Michelin Commander III Touring Tires
Michelin Commander III Touring: Unrivaled Longevity for the Modern Bagger
For the rider who lives for the cross-country haul, the Michelin Commander III Touring represents the pinnacle of tire technology. While the Cruiser version of the Commander III is designed for nimbler bikes, the Touring version is a reinforced masterpiece specifically engineered to handle the massive weight and high torque of Harley-Davidson Touring, Road King, and Ultra models. Michelin’s mission was simple: create a tire that delivers industry-leading mileage while providing a level of wet-weather safety that was previously thought impossible for a high-mileage tire.
The Science of Wet-Weather Confidence
Touring riders often face unpredictable weather, and the Commander III Touring is ready for it. By utilizing a 100% Silica Tread Compound, Michelin has achieved a breakthrough in “mechanical grip” on wet surfaces. This allows the tire to remain flexible enough to bite into the asphalt even in cold, rainy conditions, significantly shortening stopping distances compared to the Commander II. The tread pattern features an optimized void ratio that maximizes the contact patch, ensuring that your Milwaukee-Eight or Twin Cam stays planted during high-speed highway travel in the rain.
Commander III Touring Technical Specifications
- Durability: New carcass architecture designed to eliminate “scalloping” and uneven wear.
- Aramid Shield: High-density fiber crown ply for stability and weight reduction.
- Premium Touch: Patented laser-etched sidewall design for a deep black, high-end finish.
- Longevity: Proven to offer superior tread life compared to leading premium competitors.
Expert Installation & Pressure Management
As a premium touring tire, the Commander III Touring requires precise maintenance to reach its 20,000+ mile potential. Pro Tip: These tires are highly sensitive to Cold Tire Pressure (PSI). For a heavy Bagger like a Road Glide Limited, we recommend 38-40 PSI in the front and 40-42 PSI in the rear. Running even slightly low can cause the high-density casing to generate excessive heat, which leads to premature wear. Performance Note: Many riders transitioning from the Commander II notice that the III has a more “v-shaped” profile. This makes the bike feel much lighter and easier to tip into corners—a welcome upgrade for heavy touring rigs that can often feel sluggish in the twisties.
Why It Is the Smart Choice for Long-Distance Riders
The Michelin Commander III Touring is more than a tire; it is an investment in your riding season. By providing a “set-it-and-forget-it” level of reliability, it allows you to focus on the journey rather than your maintenance schedule. The Premium Touch Technology on the sidewall ensures your bike looks showroom-ready, while the internal engineering ensures you have the stability needed for high-speed interstate travel and heavy 2-up riding. It is the gold standard for the rider who demands the very best in safety and longevity.
Always verify your specific load rating requirements. The Commander III Touring is specifically reinforced for bikes equipped with hard saddlebags and tour-paks. For lighter cruisers without luggage, refer to the “Cruiser” version of the Commander III.
Michelin Commander 3 Touring Tires
- Engineered for V-twin and cruiser touring motorcycles seeking exceptional longevity and all weather performance
- Silica Rain Technology for remarkable wet grip and prevention of uneven wear patterns
- Amplified Density Technology in the casing for enhanced rider feedback, handling and maneuverability
- Aramid fiber crown ply for increased durability, stability at speed and reduced tire mass
- Delivers improved wet weather performance and even greater longevity than the acclaimed Commander II
- Numerous longitudinal tread grooves optimize water dispersal for superior wet traction
- Premium ”velvet” sidewall detailing for a distinctive, stylish look that complements cruiser aesthetics
- Square bead wires improve casing rigidity, handling and ease of installation
- Available in “Reinforced” for heavyweight touring bikes, two-up riding, or when required by OEM specifications
Please Note: The Commander III “Touring” and Commander III “Cruiser” are unique tires. Each model features a specific set of sizes, distinct sidewall designs and slightly different tread patterns.
| Product Style | AmericanV-twin Item # | Catalog Number | Store Sku | MFR. Product # | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front / 120/70 R 19 60V TL/TT | 90985 | 510-3055 | 16413 | 70059 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / 120/70 B 21 68H Reinforced TL/TT | 90986 | 510-3054 | 70890 | 72329 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / 130/70 B 18 63H TL/TT | 90988 | 510-3057 | 70891 | 96618 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / 130/80 B 17 65H TL/TT | 90989 | 510-3058 | 70889 | 80126 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / 130/90 B 16 73H Reinforced TL/TT | 90990 | 510-3059 | 11049 | 60801 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / MH90 21 54H TL/TT | 790991 | 510-3060 | 11051 | 49456 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / MT90 B 16 72H TL/TT | 90992 | 510-3061 | 11052 | 72682 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Front / 130/60B19 61H TL/TT | 15954 | 510-3056 | 70893 | 44850 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Rear / 180/55 B 18 80H Reinforced TL/TT | 90993 | 510-3062 | 60894 | 21372 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Rear / 180/65 B 16 81H Reinforced TL/TT | 90994 | 510-3063 | 65880 | 25162 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Rear / MT90 B 16 74H Reinforced TL/TT | 90995 | 510-3064 | 11053 | 53208 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
| Rear / MU85 B 16 77H Reinforced TL/TT | 90996 | 510-3065 | 11054 | 14070 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
Resources
Michelin Commander III Touring Tires Resources












