hough certain Michelin Commander and Macadam 50 tires have been approved fitments on select Harley-Davidson motorcycles for some time now, some Big Twin dealers may still be unfamiliar with Michelin cruiser tires. Many dealers will have their first opportunity to take a close look at Michelin tires at the upcoming V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati.
     Just what is it that sets Michelin tires apart from other brands? To start with, there’s Michelin’s unmatched reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Michelin has earned more than four times as many J.D. Power and Associates awards as all other tire makers combined.
     Michelin Commander tires may be some of the most extensively tested tires ever. Before the tires’ public introduction, Michelin conducted controlled tests across the United States, using 420 motorcycles fitted with various Commander prototypes and competitors’ tires, to gather data through real-world use. Cumulative mileage of these tests amounted to more than half-a-million miles, covered both by professional test riders and actual Harley-Davidson owners.
     This exhaustive research and development process led to innovations in tread design, rubber compounds and construction, endowing Commander tires with exceptional handling and mileage, even under the extreme load and torque of heavyweight cruisers.
     Commander tread patterns were designed to optimize traction on both wet and dry roads. Deep lateral grooves efficiently evacuate water from the contact patch, while offset central tread channels on both front and rear tires help drain water longitudinally and minimize sensitivity to rain grooves.
     Michelin’s extensive racing experience led to the development of the synthetic polymers used in the Commander tires’ rubber compounds, which help provide superb cornering grip as well as outstanding tread life.
     The casing plies of all Commander tires are made of supple-yet-strong rayon, which helps provide a smooth, comfortable ride while also contributing to the tire’s stability.
     In addition, rear Commander tires use crossed aramid belts under the tread. These belts help resist centrifugation, or tire growth, at higher speeds, so the size of the contact patch remains consistent for a secure, planted feeling. “Aramid is the ideal material to enhance the integrity of the tire’s carcass without adding unnecessary weight,” said Lisa Guest, communications manager for Michelin motorcycle tires, adding that minimizing a tire’s rotating weight results in responsive acceleration, braking and handling.
     The rounded profile of the Commander’s casing is designed for smooth transitions during cornering, and easy low-speed maneuverability, according to Guest. Yet the Commander’s impressive stability inspires rider confidence at highway speeds.
For 2008, Michelin has added a new 160/70-17 rear size to its Macadam 50 range of bias-ply sport touring tires. This new size was developed specifically as a replacement tire for many Softail Deuce and Dyna models that are equipped with 17-inch rear wheels.
     Macadam 50 tires have long been renowned for excellent grip under a wide range of conditions, especially in wet weather. Yet the advanced tread compound of Macadam 50 tires helps deliver exceptional mileage. Like Commander rear tires, the ‘V’ speed-rated 160/70-17 Macadam 50 tire features an aramid belt under the tread for stability and even wear patterns.
     When you combine Michelin’s reputation for quality and performance, its approved fitments for many Harley-Davidson models, and Drag Specialties’ renowned service and selection, Michelin Commander and Macadam 50 tires offer a winning proposition for dealers. Be sure to visit Michelin at booth 901 at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati.

Harley-Davidson Approved Michelin Fitments
Front Commander MH90-21 Blackwall
Fits ‘95-‘05 FXST, FXSTC, FXSTB, FXSTS, ‘00-‘07 FXSTD (except ‘04 FXSTDSE2), ‘06-‘08 FXDWG, ‘04-‘08 XL 883/1200 Custom models.
Front Commander 100/90-19 Blackwall
Fits ‘02-‘08 Dyna (except FXDWG, ‘07-‘08 FXDSE, ‘08 FXDF), ‘04-‘08 XL (except Custom) models.
Front Commander MT90B16 Blackwall
Fits ‘81-‘08 FL Touring, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTN, FLSTS (except ‘07-‘08 FLHRSE, ‘07-‘08 FLSTF) models.
Rear Commander MT90B16 Blackwall
Fits ‘81-‘03 FL Touring, FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTS (except ‘03 FLSTS), ‘95-‘02 FXSTC, FXSTS and ‘81-‘08 CLE, TLE/Ultra Sidecar models.
Rear Commander MU85B16 Blackwall
Fits ‘04-‘08 FL Touring (except ‘07-‘08 FLHRSE), ‘05-‘08 FLSTN models.
Rear Commander 150/80-16 Blackwall
‘02-‘05 Dyna, ‘03-‘05 Softail (except FXSTD, FLSTS, FLSTN), ‘06-‘08 FLSTC, ‘04-‘08 XL models.
Rear Macadam 50 160/70-17 Blackwall
Fits ‘00-‘07 FXSTD (except ‘04 FXSTDSE2), ‘06-‘08 Dyna (except ‘07-‘08 FXDSE, ‘08 FXDF) models.

Commander Tires Aren’t Just For Harleys
While Harley-Davidson has made Michelin Commander and Macadam 50 tires approved fitments on many of its bikes, Michelin is quick to point out that Commander tires are available in a wide range of sizes covering many popular cruisers, both traditional and metric.
Front Size: Primary fitment:
130/90-16 Kawasaki Vulcan VN800 Classic & Drifter, VN1500 Classic & Drifter; Suzuki VL800 Volusia, VZ800 Marauder; Yamaha V-Star Classic 650/1100, XV1600 Road Star
MT90 B 16 Harley-Davidson FL-series Touring
150/80-16 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad; Yamaha XV1600 Royal Star
100/90-18 BMW R850 C, R1200 C
110/90-18 Triumph Bonneville America, Yamaha XVS 1100 V-Star
90/90-19 Older Harley-Davidson Sportster, Super Glide, Low Rider (non-approved fitment)
3.00-19 Yamaha XV 535 Virago
100/90-19 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna; Honda VT600 Shadow; Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD, VN700, VN750, VN1500; Suzuki VS700 & VS750 Intruder, Boulevard S50; Yamaha V-Star Custom, 750/1000/1100 Virago
110/90-19 Suzuki Intruder 1400, Boulevard S83
80/90-21 Kawasaki Vulcan VN 800 A; Suzuki VS 750 GLP & VS 800 GL Intruder
MH90-21 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Softail, Dyna
Rear Size: Primary fitment:
140/90-15 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD; Suzuki Intruder 700/750/800, Boulevard S50; Yamaha Virago 535/750/1000/1100
150/90-15 Kawasaki Vulcan 700/750/1500; Suzuki Marauder 800; Yamaha Royal Star Venture/Tour Deluxe
170/80-15 BMW R850 C, R1200 C; Honda VT600 C Shadow; Suzuki VL800 Volusia, Intruder 1400, Boulevard M50, C50, S83; Triumph Bonneville America; Yamaha V-Star Classic & Custom 650/1100
MT90 B 16 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Softail, Dyna, Touring
130/90-16 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Softail, Dyna
MU85B-16 Harley-Davidson Touring
140/90-16 Kawasaki 800 Vulcan, Drifter
150/80-16 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, Softail; Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Nomad, Drifter; Yamaha XV 1600 Road Star