Shinko Tires

RayC · May 29, 2008

Just put a set of Shinko 009 Raven tires (highest mileage model for Shinko) on both my FJR and my CBR1000F and will give a long term running review if anyone is interested. To date, I'm pleased. Handling seems to be good on both bikes. It got rid of a long term front wheel wobble (hands off only) on the CBR after replacing a Metzler that failed to respond to balancing despite having a fair amount of tread left. Sidewalls seem thicker and more rigid on the Shinkos than the Metzlers that they replaced. To anyone where cost is an issue, all four tires combined delivered to Arkansas (but uninstalled) cost $350. Installation totaled another $100 even. Total averaged $225 a set. Front tires were the same size, but the CBR took a 170/60-17 rear versus the 180/55-17 on the FJR. Both pair were purchased on eBay.

RayC

FJRocket · May 29, 2008

I still have the Stinkos on my AE that I rode to WFO last summer. For slabbing LD rides, rain and adverse conditions, they really aren't bad tires. The compound it quite hard and the sidewall quite stiff. I think my AE rides a little harsh with the Ravens on there. As far as grip, well, they ain't the stickiest tire in the world by any means. When I was down in Hooterville (AKA southern Missouri), they were breaking loose a little and I wasn't really railing around the curves too much. I have 7K+ on the tires and they look about half done.

You know, if I needed a slab tire to go interstating, I'd be all over these tires. But for railing around the twisties, there are much better tires out there. I think Shinkos are good road tires, but for the "sport" side of touring on my FJR, I'll go with sumpin' else. So I give the tires a good thumbs up, with a mission specific caveat.

HaulinAshe · May 29, 2008

FJRocket said:
...I think Shinkos are good road tires, but for the "sport" side of touring on my FJR, I'll go with sumpin' else. So I give the tires a good thumbs up, with a mission specific caveat.

I completely agree in temps of 50F and above. Below 50F Stinkos make good snow skis.

user 2024 · May 30, 2008

I just pulled the Shinko front off because it had two small bulges/soft spots about a half inch to the left of center. No immediate danger but could easily lead to a blow out if undetected. It had about 14,700 miles on it with still plenty of tread left. I kept it at 38 psi.

Contacted Shinko by email last night and got a reply today. They are sending me a new tire and a shipping label to return the old one so they can see what happened. I will update when I know more.

I replaced it with another Shinko and I will keep a closer eye on this one.