GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 2, 2012) – Today, Michelin Motorcycle Tires launches the MICHELIN® Commander® II tire. Available immediately in 15 sizes in bias and radial construction, the Commander II tire offers a new standard in cruiser tire longevity and uncompromised handling and stability.
A recurring issue with tires for the Cruiser market is tire life, most notably with the rear tire. Michelin chemists and tire-engineers were able to develop a new rubber compound without aromatic oils to meet the long mileage demands of cruiser consumers. Further, third-party tests show that the MICHELIN® Commander® II rear tire lasts almost twice as long as its main competitors.*
The new compound also helps achieve remarkable wet grip performance without compromising mileage.
The MICHELIN Commander II tire also features a rigid, high-density carcass architecture, called Amplified Density Technology (ADT), which allows for exceptional maneuverability and feedback to the rider. An aramid fiber applied to the crown ply of the rear tire allows a lower weight while providing stability at high speeds** by resisting growth.
The Commander II tire utilizes a square-bead sidewall, which gives additional stability and provides easier installation. Impressive water dispersal characteristics are provided by longitudinal grooves in the tire tread pattern, enhancing grip in wet conditions.
All of these features, including the stylish sidewall and tread pattern, resulted in the Commander II tire debuting as original-equipment on the iconic Indian Chief Blackhawk Motorcycle.
"The Commander II tire raises the bar for what consumers can expect from a Cruiser tire, with unmatched longevity as well as style and stability," said Gary Midkiff, vice president of sales and marketing for Michelin North America's two wheel division.
**Exceeding the safe, legal speed limit is neither recommended nor endorsed.
Currently available MICHELIN® Commander II® tire sizes include:
Front
1130/90 B16 73H Reinf.
120/90 B17 64S
130/80 B17 65H
100/90 B19 57H
80/90-21 54H
Rear
140/90 B15 76H Reinf.
150/90 B15 74H
170/80 B15 77H
130/90 B16 73H Reinf.
150/80 B16 77H Reinf.
140/90 B16 77H Reinf.
180/65 B16 81H Reinf.
140/75 R17 67V Radial
160/70 B17 73V
200/55 R17 78V Radial
* Tests conducted by Texas Test Fleet in 2011 on public roads comparing MICHELIN® Commander® II, METZELER ME880 and the DUNLOP D407/D408 in sizes 130/80 B 17 (front) and 180/65 B 16 (rear). Individual results may vary depending on motorcycle type and operating conditions.