After deciding it was time to upgrade from my worn OEM Dunlops — something I covered in Do I Need New Motorcycle Tires? Choosing a Replacement After OEM Dunlops — and after explaining why I chose the Michelin Commander III Touring Tires over the Pirelli Night Dragons in my comparison review, the final step was getting them mounted and balanced.

This post covers the installation process and my first impressions once the Commander IIIs hit the pavement.

Finding a Local Shop: American Motorcycle Repairs (Parkersburg, WV)

I enjoy doing my own wrenching, but tire mounting is one of those jobs where the right equipment makes all the difference. After checking around, I went with American Motorcycle Repairs in Parkersburg, WV — a small, rider‑focused shop that knows how to handle modern touring tires.

They were familiar with the Commander III Touring line, got me scheduled quickly, and treated the wheels with care. No scratches, no rushed work, and the balancing was spot‑on. If you’re in the Mid‑Ohio Valley and need tire mounting or general motorcycle service, they’re a solid local resource.

Mounting & Balancing the Michelin Commander III Touring Tires…The right tools make a difference

The Commander IIIs have stiff sidewalls, but with a proper tire machine and bead blaster, the shop made quick work of the install.

Rotation Direction & Balance Dot

They aligned the rotation arrow and balance dot perfectly — small details that matter for long‑term performance and easier balancing.

Bead Seating

The tires seated evenly with a clean double pop, and the bead line around the rim was uniform.

Balancing

Their static balancing setup was dialed in. The wheels spun freely, and the weights were placed precisely opposite the heavy spots. These tires balanced easier than the Dunlops they replaced.

First Ride Impressions

Once the tires were mounted and balanced, I took the bike out for a shakedown ride. The improvements were immediate:

• Smoother turn‑in
• More planted mid‑corner feel
• Better bump absorption
• No rain riding yet

Everything I wrote in my earlier review about choosing these tires held true once they were actually on the bike.

If you haven’t read that comparison yet, check out Why I Chose the Michelin Commander III Touring Tires — it explains exactly why these tires fit my riding style.

Final Thoughts

This completes the three‑part tire journey:

1. Recognizing worn OEM Dunlops
2. Choosing the right replacement tire
3. Installing and mounting the new tires

Now that the Michelin Commander III Touring tires are mounted, balanced, stand by for more thoughts on the performance of these tires as we go on a 1000+ mile trip.