Tire Recommendation V9 Bobber

[Milosh]

I'm looking at the Michelin Commander III or the Metzeler Cruisetecs. Any suggestions?

[faffi]

I have no experience with either, so my answer probably have no relevance. I ran Maxxis Classic M6011 on mine, with a narrower 140/90 in the rear, and was very happy with grip, stability and wear, although they are not as durable as touring tires. Compared to the stock Pirellis, I found the Maxxis to last longer, grip better and react far less to rain groves. YMMV. And they are fairly cheap as well.

[Milosh]

Which Pirellis were stock on yours? I had Continentals on mine. I've heard of people running the Dunlop 404s.

[bad Chad]

I ran a Cruisetec on the rear of my v9 and it was great, sold the bike before it wore out, and had good riding characteristics.

[faffi]

Which Pirellis were stock on yours? I had Continentals on mine. I've heard of people running the Dunlop 404s.

Sport Demons was what it came with from the factory.

[Roman Hordan]

Sport Demons was what it came with from the factory.

Milosh, the Cruisetec comes up a lot for the V9 and the one report here was positive, but it's one rider's experience and "great" doesn't tell you much about wear life or wet grip. The Commander III is a touring-oriented tire, so you'd probably trade some sharpness for longevity, which may suit a bobber that's mostly used for cruising.

Faffi's point about the Maxxis M6011 is worth a look too if you want something cheap. He was happy with grip and stability, though he did say they wear faster than a proper touring tire, so it depends on whether you care more about mileage or price.

If you can, check which rear size your bike takes before ordering. The 140 vs 150 question changes which tires are available, and some of the bobber-specific sizes are limited.

[bad Chad]

The cruisetec still had at least 2K on it when I sold it with 7K already in the books.  It handled well, and in every way was far superior to the Demons that came stock.

[Moparnut72]

My V7lll came with Sport Demons as did my T120. Worst tires I have ever owned. Followed every groove and seam in the road and couldn't make 5,000 miles.
kk

[kingoffleece]

Sport Demons are the Evil Empire of tires.  Avoid at all costs.

[Guzzidad]

     My 17 Bobber came with Continental Contimilestones. Only 4200 miles on them so far but no discernible wear.