something's changed for the worse

[Tfrank59]

Well I put a Shinko Tire on the rear and I had it mounted and balanced at the same shop I usually do, and now the bike has a vibration in the ride at about 25 to 30 miles per hour. I also changed the dampers in the rear wheel for the first time so now it's tighter I guess. Any ideas what that could be? It's a very subtle vibration but with almost 50k that I have put I know the feel of my bike in this is different. My first thought was is my U-joint going? But why would I only feel it now after the change of a new tire? The second thing I thought was did I screw up on the reassembly but I've done the same thing I've done 4 or 5 times already. Anyways I'm all ears for your guys suggestions. thanks.

[The emperor has no clothes]

This is likely to draw some controversy, but here goes. I had a front Shinko Journey that emitted a vibration also. I thought as you that maybe it was my ujoint as it had 50k on it. Changed to a new one with no change in vibration. To make a long story short, it was the tire. It showed no obvious signs, but there was something wrong with it. I'm sure there are defects in every brand, but that soured me on Shinkos forever. If I remember correctly it didn't surface at first, but at about 2k the vibration started. It was most apparent at about 55-70 mph.

[Jess from VA]

I don't know (of course), but since you got the vibration after the new tire, that's where the finger's pointing.

You can stick it up on the lift, and run it in gear (throttle lock at that 25-30 vibration zone), and look at the tire (and search for vibration) (course it can always act different with no load).  

With no load on the tire or drive train (on the lift) you want to be easy with accel/decel.

I'd also think about talking to (sooner is better than later) and maybe taking it back to the shop (did it really balance?) (how many wheel weights did they use?)  (if the tire is out of round or otherwise defective, it helps to have a shop confirm it (for a replacement).

The dampers can't go in backwards (well they can, but the plate won't bolt down on them).  I know, I tried, by accident.

[Tfrank59]

Yeah the shop that mounted that tire has never done me wrong yet and I have two motorcycles, so multiple tires with these guys and yes they needed to use about six weights on this one. I don't believe it's out of balance (and I checked and made sure it is not running out of round not more than probably 030 040 thousands of an inch?) a funny thing to say under the circumstances but I was on the freeway with it going 85 miles an hour and it didn't have any shimmy it's just a very subtle low speed vibration and that's why I was wondering if maybe it was in the drivetrain or whatever but now I'm thinking it is the tire. In a way that's a relief but now I have to live with it for however many miles I want to ride with it. I really don't like the feel of it at all.

[IdahoRaider]

Same thing happened to me with the same tire.  Went back to Metzler front.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yeah the shop that mounted that tire has never done me wrong yet and I have two motorcycles, so multiple tires with these guys and yes they needed to use about six weights on this one. I don't believe it's out of balance (and I checked and made sure it is not running out of round not more than probably 030 040 thousands of an inch?) a funny thing to say under the circumstances but I was on the freeway with it going 85 miles an hour and it didn't have any shimmy it's just a very subtle low speed vibration and that's why I was wondering if maybe it was in the drivetrain or whatever but now I'm thinking it is the tire. In a way that's a relief but now I have to live with it for however many miles I want to ride with it. I really don't like the feel of it at all.

I suspect it will get worse. You will be best to just write it off and get a new tire.

[Tfrank59]

I was afraid you'd say something like that. Actually what I'm going to do is ride and live with it but I'm going to play with different tire pressures to see if I can minimize the vibration. We'll see what happens. pretty sure I'm going to be dissatisfied with the tire no matter what.  Anyways thanks everybody for your feedback.

[..]

I was afraid you'd say something like that. Actually what I'm going to do is ride and live with it but I'm going to play with different tire pressures to see if I can minimize the vibration. We'll see what happens. pretty sure I'm going to be dissatisfied with the tire no matter what.  Anyways thanks everybody for your feedback.

Well crap. I feel bad having promoted Shikos.

Though about putting a couple of ounces of BB's in?

Are the balance spot marks on the tire in the right place.

[..]

What's the date on the tire?

Where did you buy it from?

[Tfrank59]

What's the date on the tire?

Where did you buy it from?

Britman I haven't checked the date on the tire, I bought it from a place I have bought tires from several times online. I don't think it's them I think it's the OEM. I was thinking about putting dynabeads in it to see if it helps. I was also thinking about going dark side because I have another rear wheel that I can mount a champiro onto which I have sitting in my shed but I couldn't get anybody to mount it but now maybe I'll get more serious about finding a place to do it for me.

I've already ridden a few hundred miles on the Shinko and I'm getting used to it but I really don't like the way I feel the vibration in my butt at like 30 miles per hour. It sucks. And I'm pretty darn sure it's not the balancing because the shop that did the mounting and balancing is always done it right for me and I think they did it right this time because when I'm going like 70 miles per hour it's pretty smooth it's not out of balance you can tell an out-of-balance Tire and this isn't problem pretty sure. But then it's one of those things where it's the construction of the tire itself that's inferior I believe and so I don't really trust the tire

[da prez]

  Frank , your reply was the answer . Six weights. That is the first clue to a tire out of balance.  The tire should have a dot of paint or the like that should be lined up with the valve stem. The rim should have been cleaned and checked for old weights or dirt. If you remove the wheel , make some type of holder the axle will sit in and do a static balance of the wheel. If the wheel keeps stopping with the weights on the bottom , walla.

                                    da prez

[Tfrank59]

Well they did line the dot up with the valve stem they always do at that shop. And the Dunlap that I just replaced which gave me 16000 good miles also had five weights on it so I don't think six weights is an indication of anything really. But I will get the dynabeads beads and see if that helps. I know I've ridden a bike with a tire out of balance and at high-speed it is scary and this isn't like that that's why I really don't think it's a balancing issue but who knows

[..]

What's the date on the tire?

Where did you buy it from?

Britman I haven't checked the date on the tire, I bought it from a place I have bought tires from several times online. I don't think it's them I think it's the OEM. I was thinking about putting dynabeads in it to see if it helps. I was also thinking about going dark side because I have another rear wheel that I can mount a champiro onto which I have sitting in my shed but I couldn't get anybody to mount it but now maybe I'll get more serious about finding a place to do it for me.

I've already ridden a few hundred miles on the Shinko and I'm getting used to it but I really don't like the way I feel the vibration in my butt at like 30 miles per hour. It sucks. And I'm pretty darn sure it's not the balancing because the shop that did the mounting and balancing is always done it right for me and I think they did it right this time because when I'm going like 70 miles per hour it's pretty smooth it's not out of balance you can tell an out-of-balance Tire and this isn't problem pretty sure. But then it's one of those things where it's the construction of the tire itself that's inferior I believe and so I don't really trust the tire

I still feel bad.

If this helps. I chased a Mustang up and over I 26 north of Asheville this past Sunday. Long triple digit sweepers and the Champiro felt planted. Chased him for about 30 miles. 

[oldsmokey]

Many years ago I bought a set of BF Goodrich for a truck ( I know, not m/c). Balanced mounted done. Short time later had a vibe. 3 times back to shop rebalanced, and again it picked up a vibe each time. Went to different shop, they warranted a new tire, done. If I remember he said it was a defect possible belt shifting no way to balance properly. Not to say that's the issue, but there's always a potential defect sooner or later.

[hubcapsc]

I chased a Mustang up and over I 26 north of Asheville this past Sunday. Long triple digit sweepers and the Champiro felt planted.

Holy cow. I go way too fast through there. Like 80 or so, sometimes...

-Mike

[3fan4life]

I had a Shinko 890 Journey a few years ago that was defective.

It caused the rear end to go crazy above 80mph.

I got in touch with Shinko USA and they sent me a new tire for free.

That sealed the deal for me with Shinko, everybody can have a tire that isn't up to spec but it's unusual this day and age for them to stand behind them so well.

I did experience a slight vibration at the same speeds that you are, I blamed it more on the front tire.

I had a conversation with Shinko USA and told them that the tread pattern was to blame.

I've seen some pics that look like Shinko has changed the tread pattern.

I have no experience with the new tread pattern.     

[Tfrank59]

I was actually wondering if the tread pattern had something to do with it but that sounded a little bit too out there in my own brain  .  I'm going to go ahead and get some dynabeads I'll  need them anyways if I'm going to do the Dark Side Tire on the other Rim so I'll keep you guys posted. Britman don't sweat it it ain't your fault

[Tfrank59]

Okay a follow up on the Shinko Journey rear tire of mine. The dynabeads showed up but I'm not putting them in because I know it's not balancing. in fact today I was out with it on a super smooth road and when I did a little bit of weaving every time I leaned a little bit only a couple of degrees left or right the vibration quit and it's only when I'm straight up and down on a smooth surface. That spells tread pattern. End of story. I'm still not going to ever buy another Shinko but it is something as benign as the tread pattern that's causing the strange vibration in an otherwise smooth as glass riding motorcycle, and so it's a relief but it's weird.

[Whooray]

This is likely to draw some controversy, but here goes. I had a front Shinko Journey that emitted a vibration also. I thought as you that maybe it was my ujoint as it had 50k on it. Changed to a new one with no change in vibration. To make a long story short, it was the tire. It showed no obvious signs, but there was something wrong with it. I'm sure there are defects in every brand, but that soured me on Shinkos forever. If I remember correctly it didn't surface at first, but at about 2k the vibration started. It was most apparent at about 55-70 mph.

"DITTO"

[Alberta Patriot]

My Shinkos are near the end of life, but when I first mounted them I noticed a pulsing vibration at the rear at around 10-20 mph. The previous tires(came  with the bike when I bought it) were so noisy I didn't notice...turned out that the U-Joint was just beginning to fail. I could only detect the play in it when I clamped it in my B&D Workmate and rocked it back and forth with channel lock pliers. The pulsing sound I get now at highway speed is from the linear tread pattern of the rear tire....*How do I know?*...it is gone when I shift into 4th...similar to when a twin prop plane runs the engines at different RPMs. The exhaust note and rear tire hum are a very similar pitch. I had a similar pulsing sound on my Stratoliner when riding at speed,(Michelin Commander II's) but in 4th gear and gone when in 5th gear!!   My front tire is beginning to "hum" in turns because it started cupping noticeably at about 20,000 kms. Now at 25,000 the hum is louder but there is still at least 10,000 kms of rubber left. Motorcycle Tire manufacturers could learn a lot from C/T manufacturers by designing tread patterns that vary in length and shape to eliminate harmonic tire noise. The only complaint I have with the Shinkos so far is slippage on tar snakes. Will I buy another set??...yes, I will be ordering them for install this winter.

[..]

I once had to have 4 different front Avons put on before the 4th wouldn't hop down the road like a kangaroo.

Ken the tire guy took my bike for a quick ride after mounting each one. He was pissed cause it wasted nearly 2 hours and pushed his following appointments back.

I also once "killed" a front Avon in 4,000 miles. Yes, yes, yes the tire pressure was correct. The "sides" of the tire looked like I had ground them smooth with a belt sander.

I've never bought another Avon since.

[Tfrank59]

to 7th Son's point, I think Shinko should spend a few bucks and do some R&D for their tread patterns, so they'd know--as I have learned the hard way--that the tread on the Shinko Journey causes vibration.  I guess no such research prior to production is why their tires are a few bucks less, but they've lost my business for life.  BTW I've also noticed in my first few hundred miles on the Shinko that it wants to slip more on tar snakes than other tires I've had on my girl.

[h13man]

Possibly the rear wheel bearing went bad?  ??? Had the same issue with twitching/handling. The smaller bearing went bad. Leaning left or right "loads" the bearing thus the vibration ceases but in the "neutral" state/straight up and down, free to vibrate.

[Paladin528]

My Bridgestones tread pattern causes vibration like mad once the centre wears a bit.  I need to spend more time in the twisties.
I will never buy these again

[Dale_K]

Just put a new set of Shinko Journeys on my 98 Standard yesterday.  They replaced a set of the same Shinkos I put on (taking off the stupid car tire that was on the bike when I bought it) in the Spring of '17.  Neither set had any peculiarities or vibrations.  They didn't last a long time but they are good tires for the money.  I run Honda factory tire pressures. 

[Tfrank59]

Possibly the rear wheel bearing went bad?  ??? Had the same issue with twitching/handling. The smaller bearing went bad. Leaning left or right "loads" the bearing thus the vibration ceases but in the "neutral" state/straight up and down, free to vibrate.

In my case it's not a wheel bearing it's the tire tread pattern I know it is.  mainly because until I changed the tire there was absolutely no problem at all. Also do know how to service my rear wheel and inspect my bearings which were fine

[cookiedough]

I had a Shinko 890 Journey a few years ago that was defective.

It caused the rear end to go crazy above 80mph.

I got in touch with Shinko USA and they sent me a new tire for free.

That sealed the deal for me with Shinko, everybody can have a tire that isn't up to spec but it's unusual this day and age for them to stand behind them so well.

I did experience a slight vibration at the same speeds that you are, I blamed it more on the front tire.

I had a conversation with Shinko USA and told them that the tread pattern was to blame.

I've seen some pics that look like Shinko has changed the tread pattern.

I have no experience with the new tread pattern.     

same here,  had issue with rear Shinko and called them up and sent me a new identical tire for free.  does not hurt to call and explain the story.

[dmerc]

Okay a follow up on the Shinko Journey rear tire of mine. The dynabeads showed up but I'm not putting them in because I know it's not balancing. in fact today I was out with it on a super smooth road and when I did a little bit of weaving every time I leaned a little bit only a couple of degrees left or right the vibration quit and it's only when I'm straight up and down on a smooth surface. That spells tread pattern. End of story. I'm still not going to ever buy another Shinko but it is something as benign as the tread pattern that's causing the strange vibration in an otherwise smooth as glass riding motorcycle, and so it's a relief but it's weird.

   Have you considered a final drive/swingarm problem? Leaning and weaving changes loads/forces considerably. You had the wheel off, and easily could've initiated or worsened an already developing problem. I've never had a bad Shinko, tho' I'm sure anything is possible. But the laws of probability would say even if it is bad, your chances of getting another one is miniscule.

[Tfrank59]

 yeah it doesn't hurt to call, but I don't want a tire I want a refund .  I doubt they give me one because technically the tire is not defective it's just a poor tread design IMO

[..]

Tread looks like this?

https://www.amazon.com/70R-16-Shinko-Journey-Touring-Motorcycle/dp/B07B3LRKJ4?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07B3LRKJ4

I can't remember if you've been asked the manufactured date?

[Tfrank59]

Yes sir Britman that's the one. And to be clear it's a very mild vibration but it's annoying. I've gotten more used to it in the last couple of weeks so I'm just going to suck it up and endure it for the next however many thousand miles.

[Tfrank59]

What's the date on the tire?

Where did you buy it from?

I bought the tire from oemcycles online, whom I bought from many many times before without a problem. the date on the Shinko tire is 02/17.

[..]

What's the date on the tire?

Where did you buy it from?

I bought the tire from oemcycles online, whom I bought from many many times before without a problem. the date on the Shinko tire is 02/17.

i give up. No more "possibles".

[Tfrank59]

 Yeah I give up too. it's not the bike (that is the drivetrain or whatever), it's not my riding style, it's the tire plain and simple. and it's not a defective tire, which like I said is a relief to me but an annoyance that the tire's tread pattern could be so poorly designed.

[h13man]

FWIW you paid too much for the tire to have this issue. The tire is available for $120 with free shipping from a lot of different reliable vendors.

BTW folks Jake Wilson is now Riders Domain. https://www.ridersdomain.com/l/motorcycle-tire-rebates-and-discounts?il_source=home&il_medium=main-rebates

[MarkT]

Check to be sure the tire beads are fully seated.  You can see that by watching the little rubber ridge cast into the tire right next to the wheel bead, and rotate it.

[Gabriel]

I put a Shinko 230 Tour Master Rear Tire on the front in may and it's perfectly smooth.
We checked the balance on the spin balance and it called for 1/4 ounce, busted it back down and put 1.5 ounces of plastic Airsoft BB's in it, It is very smooth...

[svsteve]

Glad I read this post...I just installed a set of Shinko Journey 890 . My first ride and I'm feeling a slight vibration while going straight. When I weave left or right the ride smooths out. I cant tell if its front or rear, but seems like others are having similar issues. I will try some dyna beads and see if it helps, but I think I may have to live with it from what I've read. At first I thought I did something wrong on reassembly but reading this post I'm thinking tread design. Its not terrible, but noticeable.

[cookiedough]

I had a Shinko 890 Journey a few years ago that was defective.

It caused the rear end to go crazy above 80mph.

I got in touch with Shinko USA and they sent me a new tire for free.

That sealed the deal for me with Shinko, everybody can have a tire that isn't up to spec but it's unusual this day and age for them to stand behind them so well.

I did experience a slight vibration at the same speeds that you are, I blamed it more on the front tire.

I had a conversation with Shinko USA and told them that the tread pattern was to blame.

I've seen some pics that look like Shinko has changed the tread pattern.

I have no experience with the new tread pattern.     

same here once, called Shinko mfg. on new tire mount and they sent me a new rear tire for free.  good customer service for sure.

[Tfrank59]

Glad I read this post...I just installed a set of Shinko Journey 890 . My first ride and I'm feeling a slight vibration while going straight. When I weave left or right the ride smooths out. I cant tell if its front or rear, but seems like others are having similar issues. I will try some dyna beads and see if it helps, but I think I may have to live with it from what I've read. At first I thought I did something wrong on reassembly but reading this post I'm thinking tread design. Its not terrible, but noticeable.

Yeah it's not terrible and after over 1000 miles I'm used to it. But I don't like it and I'm not gonna buy another one that's for sure.   As I said in the earlier post Shinko should do some R&D and change the tread pattern so it doesn't vibrate simple as that