I'm currently running the Metzler ME880's:
Front 120/70-21
Rear 200/50zr 17

I'm looking to switch to the Michelin Commander II's, but they do not make a Rear 200/50zr/17, they offer a Rear 200/55-17.

I realize it's roughly a 1/4" difference in height, but are there any other things I need to look into (advantages/ disadvantages, fit, etc.) before pulling the purchase trigger?

Any insight would be appreciated!

 

I had a ME880 on the front and lasted longer than any tire. Needed a new front. Called dealer and all he had was 3 Dunlops 402. $145 with free mounting. So said what the heck, went in and he did not have them. Said he did not realize they were on order. Gave me a Commander and took 15 off for a price match. (Yesterday) Tire is sort of skimpy compared to Metzler and especially Dunlop. Took 4 times the weight to balance and still fills buzzy ($20 which was not included in free mounting no less). I jacked it up and it has about 1/16" runout. Probably the buzz I fill. May sound like Michelin would be quality but appears to be junk from Thailand which is where it is made. My rear Michelin was made in Spain. It howls like crazy in a hard turn.

 

 

......... my experience as well
.... got 8k on my last rear tire & came back from Nebr to find cords coming thru.
........ i'm going back to Dunlop when this set wears thin.
..... wish that they made a dual material rear for the pre '09 bikes

 

We had issues with the Michelin 200/55/17 on a newer bagger. It seems to be a bit wider and thus sits extremely close to the belt or hits the belt and it also was rubbing the bracket that mounts the saddlebag brackets to the bike. I won't mount this tire on a 17x6.25 for a newer bagger for this reason.

Sure if you have mechanical ability you can shim the wheel a little but for the every day customer looking for a good bolt on option this is not it. Your mileage will probably double with the Michelin though.

 

Exactly the information I was looking for...THANK YOU!!!

 

The Pirelli Night Dragon comes in a 200/55/17 as well I just noticed. I have not tried one of those yet. It has a 78V load rating which is very close to the stock rating of 81. Something else to check out. I am not sure if it will fit like a Metzeler or not.

 

As far as mileage the Night Dragon is the second best tire to the MC II. The ME 880 ride was good but mileage sucked.

 

You always gotta consider a bagger weighs an extra couple of hundred pounds over a softail as well.

 

Sure I understand that but why with the same rear tire does the softail wear out faster?