Optional Rear Tire Size for the 2009 and newer Voyager

[1st one]

The Original rear tire on a 2009 or newer Voyager is 170/70/16
Size ------------- Sidewall-----Radius-----Diameter-------Circumference-------Revolutions-------Speedometer
170/70/16 ------4.7 "----------12.7"-------25.4 "---------79.7 "----------------795/mi------------60 mph
180/65/16-------4.6 "----------12.6"-------25.2 "---------79.2 "----------------800/mi------------60 mph
160/60/16-------5.0 "----------13.0"-------26.1 "---------81.2 "----------------773/mi------------58 mph

Michelin Commander 2 claims to almost double the mileage of the Metzler 880
You can get a commander 2 in the 180/65/16B the only thing is the preferred rim width is 5.00 in.
Please note that the 170 and the 180 are the very much same, look at the above info!
My point is I want to switch to the 180/65/16 and I would like some good old fashioned feedback so as I don't end up in the ditch. The only issues I see are rim width of 5.0 in and the extra 10 mm in tire width

[HMB Don]

I'll be needing a new rear tire soon. Saw the add for the Michelin Commander II, 180 size went to there web site got same info. I then called there 800 number and spoke to some one about the 180 mounted to a 4 1/2 inch rim. The reply was only a 5 inch rim, I asked about a 5.5 inch rim again the reply was only 5 inch rim. There covering them selfs, I then asked about Michelin producing a 170 size. The person I was speaking to told me that I was the first person to request a 170 size in the Commander II.

So how about it guys, would you call Michelin and requst that they start make a 170 size for the Voyager. I'm going with a 160 size Dunlop E3 for the rear. For me it's because I used E3s on the 1200 Voyager and was getting 22 to 25k on rear tires pulling a trailer. But I ride slow 65 to 67 mph, there are times I get the urge to wick it up on a winding road.

Don Medina
2012 Voyager 1700

[veeger]

It seems there are few OEM spec'd rear tires available but I came across this one the other day:
Dunlop Rear K555 170/70HB-16 Blackwall Tire at Dennis Kirk. Anyone riding this?

veeger

[Kevin B in Illinois]

I saw a Vulcan Voyager at Niehaus with this tire on the rear and a Dunlop 402 on the front (it said Harley Davidson on the side wall , but they offer the 402 without the Harley Davidson side wall lettering, although mysteriously it seems to be priced about $15 more without the Harley Davidson lettering). I am running a K491 Elite 2 on the rear and a 402 on the front (without HD lettering). The K491 Elite 2's are still available at J and P cycle and Dennis Kirk as well as Parts Unlimited. Suprisingly the build date was newer than the Bridgestone Exedra that I pulled off the bike. Dunlop's have always provided decent mileage. I am curious about the new Michelin Commander tires on the Voyager 1700 and would like to see the mileage that these new tires get. Hope someone posts some results and feedback.

Kevin Braddy
IPVMC
President