18,000 mile tire

[plumber63]

Couple hundred miles shy of 18,000 on Commander 2. last 4-5,000 was making noise and as you can see in the pic it was scalloped (cupped). Not quite down to the wear bar, but traction on wet started getting bad. Had a pucker moment riding down to Antler up on 123 South of Campbell Gap. Wet road, foggy, going down hill coming into a tight turn and it started to slide.
Well new tire on and ready for Custer. Went with a Bridgestone Exedra Max. I got 12,000 miles out of the stock one no issues so I figure I would try the Max. Will see how it goes. Installed new beads also.

[redjay]

I am at 12,000 miles (2 seasons) on a rear Commander II and it should last another season, approximately 6,000 miles. I have a 1300 V Star.
I switched to a Michelin 888 on the front for a softer ride. The Commander II on the front was too hard a compound for my liking.

[Framer]

That’s about what I got out of mine on the Nomad and it was doing the same thing. Out of all the tires on the market what made you go with Bridgestone?

[plumber63]

Originally Posted by Framer

That’s about what I got out of mine on the Nomad and it was doing the same thing. Out of all the tires on the market what made you go with Bridgestone?

I got 12,000 out of the one before the Commander, and 20,000 out of the Bridgestone spitfire on the front, which I replaced last year with the same.
I researched and read reviews on a lot of tires. They all seemed to have good and bad qualities. None seem to stand out more than the next. When you compare mileage, traction and price, they were just as good as the rest.
I know a lot on here don't like them but I didn't have any issues with them. I thought it was a better ride than the Commander, especially at the end of their life.
I also like the center rain groove, seems to be more stable.
If I don't like it, I'll just replace it. It's only money, I'll make more.

[Chuck A.]

They dont have curves where you guys live? To much good side tread left on those tires. I never can get over 10,000 on a tire without the soft edges being worn off to the cords. Ofcouse I enjoy alittle crooked road sometimes to much.

[plumber63]

Almost all of those miles are two up, so I don't ride aggressive. And we traveling out to place to ride, 2500+ mile trips. I do like the curves and twisty roads, but they're isn't any around home. Last year we did, 10,000+ miles and 18 different states.

[Scootergptx]

Riding on grooved concrete most of the time, I just plan on a new rear tire every year and hope to get 2-3 out of the front.

[Spondulas]

I've been using Dunlop American Elite tires with good success. They seem to hold well in the rain and I have 13,000 miles on them. The front still looks new and the rear still has between 1/3 and 1/2 the tread left. Their website says the tire was designed for Harley touring bikes but my bike can't read so it doesn't know the difference. They lack the Harley logo, so they are cheaper than the Harley branded tires. Because they are designed for Harley, they are easy to find.

[trip]

18,000 is a great amount of mileage out of a rear tire, Troy. I can remember the day when you were lucky to get 8,000 out of a back tire. Since the darkside has come along, maybe that's kicked MT manufacturers in the ass to make longer lasting tires.

Of course, we are talking about a Commander. I understand the Dunlop Elite 4's are supposed to yield between 15-20,000.

[Framer]

Originally Posted by trip

18,000 is a great amount of mileage out of a rear tire, Troy. I can remember the day when you were lucky to get 8,000 out of a back tire. Since the darkside has come along, maybe that's kicked MT manufacturers in the ass to make longer lasting tires.

Of course, we are talking about a Commander. I understand the Dunlop Elite 4's are supposed to yield between 15-20,000.

My last 4 sets of tires have been commanders. I heard they don’t handle that great. I guess as slow as I ride I haven’t noticed. Next time I may look at Dunlop E4.

[plumber63]

The Dunlop, Metzeler 888 where on my short list. The reveiws for all three where about the same for handling, wet traction and wear. Dunlop $220 and Metzler $190 and Bridgestone $135.

So as long as they handle well and last 12,000 plus The Bridgstone will be a good value. Time will tell.

And David I'm sure with you grandma like riding is why you don't notice poor handling.

[Framer]

Originally Posted by plumber63

And David I'm sure with you grandma like riding is why you don't notice poor handling.

[Navigator]

I put a set of Exedra Maxs on my 07 at about 10k miles because the dealership had them in stock and I got them for a good price. I was in a hurry because I wanted to depart for our BC gathering. After two sets of ME880s on my Electra Glide and my Triumph Rocket 3, I found them to be great tires for handling but not for longevity. I put a 240 Execdra Max on the Rocket rear before giving it to my son and he's gotten quite a bit of life out of it.

I thought I'd try a Commander next on the rear for the Nomad unless the EM holds up for more than 12K

[wolf1]

Too many opinions on tires. It really depends on where you live and how you ride. I live in the Rockies and ride very aggressively. I love the Metzler 888 for the handling in all conditions. It won't get the mileage of the Commander, but the handling is what matters to me. I don't like the cupping of the Bridgestone's. Maybe if most of your roads are straight and not too aggressive it's not an issue, but for where I ride and my style of riding they just don't cut it.

[miltonsain]

I know tires ar a touchy subject, but I put high value on grip and sidewall strength. I will replace a tire if I don't like the way it handles, If it don't handle right, or to my comfort level, it takes the fun out of the ride, so it gets gifted to someone with a lighter bike, or just marked up to expensive mistake.

I have commanderII's on now, and they are going to be replaced, I don't care for the pucker moments on the little tar snakes.