[Barry_Barker]

I'm looking at the Metzeler ME888 or the Michelin Commander IIs. What's the difference between the two on performance, wear, & cost? Also, where's the best place to order from?

The Metzeler is a radial tire just like the OEM tire that comes on the XC. Radial tires are one of the many reasons I bought my XR. I like radials for their smooth ride, neutral turn in, and excellent wet weather traction.
The Michelin is a Bias ply tire made for bikes that are not designed for radials, your bike is designed for radials. When was the last time you bought a bias ply tire for your car?

There is no best place, they are all good, some cheaper than others depending on the tire. I like Rocky Mountain.

 

[Wodun]

I'm getting 2 Shinko (Yokahama) Journey tires put on next week. I'll be updating this as the mileage increases. I still have the original tires on this 2014 Vision (it was apparently in storage for a long time) but they have held up well at 12k miles, but safety is a serious thing when you only have 2 tires to keep you alive.

 

[nakota7]

wow this is seriously resurrecting an old post!! Haven't seen or thought about Bigfoot for years.

 

[Chattanooga_Mark]

The new to me 2013 Hard-Ball came with Shinko Journey tires. I’ve only put about 1000 miles on them but they seem like very good tires. Good enough so far that I’d certainly replace them with another set of Shinko going forward. Except I’d put a 160/60R18 up front instead of the oem 130/70 size.

 

[Bikesofbrads]

Our brother from down under’s been beating the shinko drum for awhile, motorbiker has given them many praises as suitable options for these heavy sport touring machines. Guess ain’t many brand options down under, is a new meaning to having your world turned upside down. I mostly notice differences in front tires as the rears all feel relatively similar unless is wet or am solo and get to play without the speed governor kicking in, ie, the wife on the back telling me to slow down.