Michelin Introduces New Commander® II Tire for Cruiser Motorcycles

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

130/90 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

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs 21,400 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.