Michelin Commander II/III mileage on ST1100

[paulcb]

I've been running a Commander II on the rear of two ST1100s for about 150k miles and routinely get 18-22k miles out of one, but I usually pull them off with at least 1-2k left. I decided to try the Commander III when it came out last year. I just pulled it off and it got 25k out of it, but it was worn down to the cords in one spot. That certainly wasn't planned, but I was riding back from Colorado and noticed it about 100 miles from home, so took it easy the rest of the way. I cut through the worn spot to see how much tire was left and was surprised to find about 1/4" left and there were 3 layers of cord in there...



I'm going back to a Commander II since the III was OOS. FWIW, I run 42 psi and use 2 oz. of beads in the rear tire. I run a rear BT45 on the front and get 23-29k miles per tire, with 1 oz. of beads. My riding is about 40% commuting and 60% touring.

 

[Kevcules]

Wow! Pretty impressive mileage from both tires!
My last set was BT31's. I looked at the commander tire, but didn't see the stock size for my 1300.
I've used beads before and they do work, as you are another example of them working to get nice even tire wear and high mileage.
What beads are you using? Dyna or Counteract?

 

[paulcb]

Counteract, and I do get pretty even tire wear and no cupping on the front.

 

[Sunday Rider]

Impressive mileage for sure. How do they handle in the rain and sudden stops/skids?

 

[George]

I’m also a Commander II fan. Just put a new one on STerling. Zero miles right now. I thought the III didn’t come in the 160/70 size.

 

[Uncle Brian]

What are these beads that you'll are talking about?

 

[paulcb]

What are these beads that you'll are talking about?

It’s a way to dynamically balance the wheel, doesn’t use wheel weights.

counteract-for-motorcycles | Counteract Balancing Beads

 

[Beeflips]

Where can I find the 160/70-17 rear? I have a nail in mine right now but when I look online I can't find it to fit my 2000 ST1100. I'm planning on replacing both, best source for these please.

Thanks to all who respond.

 

[Uncle Brian]

It’s a way to dynamically balance the wheel, doesn’t use wheel weights.

counteract-for-motorcycles | Counteract Balancing Beads

Thank you!

 

[Jambriwal]

Interesting. Never cut one open before. I usually run mine right down. Once you get to that last 32'nd the handling goes away and they tend to follow grooves or cracks in the pavement.

 

[Kevcules]

Where can I find the 160/70-17 rear? I have a nail in mine right now but when I look online I can't find it to fit my 2000 ST1100. I'm planning on replacing both, best source for these please.

Thanks to all who respond.

Lots of places have them. Some here will respond with their favorite place. Here's one I found for U.S. buyers....

Michelin Commander II Tires | 8% ($31.65) Off! - RevZilla

Save 8% ($31.65) today when you shop RevZilla for your Michelin Commander II Tires! Free Shipping, Lowest Price Guaranteed & Top of the Line Expert Service.

www.revzilla.com

 

[Al st1100]

Try the Bridgestone H50. I just took this one off it has 16k on it. It has about 4-5/32nd left. I could see it last another 5k. Paid about $50 less than the Commander with the rebate. Took it off because I'm taking a long trip, no chances.

 

[Sunday Rider]

I’m also a Commander II fan. Just put a new one on STerling. Zero miles right now. I thought the III didn’t come in the 160/70 size.

Hey George how do you find the Commander II in the rain and quick stops?

 

[George]

Commander II inspires confidence in this experienced rider. Though it is marketed as a cruiser tire, it fills the bill on my 1100. Suspect the III would be an incremental improvement but also more expensive.

 

[Sunday Rider]

Commander II inspires confidence in this experienced rider. Though it is marketed as a cruiser tire, it fills the bill on my 1100. Suspect the III would be an incremental improvement but also more expensive.

Thanks. I will keep an eye out for it when my tires run out.

 

[rwthomas1]

Timely thread. About 9K on factory spec Exedras, and have been pretty happy with them but they are showing some wear now. Sadly most of my riding is straight line commuting, and that makes the Commander/BT combo is enticing. What I do notice is the Commander users all seem to be Southern, hot weather riders? How do they do in the cold? I tend to ride early and late in the season at lower temps, does the harder touring type compounds still stick?

RT

 

[Beeflips]

Sooooooo, I ended up going with Dunlop Roadsmart 3's. I have Dunlop Aeromax 3's on there right now (what was on it when I got it) It looks like a good tire with bang for the buck. I know that I have always been happy with michelin car tires, and I can't blame people for liking them, but I have never had them on bikes, although I did buy Pilot Sports for my son's Yamaha R6. I know there aren't many Dunlop fans on here from what I see, so I'll see how they work once I have them put on, maybe give a little review once I get some time with them.

 

[RobbieAG]

I just put a Bridgestone Exedra Max on the back of my 1300 hoping to get more longevity out of it. It's supposed to be a cruiser tire. I'm looking forward to see how it does.

 

[Beeflips]

Timely thread. About 9K on factory spec Exedras, and have been pretty happy with them but they are showing some wear now. Sadly most of my riding is straight line commuting, and that makes the Commander/BT combo is enticing. What I do notice is the Commander users all seem to be Southern, hot weather riders? How do they do in the cold? I tend to ride early and late in the season at lower temps, does the harder touring type compounds still stick?

RT

I agree with about the geographical issue, I have ridden when it's 32° here in Michigan, and from what I understand the silicone content is important for cold weather grip.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I've got a MII on the back of one of my ST1100s and I ride year round. It does fine in the cold - but our 'cold' in Tennessee is not as 'cold' as it is up north. I'm waiting to see what kind of mileage I will get of it as I usually run a BStone BT020 Bias (BMW K1200LT rear - correct size) and get 10,000 or better out of them. If the mileage is not a lot better for the MII, the cost difference would not be worth it as the BT020 handles right well for me. But then I do ride like an old man ...