Michelin Commander 3 Touring 2nd Gen tire review!!!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2022
- Video review of the new version Commander 3 Touring tire. Michelin has hit it outta the park. Can’t wait to do some long hauls with this tire and see how long they last.
I’m back!!! FREAKING LOVE THESE just had my set put on my 03 Honda VTX 1800R and these make my bike feel like a whole new ride!!!! Corners so well!!
Thank you
Good Tire
I’m running the Metzler cruise tech on my 2020 Harley Road glide it’s been my favourite Tire so far amazing comfort just a nice ride for what I need handles very well
Super quiet, no vibration. I prefer the German Metzler over the Michelin myself.
Soooo just got an email from Michelin and this is what the lady said to me: (you should maybe pin this comment so others are aware.)
Thank you for your recent contact regarding the tread enhancements that have been made to a limited supply of our Commander III products. Unfortunately, Michelin North America does not sell our products directly to consumers and the purchase would need to be made with a dealer.
The tread enhancements that were made, have been included only in two models of the Commander III Touring front models. Sizing 130/60B19 and sizing 130/80B17 that were manufactured and distributed as DOT date 1322 and later on the product. These are the only products that have undergone this change and we do not have any notice of further changes being made with the remainder of the sizings that we offer.
Distributors of our products are aware of these changes and are able to determine that the product you are receiving in these sizes are the new version of the product.
Thank You for the thorough review regarding the Issues of the original Michelin Commander 3 tires. Unfortunately I was one of those who had the misfortune of purchasing the original Commander 3. I didn’t have the vibration but OMG I did have the loudest singing tire. Somewhere in the range of 45-60 mph , you either had to slow down or speed up cause the sound was aggravating as Hell. It took a while ( phone calls to Michelin and the dealership where I purchased the tires) but finally both understood there was an issue. I replaced the front tire with a Dunlop American Elite. Glad to report that fixed the problem. Now almost a year later…I need to get new tires. I want Michelins but other than this review I haven’t heard that the C3 issue has been totally resolved. Hopefully will hear from the company since I called and left my number and reasons for calling. Again, Thank You for the informative review.
I just installed a Commander 3 (June 2024) on my front to replace an old wore out Korean made tire. Night and Day. Doing longer rides with much greater confidence.
I’ve been running commander II and now Commander III tires years with no problems. Great tires
Totally agree on the new assessment.
Got these on an 03 fxdx. Love them so far. Had them about a year now.
Been running them since the beginning of the year. No complaints, they take the road well, and feel good while riding.
The very first thing that I do on ANY new Harley I buy ( even a new one off the showroom floor) is put Michelin tires on it. Been running Commanders since they came out, first 2's and now 3's. Best handling tire I've ever owned dry or wet and superior mileage too!
Not close to the best handling, but since you’ve ran these or the stock Dunlops… These Michelin’s do last a long time. If you want handling/performance get a CruiseTec.
@@freebehindbars8654 ,The Metzler is great, for cruisers. For a touring bike, I'll take the Michelin every time.
Been riding on commander 2/3 for over 10yrs 2 different bikes an I get a great ride from them
Chief, at the 6:35 - 7:36 minute mark, you now get why Michelin tires (both auto & cycle) are a bit pricey! Their R & D Dept is a great way for them to work at offering the best product for your vehicle! Doug, from the U.S.
I run Michelin commander threes on my harley. The tires are absolutely awesome.I love 'em. They have excellent grip when cornering and perform great in the rain. They ride smooth and I have absolute confidence in them . They are a tremendous improvement from the Dunlop tires i used to have.
Good review! I'm running these tires on my Road Glide now. Same experience with no noise no vibration, excellent corner entry and exit, great wet weather confidence. First set after wearing out the OEM Dunlop Elites which are not at all a shabby tire IMHO.
About how many miles are you getting out of these compared to the Elites?
great vid, just bought commander 2's because of the bad reviews I've seen on the 3's. Good to see they've corrected the issue at least past date code 1822. Might try the 3's next time.
Would you be able to provide a link where you found that date code? Thanks.
Really surprised that you like the wet grip factor. I bought a pair of commander 2's, rode from Kamloops to St.John's Newfounland and half way back I took them off and went back to the Dunlops. I found them 2's slippery in the wet and they cupped so bad (I check tire pressure every day before a wheel turns) that my hands were going numb...long story short I texted Michelin while getting the tires changed with my story....an hour later they replied told me to send them the bill and they will reimburse me...they did, I was shocked. So I'll give the 3's a shot next change and try them out. Kamloops here. 2018FLTRU...I push it a bit to. Heading out on a southwest tour/ Badlands on US May 30.
Worth a try. I’m impressed with mine so far. Just need to log more miles to get a gauge on how long they’ll last. Cheers
I’ve had 2s on Street Glide, same thing as your mine cupped really bad, specially the front tire and were very slippery. Changed to 3s and night and day difference. Really good handling and grip. No cupping on 3s. I like the 3s a lot. Thinking about giving CruiseTec a try now, but I’m definitely sold on 3s.
Yes! Had the same thing happen with commander 2s! Lean/turn,front tire would vibrate on front tire. New set made in 2022. No vibrating at all! Commander 3s.
Has some issues w/ my first C3 tire. Warranty replacement no issues and I’m enjoying them
Glad some are ok with these tires. Michelin refused to give warranty on mine and a couple of other riders who went back to our dealer. This was this spring of 2024. He no longer recommends them. It could have cost my life. Reason for no warranty refund? They don't advise putting them on my bike, a 2015 Heritage because it's a cruiser. Yes, really. Do a quick Google check and see they do indeed recommend them for my bike. Never had an issue with the IIs. Loved them and told everyone they should try them. I have a large circle and I am now telling them my experience with Michelin over the IIIs. Dunlop Elites or Metzler from now on thanks.
I recently (June 2023) had the front tire replaced on my 16 Indian Roadmaster with a Michelin Commander III touring in size 130/90 B16 73H. I have been a believer in the Dunlop Elite 4's but nobody can get them. I don't know what the issue is but I hope they get their act together soon because they are driving customers to other brands and may never get those customers back. Any how I am now getting a very loud droning noise at highway speeds that is driving me crazy. Maybe it's coming from the rear tire which is an older Dunlop Elite 4 and it's about shot now with almost 13K miles on it but I never had this problem before. After seeing your video I checked the new C3 date code and the sipe pattern you show in your video. The sipe pattern on my new tire is the same as your old tire. The date code on my new tire is 4022 which indicates around Sept 2022. This tells me my dealer installed a tire which was almost a year old. Now I need a back tire and because the Dunlops aren't available the dealer is recommending the Michelin C3 but they tell me that the C3 is not available in my size for the rear which is 180/60 B17 so they have been installing the C3 in 180/65 B16 on the heavy touring Indians. This size difference is 5mm taller side wall which equals a total of 10mm taller overall tire diameter. I'm not at all comfortable with this. What do you think @sinisterspeedco ? Thanks, Jeff
Hey bud thx for time a. Best one on the road
I just bought some Commander IIs, I paid 141 for front and 181 for rear.
I was going to get the Shinko 777 white walls or the Shinko 999's, but I read the Commander IIs last 3x longer.
Kind of disappointed I can't get them in white wall.
Hi Darryl, many thanks for posting this clip. I purchased a set of Commander III tyres back in March 2021 on my 2015 Softail Slim. The front tyre buzzed and the tyre shop swapped it out for a Bridgestone. The rear tyre seems okay and it's lasting fairly well. Anyway, althought I'm not an engineeer or a science God, I guessed that the buzzing was a 'harmonic' vibration, caused by the groove spacing in relation to the circumference at various speeds. I complained on many TH-cam postings with great detail. I felt like I was a Michelin test rider, but I'm just little guy on the opposite side of the world (Perth, Western Australia), so I couldn't expect any response from Michelin. I'd love the phone number of th dude who sits in the Michelin office and reads all the complaints. Thanks so much for showing us the new tread pattern, because now I know what to look for when shopping for Commander III tyres again, however in the meantime I suspect that tyre vendors here in Australia will be carrying old stock of the gen 1 (if I could call it that), and it could take a long time before the new stock arrives. But if I had some way of influencing Michelin to gain my confidence, I'd be happy to PAY THEM for a set of better tyres, plus the delivery fee. C'mon Michelin, you can do it, ya hear me?
I’m sure they will have them available down unda very soon. If not already. Thanks for the comment. Safe riding. Keep in mind, my review is the Touring tire. Cheers!!
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 Thanks Darryl. Yes, there's the touring and the cruiser editions, however other than the words on the sidewall, the only difference I can tell is that some sizes are branded touring and some sizes are branded cruiser. The sizes for the Softail Slim, Standard, Street Bob, Deluxe and Heritage Classic (all wire spoke wheel models) seem to the the 'cruiser' tyre. By the way, do you have an email address for anyone in Michelin I could contact to verify I can get the gen 2 model for my bike?
I don’t have an email. Sorry
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 Thanks Darryl, I'll chase it up through my bike tyre vendor and see what they've got to say. In the meantime I appreciate your informative videos on the tyres, suspension, cam upgrades etc. Cheers from the south west coast of the island of Australia :)
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 Hi Darryl, just an update regarding tracking down the elusive 'generation 2' of the Commander III. I sent off an online enquiry to Michelin here in Australia back in early December last year. They got a guy from a wholesale distributor to phone me, who initially said that any enquiries need to be put through the tyre shop retailer, however he seemed friendly enough on the phone, but didn't have any knowledge of the 'generation 2' variant of the Commander III. I told him about your content on TH-cam, but he wasn't interested in spending a few minutes learning what Michelin should have educated him on. He did point out that there's the Touring vs Cruiser variant. Looking at the tread pattern on both, it seems that the Touring model tread pattern looks just like the 'generation 2' pattern that's in this TH-cam clip. But it's hard to say, because any of the info that I've been given by those people who are supposed to know (ie, bike tyre shop & distributor) really aren't supplying me with clear information. To make matters worse, here in Australia, it's not uncommon to get poor customer service when dealing face to face with people who actually make a living out of selling to consumers. Maybe these guys just need to drink more coffee before they arrive at work. So now I've pretty much given up on being able to have a new 'improved' generation 2 Commander III on my bike, and now contemplating another brand, possibly the Metzeler Cruisetec.
I put 11000 miles roughly on my commander 2 tires. The rear tire is completely shot. The front tire has several thousand left. I run a 240 rear on my stryker. The extra rake on the front my attribute to the extra longevity but I've loved these tires since day 1. Considering the commander 3 but because I love to take turns harder than recommended by yamaha I may stick with my commander 2s because I've used them for so many miles.
Fact is, free gear in exchange for review is a financial relationship and the incentive is the content. I'm not hating, but the fact is, their marketing department subsidized the set. There's a reason for that; free gear always produces more positive reviews.
Heck yes! Greetings from a fellow BC-er. I just stumbled on this video and it is the review I have been waiting for. Nice and recent with a review of these tires since some changes were made. With all the poor reviews I was starting to shy away from Michelin for my bike but I think I am back now. For reference, do your tires have a date code you can share so we a know what to look for when buying?
In the thread there should be the date codes I posted. Can’t remember off the top of my head what they were. Hope this helps. Cheers!!
All I run was commander 2s but had gone to commander 3s didn’t have a problem my buddy is the same but had a issue with the 3 front and ended up with a shinko. May have to try the new 3 give it another chance. I hate dunflops the suck when wet.
Just took off the Commander III touring from the back of my 2004 Electra Glide Ultra today . It was OK for the first 5,000 km after that the high frequency vibration started in the floor boards and handlebars between 113 to 126 kph . The vibration got so bad at about 7,000 km on that tire I didn't enjoy riding my bike at speed . Gone back to a Dunlop American Eagle and the bike is as smooth as can be . I've been riding since 1978 , that was my first and last Michelin . My opinion they are still crap .
Just got a set for my Yamaha V-Star 650
Thank you for your very informative video. I live down in Texas .I have a 2016 Fatboy. After much debating I decided on the commander Threes. Thank you again. Nice bike Daryl. Richard Herron Azle Tx.
Thanks!! Always appreciate the feedback. 🤘🏻🇨🇦
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 You're very welcome. Ride safe
Wonderful video ,,very impressed ,,my problem is I live in Ireland and the tire suppliers are still selling old stock ,,as in made before June 2022 here in Europe ,and its a real problem trying to get them to go and look at the manufacturer date ,,infect they just won't do it ,,,they say ,,,you want the tires or not ,,so I am still trying to find a suppler in Europe that guarantees the Gen 2 upgraded tire ,,anyway keep doing what your doing ,,and happy new year and safe riding .
Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully they get it sorted over there. Great tires!! Cheers!!
Hi Charles, Fwiw, I ordered a set online in Holland a couple of days ago and got a front with date code 2822. It has the new thread as shown by Darryl in the vid so I am happy. Before I ordered, I mailed the supplier to ask about the date code, they couldn't tell me but they said I could check and reject the shipment for any reason, with a full refund. That might be an option for you? Cheers J
@@jaspertaal745 Jasper that is very good news ,, can you tell me the name of the company in Holland
@@chadr9791 Oponeo, was also the best deal.
Wish I would've seen your video first. I purchased a Commander III and got one of those tires. Having a helluva time trying to get it replaced. Any advice thanks
Hi Darryl, thanks for the update, been waiting for this.
Is there any way (other than slight tread pattern change) to distinguish the old from the new version? Shame that Michelin didn't make it a Mark II or something. Need new tires soon but I really don't want the old Commander III's. Can you tell us what the DOT date code was on the tires you got sent, that way I can at least try to avoid anything older.
I have 1822 on the rear and 2222 on the front. Hope that helps you decide. Cheers!!
I'm in the market for a set of these for my 2021 Road Glide. Can you tell me how to confirm that I am actually getting the GEN 2 version of these tires? I've seen some info that some suppliers are still shipping the GEN 1 product. Thanks ! Great review. You definitely made up my mind for me.
Be awesome if we had a bagger version of a pirelli sport bike tire like the sv2 from back in the day
There are two of those as you know. Did they change the Custom version too? They should be even grippier.
I am glad you are happy with the new revision of Michelin Commander3 . I had the 1st revision on my 02 electraglide classic . I had same problem as you are describing with front tire. I replaced bearings ,fork oil ,and tires were installed by bike mechanic at bike shop . Front tire eventually acquired a lateral runout of .035 . The rim had runout of .001 . Tire removed and replaced with new cruiser C 3 . I am still fighting with supplier to be reimbursed . Any suggestions.
I would ask the shop that sold you the tire and see if they have any warranty. Cheers!!
@Sinister Speed Co. I sent the damaged tire back to them in May when I had the new MC3 installed . The tire salespeople said they sent the tire back to "their supplier " and the Supplier has refused to reimburse them . Lesson learned ,Never buy tires online . I will contact Michelin in the new year to see if they will do anything for me .
My front has a code of 33/22 so it should be the updated version but it still has the old tread pattern.
Confused.
No vibration though. 06 Goldwing
Thank you for the great review. How would you know if you are buying the newer tire instead of the one with issues?
I show a side by side in the video. The newest version of the front has different sipes in the tread. Also be looking for a late 2022 production stamp.
How do you know if your ordering the new 2nd gen over the 1 first gen?
How are the Comm3 nowadays??? I had a puncher in my HD Dunlops at my Ultra Ltd ‘21! They charge €525 ($562) incl mounting here in Holland. I read so many bad reviews. Also a retired Michelin sales guy i know…..would buy a Avon Cobra Choom set on his RKS!! That says a lot
hey great videos how can i find out the date codes for the commander 3 tires to make sure i get the improved ones ?? thank you a lot.
I posted the dates I have in this thread. As long as you are at least those dates or newer you’re good to go!!
I installed Michelin commander 3 touring 5-17-2022 dated 2421 and have a buzz in the handlebars and vibration lean right or left go away. I watched your video understand now whats my problem. Call Michelin custom support they cant help me because i bought the tires on line and my neighbor installed due having powder coat business with the equipment. I asked them send me new tire and would send old one back and they wouldn't because I'm not a tire dealer. What should do???
Not sure. I’m just a rider. The tires perform fine so I’d run until you feel the need for new ones. Not sure what to say!!
Btw Darryl, Do you know if the update is on both tires or only on the front? Cheers J
As far as I know the issue was with the front.
I have a noise and vibration with Michelin Commander 3 I bought on Amazon.
What do you know about or the difference between the cruiser and the tourers. For my Thunderbird Storm I had to go cruiser and in front tourer. ????
After 16k km my front is done and my back tire could do 3k km still. I never experienced something like that. I drive, I think, like you. My bike aint no slouch ether.
I can see the difference on the front tire but is there any on the rear tire so I don't get ripped off?
Not sure what you mean about getting ripped off?? The issues I had were related to the front tires and Michelin addressed them. I’ll be doing a follow up video after a full season of riding and will include wear etc.
Hi I seen you made 2 TH-cams one on the Dunlop AMERICAN ELite and now the Michelin Commander 3 gen 2 witch tires is the better tire ?? I know they have good and bad points, did they improve the Commander 3
Yes. As mentioned in the video the new C3 is perfect. I also have no issues with the American Elite. I would say they’re very close to equals with the edge in cold performance to the C3.
Thank you
does anyone have date code numbers as to when the gen 2 started production? i have a front date code of 1622 and a rear of 4222...
I believe the new production was after week 26. I could be wrong tho
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 just got a reply from Michelin...."
The newer compound Commander III tires will have a DOT of 1322 or newer. So yes, you have the 2nd generation, Commander III tires. "
My front is a 33/22 but has the old tread pattern.
Explain that.
Do you know if the first generation Commander still being sold or did they pull them off the market?
Looking for a new rear tire and wondering if I should be concerned. Pictures on the up cycles web look like first generation
Jp
I’d have to assume they’re still out there. Best to check manufacturing dates in the tire if you want the newest version.
How do you like these vs the American Elites you used to have?
Honestly they are very similar. The Michelin I feel has more grip in cooler weather, as the Dunlop does take more time to heat up. IMO
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 When I replace the stock tires on my 21 RKS, I want to get one I won't have to change every 10k
I know this comment thread has some age on it, but what is the date of manufacture for the Gen 2 Commander III's that we should be looking for?
I believe I posted on Jasper Taal’s question what the date codes were on the ones I received. Hope this helps.
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 Got it. Thanks!
I called up Michelin Canada a few days before and the lady on the phone told me any tires from 1322 and after should be gen2
How do we know we aren’t getting the gen 1 every where I’ve looked this tire up it dose not specify wether it’s the 1st or 2nd gen???
Have to see the tread pattern or the manufacturer date codes. Should be later 2022
@@sinisterspeedco.3637 thank you man, just bought a new bike and I want to buy some tires that can last long and perform.
I just bought some what was the name of your suspension?
@@stephsimartinez164 Wilber’s LDC Nivomat!! Best the planet has to offer at the moment.
I have the Commander 2 and that's EXACTLY the problem I am currently experiencing in the front end. 🤯 I thought I was losing my mind or something bad was wrong with the front end, but after extensive troubleshooting, I can only attribute it to the tires. 😡 Looks like I'll have to buy yet another set. NOT this brand, ever again. 😢 Thanks for the video. 👍 I do ride in the rain, but with the two series, I have NO conference in them. I literally feel like I'm going to slide out when turning and taking off at an intersection. Not a good feeling on an 800 lb motorcycle.
What number did you call at Michelin and who did you deal with?
I didn’t. They contacted me.
Is that the sand pearl white
No. It’s called “Shattered Flake”!!
I guess I'm old school, but In my way of thinking tire's should have tread on all the contact area of a tire. Having pretty much a bald patch in the middle of the tire, doesn't do it for me. I have a set of the mich 3 on a Kawasaki Voyager, with 3200 miles on them and they do not inspire the confidence I feel on Dunlap or Pirelli tires. I haven't had them in the rain, and that's fine with me.,,
I was also one to purchase the original commander III tires, with the same HORRIBLE experience. buzzed and vibrated. First front tire also bounced like a pogo stick. Would not warranty it or refund my money. Never will I buy another Michelin product.
Any opinion on putting these on a gold wing
Hey Michelin. Send me a pair. I will advertise for wing riders everywhere.
I let put a set DOT 22 and DOT 23 (fr) comm3 at my HD Ultra Limited 2021. Now i have a terrible vibration in handlebar, floorboards and whole the bike. This between 40 and 90 km per hour. It is only riding straight…when i go a little left and right…it disappears. It looks just like driving over a ridged white line, so to speak.... I get and keep terribly tingly hands and forearms....this lasts for hours!!!
The store will mount another one,….but….and here is the big butt! He said, when Michelin does not accept the claim i have to pay again….! I will buy an tire at the dealer because i have a motorweekend and the store has not time for me! So…i bring this crap tire to michelin myself!!!, 🫵🏻👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼