When shopping for new tires, cruiser riders have an overwhelming array of options to parse through. With categories spanning touring, racing, and vintage retro looks, how do you even begin narrowing down the suitable rubber for your machine and riding style?
After testing the Michelin Commander 3 cruiser and touring tires in real-world conditions spanning hundreds of miles, I wondered – Are these the best cruiser tires for you? Let’s find out!
Michelin Commander III
Our Verdict On The Michelin Commander 3
I ride enough miles that I’ll gladly take a small hit in Ultimate Grips if it means getting tires that last. Michelin claims these tires last 20% longer than the previous generation, which is saying something since the Commander 2 tires were renowned for their extreme longevity.
Some people report getting over 20,000 miles out of a rear tire set. If the new Commander 3 tires truly offer 25,000 miles, as Michelin states, that’s outstanding tire life, in my opinion.
The wet weather improvements also impressed me. The deep siping along the edges and silica-infused rubber compound seem highly effective at evacuating water based on Michelin’s internal wet braking tests.
I ride through rain often during my tours, so shorter stopping distances in wet conditions could prove extremely valuable for safety.
But, there are potential drawbacks.
Potential drawbacks I’ll weigh include the higher pricing, break-in period, and limited front tire options – many cruisers utilize a 16 or 19-inch front wheel, which Michelin doesn’t offer yet in the Commander 3. But the stellar longevity and wet grip still make these an appealing choice in my eyes.
Before you purchase, Be sure to check Revzilla tires for any current discounts or price-matching offers to secure the best deal on these Commander 3 tires. Their pricing fluctuates, so you might find a better deal.
Comparison To Other Models
Model Name | Description |
---|---|
Dunlop K591 | Original Equipment tire designed for Harley-Davidson cruiser motorcycles. Semi-slick tread pattern maximizes the contact patch for excellent dry road adhesion. Optimized tread groove design efficiently evacuates water for dependable wet grip. Uses newly developed rubber compounds for durability and high performance. |
Bridgestone Battlax BT46 | A sports touring tire offering fantastic all-around performance and good durability. Features a Silica-Rich compound on the rear tire for excellent wet performance and high grip in low temperatures, combined with advanced NanoPro-Tech technology for reduced rolling resistance and improved tread performance. |
Michelin Scorcher ll | Designed for excellent ride comfort, high mileage, and performance across various surfaces. Features optimized profiles and deep grooves for improved stability and is made from highly resistant nylon fabric, ensuring durability and ease of maneuvering even when fully loaded. |
Pirelli MT 66 Route | Designed for heavy touring and cruiser motorcycles, offering ultra-high mileage along with enhanced grip on wet and dry surfaces. Features a unique tread pattern that aids in water disposal and improves longevity. Built to withstand the demands of high-mileage riders while maintaining excellent performance and stability in various riding conditions. |
Metzeler ME888 | Designed for heavy touring and cruiser motorcycles, offering ultra high mileage along with enhanced grip on wet and dry surfaces. Features a unique tread pattern that aids in water disposal and improves longevity. Built to withstand the demands of high-mileage riders while maintaining excellent performance and stability in various riding conditions. |
Comparison between the tires:
- Price range: The Michelin Scorcher ll is the most expensive at $300, while the Pirelli MT 66 Route is the most affordable at $117.64.
- Specialization: The Dunlop K591 and Michelin Scorcher ll are specifically designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, while others are more versatile.
- Wet performance: All mention good wet grip, but the Bridgestone Battlax BT46 specifically highlights its Silica-Rich compound for excellent wet performance.
- Durability: The Metzeler ME888 and Pirelli MT 66 Route emphasize high mileage and durability, which may be beneficial for long-distance riders.
- Technology: Each tire incorporates unique technologies, such as Michelin’s Radial Technology and Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech, to enhance performance.
- Riding style: The Bridgestone Battlax BT46 is designed for sports touring, while others like the Metzeler ME888 are more focused on cruiser and touring motorcycles.
The Commander 3 Cruiser and Touring Tires
The Commander 3 Cruiser is aimed at lightweight cruiser-style motorcycles such as the Sportster 1200 and Honda Shadow 750.
On the other hand, the Commander 3 Touring is designed for long-distance cruisers touring motorcycles, such as big twin Harley-Davidsons, Kawasaki Vulcans, and Nomads.
To determine which tire is suitable for your bike, you should check the sizes of the Cruiser and Touring tires. The sizes of the Cruiser and Touring tires are slightly different, matching up with their intended use.
If you’re using a long-distance bike and want maximum performance but don’t have a Cruiser-style motorcycle, you could check out the Road 5 GT sport-touring tires. They are designed to maximize performance.
Tread Pattern and Stability
One noticeable difference between the Cruiser and Touring tires is the tread pattern. The Cruiser tire has additional siping along the edge to help evacuate water and provide maximum grip.
Meanwhile, the Touring tire has a more limited siping pattern, designed to improve stability on heavier bikes.
This is because the Touring tire is rated to handle bikes that weigh 600 to 700 pounds, meaning that stability is essential.
Profile Change and Compound
Both the Cruiser and Touring feature a profile change compared to the Commander Tour tires, with a more rounded profile for better stability.
Additionally, the rubber compound for both have been improved with silica to provide a better grip in both wet and dry conditions.
Tire Construction: The Secret Sauce of Commander 3
The Michelin Commander 3’s construction Is not just rubber and air – there’s some serious tech packed into them.
Amplified Density Technology (ADT)
Michelin’s ADT is a game-changer. It’s all about packing more rubber into the tire where it counts. This tech makes them denser, which means it’ll last longer and give you better control on the road.
Here’s what ADT does for you:
- Longer life
- Improved stability, especially in corners
- Better feedback from the road
It’s like having a sixth sense of what your bike’s doing underneath you.
Aramid Tread Plies
Now, let’s talk about