[Afta]

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!

 

[Firefight100]

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.

 

[Afta]

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

 

[bparish]

So for those running the michelin commander ll 200 55 17.
I'm sick of tryin to find a 180 its nuts!

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

 

[Rich Wentz]

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

 

[ashram1974]

So for those running the michelin commander ll 200 55 17.
I'm sick of tryin to find a 180 its nuts!

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 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

 

[bparish]

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?

 

[Afta]

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.

 

[Afta]

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.

 

[Poncho]

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

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.

 

[DillPickle311]

"Dunlop Elite 200 55 17"

I run it but had to remove a rear mounting that it was scrubbing on. These tires on the valk's make noise. I can dig it and expect it. The Dunlops last a long time if you keep the air right and check for silly little nails. I had almost 20,000 on one of them. This last one is barely making 12,000 and consider it to be a little different than one I had before.

 

[Rich Wentz]

I'm currently running a 200 on my rear. Not by choice but was of necessity. Caught a flat and that was the closest the shop had to fit my bike. It wound up working out. The first 50-80 miles seemed more squirrelly than normal but it works just fine. I noticed zero handling difference. Michelin Commander 3s . Good tire.

 

[Afta]

Just getting back on this. After 8500 miles of hard riding, the Roadsmart lll is toasted. It performed well for me and I wouldn't hesitate to try one again. But for now, I'm looking at other tires. Anyone loving their tires?

 

[Afta]

I can't find any heavy touring tires in my area other than the big 200 55 17 Harley Davidson Dunlops in a D401 or D407. After measuring each tire carefully the D401 is slightly more narrow and measures only a 1/8 wider than the current 190 on my bike now. It is now mounted and scheduled to be back on the bike tomorrow. I had to pull the exhaust and bag off of the right side. These tires are exspensive$$$$
As usual, I will get back on the outcome. Please fit please fit! The Michelins to so Dunlops should I hope! )

FYI the Dunlop Roadsmart lll was Toast! performed well to about 8000 miles and I'm not afraid to push this bike or take off hard regularly. For the price, it was worth running to me.

 

[Farther]

According to this tire size calculator, the 200/50R17 is a better fit (compared to the Honda spec Dunlaps) than the 200/55R17.

Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person

www.discounttire.com

 

[Afta]

Well kids the big 200 55 17 Dunlop Harley Davidson D401 fit under my bike without issues. I did pull the left bag and exhaust pipe off to assist with my install. Im running 41 psi and if anyone wants it the torque spec on the lug nuts is 80ftlbs. I put on about 100 miles today without issue the bike feels really good.