Shinko front tire

[Ricky-D]

As I promised back at the beginning of June, 2010 I want to report on the Shinko 747 front tire that I used to replace the Dunlop E-3 that was worn out!

During the initial wear-in of the Shinko I was unsure of how it was going to be, since it was the first tire from that manufacturer (of the tire). A strange tread design for the front tire (in my mind) but that's only because of the new style design treads so broadly seen in front tire in recent years.

The Shinko 747 has five thousand miles on it now and I have to say it is a wonderful tire. So much better than the Dunlop E-3, which was a piece of trash in my experience.

The Shinko is showing no signs of wear yet although I know it is, and the tread is not wearing in any unusual pattern like cupping or right/left identifying wear.

Stability in the front end is wonderful again, and is such a real improvement over the Dunlop that was on there, that I will never buy another Dunlop for my Valkyrie. There is no hint of wobble at either low speed riding or high speed cruising and turning is a much more easily performed action.

I've been riding Darkside for a number of years.

There are 106,000 miles on my Valkyrie now!

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[PAVALKER]

Interesting.....

I ordered a "spare" set of tires for my bike (both the VTX and Valk take the same size so it was a wise move I think).  In any event, I ordered a set of Shinkos as well... but I ordered the 747.  I received a 747 rear tire and the front tire was delayed but arrived a few months later as a 757.  HDL/DLP was kind enough to get me a matching set of 757's (sent the rear 747 back when they sent me the 757).  My Avons are still wearing great on both bikes so the Shinko's are in standby for now.   Price was right... had them price match the lowest internet price I found on line.....

[Ricky-D]

Hey thanks, I just made a correction to my post.

You're right, my Shinko is a 747.

I remember you saying that some time back.

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[Jess from VA]

Rick, thanks for the report.  I'm a committed ME880 (front, darkside rear) guy, but I am getting tired of their relatively short life.  Please let us know how the Shinko looks at 10K.  Thanks

[Hoser]

A front dunlop bias D404 150/80/17 I got for less than 80 bux was installed on my Tourer in May, 10K on it, still looks and handles fine. Wish they made one in the proper size for the rear.  Hoser

[PAVALKER]

Rick, thanks for the report.  I'm a committed ME880 (front, darkside rear) guy, but I am getting tired of their relatively short life.  Please let us know how the Shinko looks at 10K.  Thanks

Yep... the Metzler is  sweet riding tire, but the lifespan is very short IMO.  I did try em with mixed emotions of course.

[valkmc]

A front dunlop bias D404 150/80/17 I got for less than 80 bux was installed on my Tourer in May, 10K on it, still looks and handles fine. Wish they made one in the proper size for the rear.  Hoser

What are you running on the rear with that tire? I ask because a local shop tried to sell me a D404 when I replaced my front tire last time. I went with the Bridgestone but am interested in trying the D404. I run a CT on the rear.

[Hoser]

Right now there is a bridgestone G850 180/70/16 radial on, it is holding up well, has the same miles on it as the D404.  I have heard that a bias Harley D507 180/65/16 is available from Harley shops.  No Idea on the cost, though.  Considering a DS 195/60/16, have'nt made up my mind on that.  Hoser

[valkmc]

Right now there is a bridgestone G850 180/70/16 radial on, it is holding up well, has the same miles on it as the D404.  I have heard that a bias Harley D507 180/65/16 is available from Harley shops.  No Idea on the cost, though.  Considering a DS 195/60/16, have'nt made up my mind on that.  Hoser

Thanks, that price is about what I was told, I run a Good Year TT on the rear. I was concerned about mixing a radial with a bias ply tire so I didn't do it when it was offered. Since then I have talked to two people doing it including you and both have liked the tire. I may try one once this Bridgestone is worn out.