Metzeler 888 vs. Michelin Commander II

[jjkvl]

I have a 2011 Vaquero in need of new tires. I've seen the Michelin Commander II suggested by quite a few Vulcan Bagger Forum members but am wondering if anyone has tried the new Metzeler 888 Marathon Ultra tire. These bias tires with reinforced sidewalls are available in the exact front and rear size specified by Kawasaki and I find that appealing. Just looking for some feedback before I replace my well worn (after 6,000 miles) Bridgestone Exedras this fall with a tire that should get double or triple that mileage. Thank you!

[Hillhouse]

I did not get as good of mileage out of the 888's (10/11k) as the II's (13k) both nowhere near what others are claiming (18k+). This was on a Voyager, two up, 50+% towing a Bushtec trailer and mainly on secondary roads, pressure set to 41lbs. Running American Elites now but only have 3.5k on them, handles well so far.

[Loafer]

I have a Metz 880 (front) that will need replacement soon. I put a Metz 888 on the rear
this last spring, I'm not happy. Lots of wobbling now, and from what I have read
recently others are experiencing the wobbles too.

[napom]

3rd set of C IIs on my bike now - set 2 & 3 mounted with dyna beads . . . Got just over 16K out of first set with traditional weights, 14K out of second - which was replaced a little prematurely because of a long planned ride, and 8.5 K so far on my third set (the long planned ride) . . . Very smooth ride - but if I only get about 16K out of this set I may try the American Elites next . . .

I only got 6K out of my stock stones

[jjkvl]

Thanks for the input! I think I'll be trying the C II's even though the rear tire size fit isn't exact.

[highwayman2011]

I got 19,000 on the rear CII and 17,000 on the front one.

[Chuck A.]

I guess I should start a new thread but,,,, How do you guys get so much mileage out of a tire. I run MC II's. On my '03 Nomad I only get around 12 thousand on the front tops. 9 to 10 thousand on the rear until it is cupped to hell and the center is bare. Front is worn about the same side wall to side wall. Pressure at 32 front and 42 rear. Now I do ride curvy 2 lane side roads most of the time. Are you guys getting this mileage because of Highways and Interstates?

[recumbentbob]

Run 40 psi front &rear and use Dynabeads.

[paul]

My experience with Metzler's has always been the same..They do not wear well, and do not last as long as they should. Although I have a Mich. Comm. II on the rear of my 07 Nomad, I don't have enough miles to really tell you anything about it. Best tire I've ridden and worn out so far is the Excedra Max. Very sticky, good wet weather, and wears perfectly even all the way down. Mileage is average.

[Bud2rat]

I run Michelin II's front and rear. I got 18k off the rear before replacing in June and still running the front. Was running 40 psi front and rear. The first rear tire started cupping, so I'm now running 42-44 psi in the rear tire, we'll see how this works.

[Gypsy Dragon]

I have an 888 on the rear right now. I will know about mileage in a couple months. I like it a lot better than the Commander II. The CII feels very slick and a bit vague to me, and is like ice-skating in the wet. The 888 has very good fell and feedback in my opinion. The grip is what i would expect from a cruiser tire, a bit slick, but even when I'm hanging the rear out around a turn, I still have a good feel for the road. That to me is what makes a good tire. I have no information on wet traction yet.

[Lumberjack]

42 is the max pressure for the Michelin posted on the tire.

Originally Posted by Bud2rat

I run Michelin II's front and rear. I got 18k off the rear before replacing in June and still running the front. Was running 40 psi front and rear. The first rear tire started cupping, so I'm now running 42-44 psi in the rear tire, we'll see how this works.

[tonik]

Originally Posted by Chuck A.

I guess I should start a new thread but,,,, How do you guys get so much mileage out of a tire. I run MC II's. On my '03 Nomad I only get around 12 thousand on the front tops. 9 to 10 thousand on the rear until it is cupped to hell and the center is bare. Front is worn about the same side wall to side wall. Pressure at 32 front and 42 rear. Now I do ride curvy 2 lane side roads most of the time. Are you guys getting this mileage because of Highways and Interstates?

We are getting it because of the new types of tires that are out. They are dual compound, soft on the sides and edges....hard in the middle. Mich Commander II's. Dunlop Elite III's and the Metz 888's are the three I know of that have this new tech.

[ndbigfish]

Originally Posted by Chuck A.

I guess I should start a new thread but,,,, How do you guys get so much mileage out of a tire. I run MC II's. On my '03 Nomad I only get around 12 thousand on the front tops. 9 to 10 thousand on the rear until it is cupped to hell and the center is bare. Front is worn about the same side wall to side wall. Pressure at 32 front and 42 rear. Now I do ride curvy 2 lane side roads most of the time. Are you guys getting this mileage because of Highways and Interstates?

I find that tire mileage is based on road surface temperature and surface texture. The temperature is high and the road surface rough where we ride, so I never get more than 11-13k out of a rear tire regardless of the bike, tire brand or riding parameters. The heat and chip sealed surface we ride just quickly wears out the tire. You may have the same conditions in AL.

[BudMan]

Originally Posted by ndbigfish

I find that tire mileage is based on road surface temperature and surface texture. The temperature is high and the road surface rough where we ride, so I never get more than 11-13k out of a rear tire regardless of the bike, tire brand or riding parameters. The heat and chip sealed surface we ride just quickly wears out the tire. You may have the same conditions in AL.

I agree. Around here chip and seal is the state and counties go to method.
It eats tires. Bikes, cars, trucks it doesn't matter.
If smooth asphalt was everywhere then tires would last much longer.