commander II. 

Now ya got me wondering.. I'm on my second Commander II on the rear. I  like the tire.

First one was well worn out at 10,000 mi. despite Michelins claims of far better mileage than competitors.

Now reading the Touring vs Cruiser notes there I'm wondering if I put the wrong tire on my FLHT ? 

The first one was a 130/90B 16 as is the one I currently have on.

Can't seem to find a Commander II listing that shows MT90 vs 130/90..

Trying to figure out if miles less than expected was due to running a Cruiser version.

I am on my second set of Commander II's. I have the same results on my 2002 FLHTC. Overall I like the tires but they do not inspire a lot of confidence in the rain especially the second set. I run a 150/80-16 rear. Am looking forward to trying the Commander III's.

Avon Venoms were the best for me but just no mileage.

[IronButt70]

Thank you for contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care.

The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser would be the direct replacement for the MICHELIN Commander II.

It really depends on the motorbike you have and the riding you plan on doing.

The main differences between the Cruiser and Touring versions are:

•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to withstand heavy luggage for long periods of time, with no compromise on durability..
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Touring is designed to provide excellent longevity with enhanced wet grip with its new tread compounds 100% silica.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser is designed for cruisers that tend to travel short distances at a time.
•   The MICHELIN Commander III Cruiser will provide better wet grip and durability then the Commander II. 

Now ya got me wondering.. I'm on my second Commander II on the rear. I  like the tire.

First one was well worn out at 10,000 mi. despite Michelins claims of far better mileage than competitors.

Now reading the Touring vs Cruiser notes there I'm wondering if I put the wrong tire on my FLHT ? 

The first one was a 130/90B 16 as is the one I currently have on.

Can't seem to find a Commander II listing that shows MT90 vs 130/90..

Trying to figure out if miles less than expected was due to running a Cruiser version.

I've been running the IIs for a long time but I've never seen or heard mentioned that there were 2 versions, a touring and a cruising. Did the IIs ever have both?

[motorhogman]

"I've been running the IIs for a long time but I've never seen or heard mentioned that there were 2 versions, a touring and a cruising. Did the IIs ever have both?"


I have searched the Michelin site and can't find a Touring vs Cruiser Commander II.. They only thing I find is them saying the III is better...

When I search on different vendors that have an application guide they come up with the 130 90 tire for my 01 FLHT and no mention of a MT90.. I always thought they were the same...??

[calif phil]

The CII's just had one compound to chose.  A 130-90-16 is the same as a MT-90-16

[motorhogman]

The CII's just had one compound to chose.  A 130-90-16 is the same as a MT-90-16

Thanks Phil..

[bump]

I cut the cross reference chart for tires out of an old catalog and laminated it. Use it whenever I am looking at tire stuff. Then call Phil

[Finn]

The CII's just had one compound to chose.  A 130-90-16 is the same as a MT-90-16

If I'm not mistaken MU85B16 is more or less the same as 140/90B16, yes?

[calif phil]

The CII's just had one compound to chose.  A 130-90-16 is the same as a MT-90-16

If I'm not mistaken MU85B16 is more or less the same as 140/90B16, yes?

Yes, you are correct. 

[Finn]

Great! Now I just have to find a set of Commander III Cruisers for my bike. 

[Finn]

FWIW, Commander IIIs are made in Thailand like the predecessor.

[misfitJason]

Buddy just got a pair of commander 3's for his Dyna after we were talking to the reps from Michelin. They boast that the 3's should last 25 percent longer and have a better rain pattern

[Pete_Vit]

Buddy just got a pair of commander 3's for his Dyna after we were talking to the reps from Michelin. They boast that the 3's should last 25 percent longer and have a better rain pattern

now time to burn up them Avons I got

[calgary56]

I've run 10 Michelin Commander IIs on my 2005 Wide Glide, .... looking forward to trying the IIIs

[1workinman]

I've run 10 Michelin Commander IIs on my 2005 Wide Glide, .... looking forward to trying the IIIs

Yea I had no problems with the II either and I don't drag race or any thing like that just cruising , I going to use the newer version when I need them

[kd]

I've run 10 Michelin Commander IIs on my 2005 Wide Glide, .... looking forward to trying the IIIs

Yea I had no problems with the II either and I don't drag race or any thing like that just cruising , I going to use the newer version when I need them

  Ohhh Yaa, a 124 and a 143 in the barn and I don't drag race or do anything like burnouts, wheelies or bang the odd shift.     Pass the koolaid please.   

           

[1workinman]

I've run 10 Michelin Commander IIs on my 2005 Wide Glide, .... looking forward to trying the IIIs

Yea I had no problems with the II either and I don't drag race or any thing like that just cruising , I going to use the newer version when I need them

  Ohhh Yaa, a 124 and a 143 in the barn and I don't drag race or do anything like burnouts, wheelies or bang the odd shift.     Pass the koolaid please.   

           

Well lol after reading this it does sound a bit far fetched lol    I really like to just let the big dog eat . I was drinking my coffee and nearly chocked laughing damn

[Finn]

Michelin Commander III Cruisers in suitable size came available (back order for several weeks) over here yesterday. Placed an order in immediately. Too bad the weather looks to be getting colder again.

[14Frisco]

Michelin Commander III Cruisers in suitable size came available (back order for several weeks) over here yesterday.

Over here, Cycle Gear has them on sale now: Michelin Commander III

[IronButt70]

Michelin Commander III Cruisers in suitable size came available (back order for several weeks) over here yesterday.

Over here, Cycle Gear has them on sale now: Michelin Commander III

Same price on Amazon with free shipping and depending on where you live no sales tax.

[Finn]

IMHO so much better without them whitewalls.

[Finn]

Just 100 miles on them at this point but they do feel good. Very neutral but also easy to point and hold in curves.

[Hossamania]

I have to agree, the black looks better than the whitewalls.
Keep us updated on your observations of these tires, glad they are working for you.

[HogMike]

 I dunno, I kinda like my white walls on the black bike.

[Hossamania]

I'm generally pretty lazy, don't wash the bikes much, so my whitewalls would be dull walls.
Your whites look sharp, nice and clean.

[HogMike]

I'm generally pretty lazy, don't wash the bikes much, so my whitewalls would be dull walls.
Your whites look sharp, nice and clean.

Tech tip:
I use GoJo hand cleaner on the whites, easy on easy off!

[Hossamania]

I'm generally pretty lazy, don't wash the bikes much, so my whitewalls would be dull walls.
Your whites look sharp, nice and clean.

Tech tip:
I use GoJo hand cleaner on the whites, easy on easy off!

I'll pass it on!

[les]

I just got done doing a cam on a 2017 Street Glide Special.  When I got done, the guy asked if I'd handle the work and logistics of putting a set of III's on the bike, as the current tires were worn out.

We were standing there looking at the new back tire on his bike and commenting that the middle part of the tire is essentially a slick.  In other words, the angled tread does not overlap, like it does on my American Elites.  That brought up the question about riding in heavy rain in a straight line.  He was not happy about his decision to invest in the set of III's at the end of our look-n-talk.

I don't like those tires because that middle part gives me the willies imagining riding that thing in a heavy rain on the expressway.  Of course, I'm no tire engineer so I might be wrong in my opinion compared to research lab testing.  However, I'm still responsible for my own safety.

[kd]

Les, I notice the trend toward that on a lot of the modern tire treads compared to what us older fellas are used to.  I'd love to hear how the 2 styles compare also.

[Jim Bronson]

i just ordered another II to replace my existing II on the rear. I considered ordering a III, but I read about the tread difference somewhere and decided to stick with the II. The present one is just getting even with the wear bars at 15,000 mi. I don't often ride in rain, so I think another II will be fine for me.

[les]

Les, I notice the trend toward that on a lot of the modern tire treads compared to what us older fellas are used to.  I'd love to hear how the 2 styles compare also.

I've never had the III's on my bike.  I really like the elites, and I won't be switching to another tire.  I will tell you that I rode with the guy back to his neighborhood.  We pulled over to talk and say goodbye.  Out of the blue, he brought up that maybe he made a mistake getting the III's.  I asked why, and really didn't get a good answer.  That's when we started taking a close look at that brand new rear tire and started to compare my elite tread overlap and that he basically had a slick down the center of his.  I just don't get that tread pattern.

[hawkijustin]

Supersport tires are the same way. In any rain your front tire will split the water and your rear tire will have mostly dry"ish" pavement to ride on. Any sort of lean and that's when the tread starts. Tread that extends to the middle of the tire does less than you would think in rain.

[Finn]

Michelin Commander 3 tyres, Cruiser on the left and Touring on the right.

According to Michelin the Cruiser has better wet grip of these two despite of "less" grooves on front tyre. I have no doubt that the Touring has fully adequate wet grip as well.



So different these approaches in the tyre designs. Avon Cobra Chrome front tyre has the same sort of "grooveless" center.

And so different from what used to be the designs in the past. Like Metzeler ME33, today called Metzeler Lasertec.

[les]

Supersport tires are the same way. In any rain your front tire will split the water and your rear tire will have mostly dry"ish" pavement to ride on. Any sort of lean and that's when the tread starts. Tread that extends to the middle of the tire does less than you would think in rain.

That answers the question.  The fronts of the III's do have overlapping treads.

[Finn]

"Exceptional Wet Grip for Cruiser Bikes

MICHELIN® Commander® III Cruiser tires offer the best wet grip and the shortest stopping distances in wet conditions among leading competitors*


*Based on internal test conducted in Fontange, France using a 2016 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight fitted with 130/90 B 16 front tire and 150/50 B16 rear tire comparing lap times and stopping distances of MICHELIN® Commander® III Cruiser tires with METZELER® CruisetecTM, METZELER® M888 MarathonTM Ultra, and DUNLOP® Elite 4 tires. Actual on-road results may vary."

I reckon there is more to the wet grip than just grooving.

[les]

I'm slowly learning that, although I have to admit it's counter intuitive.  I've watched MotoGP over the years.  Slick tires in dry, treads (overlapping) in the rain.  Somehow this changes when it's a Harley and not a Ducati.  But I can't argue with the test results.  Measurements are measurements and they are fact.

[Finn]

I have my reservations regarding the tread design, too, but Michelin tend to make good tyres.

I'll let you guys know if I end up sliding on my behind down the wet road.