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pushrod · 12-30-2009, 02:10 PM

My Avon Storm rear tire is getting a bit worn, and I'm not real happy with the mileage I got out of it. The handling is a peach, though.

And since the LOML just got a 'new' Land Yacht for Christmas, the money is a bit tight.

The shop dude told me I should put a Shinko Raven on the bike. He said they are a pretty good tire, and a good bit cheaper than the Big Guys. Supposedly, they are either the old Yokohama motorcycle molds and formula, or the whole operation. Japanese management, Korean manufacture.

Anyhow, a perusal of the 'Net offers precious little first-hand reporting of the tires quality and performance.

Anyone have experience with the brand?

Maybe the Duke-ster will send me a set to evaluate? No curves 'round here, though.

(Cue the Flying Monkeys!)

-

sarnali2 · 12-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Shinko, Cheng-Shin and Kenda are all second tier tires. Basically round and black with notches in them, as a general rule they are very hard compound so they wear like iron however traction is also going to be like an iron wheel. If you don't have a lot of twisties or rain riding they'll get you down the road for cheap but I wouldn't really trust them for any serious performance riding.

Better to go to Cycle gear or M.A.W and get the best price on a pair of Pilot Roads...

The_AirHawk · 12-30-2009, 04:32 PM

I don't know about that particular model - but I've used the Shinko "Podium" on The Wife's old Ninja.

Not bad traction, the compound didn't go-away in the hot summer, it didn't feel vague or anything in the wet - but I/we never rode on them below ~65deg F or so. Better than the Avon Azarro's I had on my FZ6 for its third (fourth?) set.

They were still on the bike when I sold it - probably had 3500-4000 (mem'ry) miles on 'em, looked to have another maybe ~3000 in 'em.

My only complaint was the nylon plies would flatspot overnight, and the tire would feel a bit out-of-balance until it warmed up. Probably bumping-up the pressure 5psi would help a bit - but at the expense of grip.

Like Snarli said - second tier. Not bad tires for the money, I'd buy them again if I had a lightweight "commuter" bike.

seruzawa · 12-30-2009, 08:33 PM

According to what I read Shinko tires are Yokohama tires. I've seen stuff on the sportbike forums where guys claim they are decent tires. I'm going to put a set on my ZRX1100 next spring and check them out. Since they are half-price of the Pilot Roads I think it's worth a try.

longride · 12-31-2009, 05:31 AM

Busa guys use Shinko tires alot. Seems like they are a good drag race tire or something. I got a set for my Knuck believe it or not because they make a great Firestone baloon tire copy with the zig zag tread, and they were all of 60 bucks a tire.

Kenneth_Moore · 12-31-2009, 05:35 AM

There are a few negative reports on their dual sport tires at the VStrom website. Tread blocks breaking off and low mileage were the complaints I recall.

pushrod · 12-31-2009, 06:12 AM

I'm seriously considering the brand. Especially since cornering is not a big issue around here.

MOKE1K · 12-31-2009, 11:05 AM

Shinko is a popular Drag Race tire. Its real only value is the fact that the compound is so hard it doesnt wear out, even after excessive burn outs. Absolutely correct on the cornering ability of the tire. None, I put tremendous trust in the tires I purchase as we all do but I would make sure theres not something else out there thats comparable. Don't get suckered by the cheap price. Crash damage is always more expensive than tires.

pplassm · 12-31-2009, 09:01 PM

I have a set of Ravens on my Speed Triple. I have no complaints, but I have only ridden about 1000 miles on them, and I don't push my bikes too hard on the street.

I have heard the track compound Shinkos aren't bad, so I'd probably use them if I wanted great traction.

pushrod · 01-01-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pplassm

I have a set of Ravens on my Speed Triple. I have no complaints, but I have only ridden about 1000 miles on them, and I don't push my bikes too hard on the street.

I have heard the track compound Shinkos aren't bad, so I'd probably use them if I wanted great traction.

What did you replace with the Raven's?

Did you note any differences in ride or handling?

12-30-2009, 02:10 PM	#1
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,635	Shinko Tires? My Avon Storm rear tire is getting a bit worn, and I'm not real happy with the mileage I got out of it. The handling is a peach, though. And since the LOML just got a 'new' Land Yacht for Christmas, the money is a bit tight. The shop dude told me I should put a Shinko Raven on the bike. He said they are a pretty good tire, and a good bit cheaper than the Big Guys. Supposedly, they are either the old Yokohama motorcycle molds and formula, or the whole operation. Japanese management, Korean manufacture. Anyhow, a perusal of the 'Net offers precious little first-hand reporting of the tires quality and performance. Anyone have experience with the brand? Maybe the Duke-ster will send me a set to evaluate? No curves 'round here, though. (Cue the Flying Monkeys!) - __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb. Last edited by pushrod : 12-30-2009 at 02:32 PM.

12-30-2009, 04:06 PM	#2
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,639	Shinko, Cheng-Shin and Kenda are all second tier tires. Basically round and black with notches in them, as a general rule they are very hard compound so they wear like iron however traction is also going to be like an iron wheel. If you don't have a lot of twisties or rain riding they'll get you down the road for cheap but I wouldn't really trust them for any serious performance riding. Better to go to Cycle gear or M.A.W and get the best price on a pair of Pilot Roads... __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "Denser alloy. My Father gave it to me, I think he wants me to kill you"... CVF-FCV

12-30-2009, 04:32 PM	#3
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leanin' Tower O' P-P-P-P-POWAAAAAAAAA!!!! Posts: 11,423	I don't know about that particular model - but I've used the Shinko "Podium" on The Wife's old Ninja. Not bad traction, the compound didn't go-away in the hot summer, it didn't feel vague or anything in the wet - but I/we never rode on them below ~65deg F or so. Better than the Avon Azarro's I had on my FZ6 for its third (fourth?) set. They were still on the bike when I sold it - probably had 3500-4000 (mem'ry) miles on 'em, looked to have another maybe ~3000 in 'em. My only complaint was the nylon plies would flatspot overnight, and the tire would feel a bit out-of-balance until it warmed up. Probably bumping-up the pressure 5psi would help a bit - but at the expense of grip. Like Snarli said - second tier. Not bad tires for the money, I'd buy them again if I had a lightweight "commuter" bike. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

12-30-2009, 08:33 PM	#4
seruzawa The Toad Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 17,395	According to what I read Shinko tires are Yokohama tires. I've seen stuff on the sportbike forums where guys claim they are decent tires. I'm going to put a set on my ZRX1100 next spring and check them out. Since they are half-price of the Pilot Roads I think it's worth a try. __________________ http://www.badmovies.org/movies/deadalive/ I kick @ss for the Lord!

12-31-2009, 05:31 AM	#5
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Busa guys use Shinko tires alot. Seems like they are a good drag race tire or something. I got a set for my Knuck believe it or not because they make a great Firestone baloon tire copy with the zig zag tread, and they were all of 60 bucks a tire. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

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12-31-2009, 05:35 AM	#6
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	There are a few negative reports on their dual sport tires at the VStrom website. Tread blocks breaking off and low mileage were the complaints I recall. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

12-31-2009, 06:12 AM	#7
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,635	I'm seriously considering the brand. Especially since cornering is not a big issue around here. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

12-31-2009, 11:05 AM	#8
MOKE1K Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kalapana, Big Island Posts: 3,992	Shinko is a popular Drag Race tire. Its real only value is the fact that the compound is so hard it doesnt wear out, even after excessive burn outs. Absolutely correct on the cornering ability of the tire. None, I put tremendous trust in the tires I purchase as we all do but I would make sure theres not something else out there thats comparable. Don't get suckered by the cheap price. Crash damage is always more expensive than tires. __________________ "YOU CAN'T BOLT ON SKILL"

12-31-2009, 09:01 PM	#9
pplassm Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,875	I have a set of Ravens on my Speed Triple. I have no complaints, but I have only ridden about 1000 miles on them, and I don't push my bikes too hard on the street. I have heard the track compound Shinkos aren't bad, so I'd probably use them if I wanted great traction. __________________ Mongo just pawn in game of life.