So for those running the michelin commander ll 200 55 17.

Do you think the same size in other brands would work as well? I was thinking they would all manufacture slightly different shapes or contours to the tires. or is there just enough room?

I'm sick of tryin to find a 180 its nuts!

I ran several of the M C 2's in 200 width and they wore well and no problems with them at all. I dont know about other 200's.

Id like to try a Dunlop Elite 200 55 17. it has a higher weight rating

I have seen on the forums where people have done the 200s, but the Michelin Road 4s and Road 5s were getting great reviews so I just went with those. I doubt I even have 1,000 miles on them yet but so far I have been impressed. Not trying to steer you away from the 200s, just passing along what I did. I definitely felt an immediate difference in the turning with the narrower front, though I am so used to it now that I forget what it was like on the Dunlops. I just remember that (right after putting on the 120) being able to very quickly change the lean angle, the bike suddenly felt much more nimble in comparison! I've had these on grooved pavement, tar snakes, bridge grates, and even unpaved roads and felt just as confident as the Dunlops, if not more so.

• • Rear: Road 5 - 180/55ZR17 73W
  • Front: Road 5 Trail - 120/70ZR19 60W

I wouldn't go bigger than a 190... It can affect the handling..

I have commander II’s on a lighter motorcycle ... is the pilot better for the Valkyrie ? I have experienced superior handling with the commander II’s on tar snakes and road grooves etc

Wish I could say! I've never run the Commanders so unfortunately I can't compare them to the Pilots.
Hopefully someone else on the forum has run both (on a Valk) to weigh in on this?

Well after much contemplation I ordered the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 in a 190 55 17 75W Instead of the 180 55 17 73W. A Friend of mine is a service manager at a Honda dealer and though he has not yet had any Valks in for tires. We both felt this was a good choice and competitor to the Michelin pilot 4 GT. I should have it this weekend and will try to install it and get some feed back for you all as time marches on.

I appreciate all your comments. I thought sure I would get the commander ll in 200 but not this time.

The tire Dunlop Roadsmart lll in 190 55 17 fit and I have 60 miles on it which is nothing but the ride home from the dealer. To soon to give much detail of course but here is my first thoughts, the bike seems taller in the rear, stiffer in the rear, was tippy at first but was great after about 35 or 40 miles. it looks good. I think it might be a good tire, but again way too soon. I just had a minute and thought I'd share.

everything we do to our scoots affect handling. some things improve and some things detract.. by handling , do you mean carving? if so, then everything we do to lighten, lower, improve suspension and steering response is a positive. big heavy tires detract from quick steering and carving.. at speed. you can still carve the benders at lower / legal speeds.
If you mean, long distance traveling, most everything we do to increase creature comfort (tire size does) improves our attention and reduces fatigue which has overall affect on handling.
everything affects everything. we have to find the balance or what is called the "sweet spot" of our individual requirements.. but yes, tire choice and size does affect handling.