ichelin® Commander® and Macadam® 50 tires are available in sizes to fit a wide range of Harley-Davidson models. To help spotlight these exceptional tires, Michelin is giving away a one-of-a-kind, customized 2008 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycle in the Michelin Ride On! Sweepstakes.
This unique bagger has been enhanced with more than $5000 worth of Genuine Harley-Davidson® Accessories, an eye-popping paint job (in Michelin colors, naturally) by Rodney Fowler of Hot Rod Grafixxx in Greer, S.C., and, of course, Michelin Commander tires.
     Entering to win this distinctive touring bike is easy. Just visit the new Michelin Motorcycle Tires website at www.MichelinMotorcycle.com and fill out the Ride On! Sweepstakes entry form. Entries will be accepted through August 31, 2008. And if you want to get a first-hand look at the grand prize, just look for the Michelin truck at these rallies: Daytona Bike Week (February 29 through March 9); Myrtle Beach Bike Week (May 9 through 18); Sturgis (July 28 through August 10); and Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee (August 28 through 31).
     While the Commander tires complement the custom styling of the Ride On! Sweepstakes bike, they’re much more than just a pretty face. Innovations in tread design, rubber compounds and construction endow Commander tires with excellent handling, traction and mileage.
     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, the rear Commander tire helps deliver a solid, planted feeling on the road, thanks to crossed aramid belts under the tread. These belts help resist centrifugation, or tire growth, at highway speeds, so the size of the contact patch remains consistent.
The progressive profile of Commander tires is designed for smooth transitions during cornering, with easy low-speed maneuverability. Yet Commander tires’ impressive stability inspires rider confidence at highway speeds.
     Michelin has added a 160/70-17 rear size to its Macadam 50 range of bias-ply sport touring tires. This 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 a Kevlar® belt under the tread for stability and even wear patterns.
     When you combine Michelin’s reputation for quality and performance, fitments for a wide range of Harley-Davidson® models, and Drag Specialties’ renowned service and selection, Michelin Commander and Macadam 50 tires offer a winning proposition for dealers.