Shinko Ravens

[Bananas]

Well... the Metzler M4's finally wore out. I had ordered a pair of Shinko Ravens a couple of months ago and now I'm going to get to finally to test them out.

I went for a short hop just to make sure that everything went back together okay and found that they are easier to corner with. What I mean, is that they seem to fall into a turn much easier. Definately a different feel than the M4's.

I'll keep you'all posted as to how they play out over the miles. Hey, for $143.00 delivered to my door (that's front and rear), what the hell. The Aussies seem to like them.

Anybody here tried them yet?

Bananas!

 

[T120TT]

I've got some ready to try when my 020's are done. Keep us posted on how they wear.

 

[twowheelnut]

I'd be interested in your report(s), too. My dealer won't sell them to me. He says he's sold a lot to the lighter, sport bike crowd, but doesn't feel they'll handle the weight of a loaded FJR.

Shinko bought Yokohama's (a well respected name in automotive sport and racing tires) MC tire division a number of years ago and still maintain production and development in Japan. The also have facilities in China, IIRC, as well as their home office on S. Korea. The engineering is prolly sound and the materials are, pretty much, universal, so I'd put the limiting factor - if any- on the manufacturing process and QC...

Where are your tires manufactured?

 

[radman]

Any new tire will offer an amazing improvement over the worn-regardless of brand. The real test is not something I would wish to contemplate: how it holds up on a long, fast, loaded ride, the ride this bike is made to do. This is why tire selection is limited, and why price should not be the determining factor. Be interesting to see how they do-hope your ride report isn't from a hospital bed. Don't get me wrong-this isn't a wish that bad things will happen-just that even good well known tires not made for a heavy fast bike have failed on this platform-and some that were made for it, or so one thought (Conti Road Attack, anyone? ).

 

[Vstar2FJR]

I put a rear on a few weeks ago, and should have about 3000 or more miles on it by the time I get to WFO in Reno. So far, so good as others have stated, and we can take a look at it there. The load rating is the same as the Avon that wore out. With 28K on the 05, this is my 4th rear tire and the most I could squeeze out of a rear Avon was 10K. If I get close to that on the Raven, I'll consider it a success and buy more. I've kept the front Avon on there as there is plenty of meat on it. Don't need to hear from the change 'em both at the same time crowd.

Hey we had a member (can't remember who) that ran the Tomahawk retreads. Initially he had issues, but they were taken care of and I think he was quite satisfied with them. Let's see what his long term update is with them.

 

[Bananas]

TWN,

Too answer your question, they were made in South Korea.

Bananas!

 

[worldbound4now]

I was pondering new tires on a 530 mile ride on Saturday. Then I inspected my rear tire at a gas stop and saw how well I'm wearing across the entire width of the tread on my Avons. They're no racing tire, but they handle well when warmed up. I'd be interested to hear more follow-up on the Shinko Ravens. My experience with Yokohama tires was a one time deal. I purchased a used car with new Yokohama tires on it. Front right tire blew on the way home.

One bad experience will affect this lifetime

 

[worldbound4now]

Is that smiley sticking his tongue at us, or is he licking something....

 

[teerex51]

Bananas,

Keep us informed as you pile up the miles on your set of Shinkos. I guess the critical factor here is the behavior of this tire under full load.

I bought a pair of Ravens myself and I'm now debating whether to put them on.

I remember there was a member of the older forum (Mtnman was his handle) who had Shinko Ravens on and was very impressed with them. He made the very same comment about the ease of cornering -- only he made the comparison with the set of Stones he came from.

I tried to contact him again thru the other forum but it appears he's no longer reachable.

Stef

 

[dcarver]

Any new tire will offer an amazing improvement over the worn-regardless of brand.  The real test is not something I would wish to contemplate: how it holds up on a long, fast, loaded ride, the ride this bike is made to do.  This is why tire selection is limited, and why price should not be the determining factor.  Be interesting to see how they do-hope your ride report isn't from a hospital bed.  Don't get me wrong-this isn't a wish that bad things will happen-just that even good well known tires not made for a heavy fast bike have failed on this platform-and some that were made for it, or so one thought (Conti Road Attack, anyone? ).

Damn good to have Rad back in da houze..

 

[FJRocket]

Hey we had a member (can't remember who) that ran the Tomahawk retreads. Initially he had issues, but they were taken care of and I think he was quite satisfied with them. Let's see what his long term update is with them.

That was me. I gave up on them. First front tire was defective, and quickly replaced by the company. Second tire was also "out of round", but workable. I think I put about 3K miles on it and pitched it.

I'm running Pirelli's now. Just changed out the regular rear for an "E". Got a little over 5K out of the rear and the front is still doing great.

Back to your regular thread.

 

[weekend rider]

Hey I remember when the first Honda car driven around town where I lived in, in 1969 in California and everyone laubhed :haha: :haha: :haha: . Now look at them one of the best and look what we are riding????

Just a reminder how things change for the better

 

[T120TT]

Shinko Raven is recommended for the FJR per their website. I wonder about longevity and grip, especially in the rain.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

"proceed cautiously into uncharted waters" but, good-on-ya for providing such a service. Technically, I guess, none of us should be using any tire that MamaYama doesn't explicitly authorize -- which would be either a Metzeler ... or a 'Stone 020 (factory-fit versions)?

Do you think Yamaha puts the best tires on the bike when it's delivered?

This may be especially true if exploring anywhere near the performance potential of the FJR.

Maybe?, a Shinko/BrandX case could be made for slow-speed commuting and getting the most miles-per-dollar out of the tires?

And... then again... Shinko may be "the hot set-up"? :huh:

 

[Bananas]

For those that are concerned as to the weight rating, the Shinkos are rated exactely the same as the Metzlers (365 kg or 805 lb.) They are also Z rated.

Put a hundred miles on them today going back and forth to work. Had them up to 100 mph and they felt fine. After a hundred miles, all of the little whiskers around the circumference of the tire were still perfectly in place.

I'm getting used to the ease in cornering. The exit ramp off of the interstate that I use every day in which I practice my cornering technique seemed easier to do at the same speed as with the Metzelers. So far I like the tires.

The wife and I are going to the Tenn. mountains in two weeks. Should rack up about 2000 miles in a weeks time. I'll let ya'all know how it went.

Bananas!

 

[radman]

Actually, they are W rated, good to 168, according to Shinko and numerous retailers.

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

Deleted

 

[teerex51]

radman Posted: Apr 24 2006, 09:28 PM   

Weapon of Mass Dysfunction

Actually, they are W rated, good to 168, according to Shinko and numerous retailers.

TJ, for some reason I just know what your deleted comment was....

Stef

PS: I guess "they" was the key....