front tire...Shinko???

[slider]

shinko tires ??Time for front tire   are they good bad or ???thanks for  
in put''

[hubcapsc]

shinko tires ??Time for front tire   are they good bad or ???thanks for  
in put''

Britman rides hard, he has said he likes his Shinkos fine...

-Mike

[old2soon]

I've had a couple of Shinko's And NOT one of em skeered me. The dunflops that the bike had when I bought it on the other hand were way MORE than a handful in the rain. I'm currently on a Shinko 777 in 140/80-17 and it is a wide whitewall. Like the old school look it gives my ride. Would buy another one without question or hesitation. Had it in a couple of toad drowners run the Dragon with it and I would take off now on an extended road trip with it. Have to check my records for the current mileage it has now. Also have walked it up o 120++ indicated.  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Not anymore for me 

[..]

shinko tires ??Time for front tire   are they good bad or ???thanks for  
in put''

Britman rides hard, he has said he likes his Shinkos fine...

-Mike

Used a Shinko on front and back of ST1300 for 80,000 miles.

Use a Shinko Journey on the front of my Valkyrie. It's at 10,000 and fingers crossed there's 2,000 more to go.

[sutterhome]

bought 2 the back was fine front had a bad shimmy around 15 miles per. Mail order dist took it back, lot of time and effort, but it happens I quess.

[cookiedough]

which shinko for the front though?

I have a Shinko SE890 Journey on my rear but need a new front tire.  Shinko makes a bias ply 230 tourmaster for the front around 90 bucks vs. the matching set of Shinko SE890 Journey front for around 120 bucks being radial tire?

thoughts please since I too am going to be buying a Shinko front in March and wondering if I should go bias ply or matching radial Shinko?  Besides one bias, one radial.  the radial SE890 is 5-ply vs. bias 230 tourmaster is only 4-ply?  But maybe the 4-ply is just thicker plys very similar to their 5-ply radial, not sure?

Anyone go with the bias ply Shinko 230 tourmaster?  Since others on here have used the dunlop D404 bias ply on the front with good results being BIAS ply as well??

Pretty confident my rear SE890 Journey made by Shinko will last near 10K much like my Avon Cobra has done prior, but my front Avon Cobra is OVERDUE ASAP this spring to get replaced near down to the wearbars and on their 6-7 years now. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

which shinko for the front though?

I have a Shinko SE890 Journey on my rear but need a new front tire.  Shinko makes a bias ply 230 tourmaster for the front around 90 bucks vs. the matching set of Shinko SE890 Journey front for around 120 bucks being radial tire?

thoughts please since I too am going to be buying a Shinko front in March and wondering if I should go bias ply or matching radial Shinko?  Besides one bias, one radial.  the radial SE890 is 5-ply vs. bias 230 tourmaster is only 4-ply?  But maybe the 4-ply is just thicker plys very similar to their 5-ply radial, not sure?

Anyone go with the bias ply Shinko 230 tourmaster?  Since others on here have used the dunlop D404 bias ply on the front with good results being BIAS ply as well??

Pretty confident my rear SE890 Journey made by Shinko will last near 10K much like my Avon Cobra has done prior, but my front Avon Cobra is OVERDUE ASAP this spring to get replaced near down to the wearbars and on their 6-7 years now. 

6 or 7 years ? You've got to do more riding.

[cookiedough]

which shinko for the front though?

I have a Shinko SE890 Journey on my rear but need a new front tire.  Shinko makes a bias ply 230 tourmaster for the front around 90 bucks vs. the matching set of Shinko SE890 Journey front for around 120 bucks being radial tire?

thoughts please since I too am going to be buying a Shinko front in March and wondering if I should go bias ply or matching radial Shinko?  Besides one bias, one radial.  the radial SE890 is 5-ply vs. bias 230 tourmaster is only 4-ply?  But maybe the 4-ply is just thicker plys very similar to their 5-ply radial, not sure?

Anyone go with the bias ply Shinko 230 tourmaster?  Since others on here have used the dunlop D404 bias ply on the front with good results being BIAS ply as well??

Pretty confident my rear SE890 Journey made by Shinko will last near 10K much like my Avon Cobra has done prior, but my front Avon Cobra is OVERDUE ASAP this spring to get replaced near down to the wearbars and on their 6-7 years now. 

6 or 7 years ? You've got to do more riding.

Ya think? 

6 years around 3000 miles per 6 month riding season.

[3fan4life]

I'm running the 230 Tourmaster on the front and a Journey 890 on the rear.

I have about 6k miles on it and it's only showing some minor wear.

I like the combination just fine and haven't had any problems.

I love the tread pattern on the Tourmaster and it feels very good on wet roads.

I wish that they made a rear in the Tourmaster that fit our Valks.

[Pappy!]

I am running one on mine. It's a touch out of round but balanced perfectly. I feel it up around 20-25mph then it goes away. Wear wise it has been fine. Would I do it again? hmmmmm......

[cookiedough]

I'm running the 230 Tourmaster on the front and a Journey 890 on the rear.

I have about 6k miles on it and it's only showing some minor wear.

I like the combination just fine and haven't had any problems.

I love the tread pattern on the Tourmaster and it feels very good on wet roads.

I wish that they made a rear in the Tourmaster that fit our Valks.

good to know that the bias ply shinko 230 has done  you well in 6K miles.  That was what I was leaning towards over the radial SE890 Journey matching set as my rear.  Somewhere I have heard rumors that bias ply tires can grip the pavement better than radials, not sure if true though or not?

[3fan4life]

I'm running the 230 Tourmaster on the front and a Journey 890 on the rear.

I have about 6k miles on it and it's only showing some minor wear.

I like the combination just fine and haven't had any problems.

I love the tread pattern on the Tourmaster and it feels very good on wet roads.

I wish that they made a rear in the Tourmaster that fit our Valks.

good to know that the bias ply shinko 230 has done  you well in 6K miles.  That was what I was leaning towards over the radial SE890 Journey matching set as my rear.  Somewhere I have heard rumors that bias ply tires can grip the pavement better than radials, not sure if true though or not?

I was afraid that the bias ply would have less grip than the radials that I've been running.

So, far I can't tell any difference.

I have ran the Journey on the front, I prefer the Tourmaster.

[deadvelvet]

I'm running the tour master have almost 20,000 miles on it and still has lots of tread

[holly]

 I put matching Journey Shinkos on my Valkyrie at 7200 miles. I now have about 23000 miles on them and they both still look pretty good. That is almost 16000 miles and I think I have another 2000 miles left in them. However I plan on replacing the front with something else. I get a washboard effect from the front tire that has been there since it was new. It is something you probably would not notice on anything that was not as smooth as a Wing or Valkyrie. I only run 35psi in the rear and 33psi on the front, so I do not know how much better the wear would be if the psi was increased. I have never had a rear tire get anywhere close to that many miles.

[J.Mencalice]

Better buy'em up asap as North Korea WILL be nuking South Korea anywhere within the next 18-20 months. Supply will be severely limited to stock stored in the U.S. after that occurs; look for manufacturing to be curtailed.

[csj]

I'm on my second bias ply Shinko on the front. I'm getting at Least 10000 miles on them, and I do 40psi.

[3fan4life]

I get a washboard effect from the front tire that has been there since it was new. It is something you probably would not notice on anything that was not as smooth as a Wing or Valkyrie.

I had that with the Journey as well, it about drove me nuts.

The Tourmaster has a slight vibration at low speeds (20-25 mph) but it's smooth at highway speeds.

[cookiedough]

I get a washboard effect from the front tire that has been there since it was new. It is something you probably would not notice on anything that was not as smooth as a Wing or Valkyrie.

I had that with the Journey as well, it about drove me nuts.

The Tourmaster has a slight vibration at low speeds (20-25 mph) but it's smooth at highway speeds.

good to know tourmaster it is vs. the journey in shinko lineup. for front tire.  30 bucks cheaper or so as well being bias ply under 100 bucks is hard to beat.   not too keen on low speed vibration though with the tourmaster but for around 90 bucks,  I think I can deal with it as long as lasts me 10-14000 miles and by 10K miles my rear shinko SE890 Journey will be in need of replacing as well.

[..]

I get a washboard effect from the front tire that has been there since it was new. It is something you probably would not notice on anything that was not as smooth as a Wing or Valkyrie.

I had that with the Journey as well, it about drove me nuts.

The Tourmaster has a slight vibration at low speeds (20-25 mph) but it's smooth at highway speeds.

good to know tourmaster it is vs. the journey in shinko lineup. for front tire.  30 bucks cheaper or so as well being bias ply under 100 bucks is hard to beat.   not too keen on low speed vibration though with the tourmaster but for around 90 bucks,  I think I can deal with it as long as lasts me 10-14000 miles and by 10K miles my rear shinko SE890 Journey will be in need of replacing as well.

Go Champiro. You'll never look back.

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-60r16-100a1545-tires?stmodel=champiro-vp1&stcategory=all-season&sttype=passenger&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4827BRDJvpbVuKvx-rIBEiQA2_CzsCy1_J74jQXNNZqvDmrq5n-kbY_o1RYjl1pWFUaYJSEaAqD28P8HAQ


I chased a pack of sportsbikes up and over Blood Mountain in N GA Saturday. Tire performed "grippingly".

[3fan4life]

I get a washboard effect from the front tire that has been there since it was new. It is something you probably would not notice on anything that was not as smooth as a Wing or Valkyrie.

I had that with the Journey as well, it about drove me nuts.

The Tourmaster has a slight vibration at low speeds (20-25 mph) but it's smooth at highway speeds.

good to know tourmaster it is vs. the journey in shinko lineup. for front tire.  30 bucks cheaper or so as well being bias ply under 100 bucks is hard to beat.   not too keen on low speed vibration though with the tourmaster but for around 90 bucks,  I think I can deal with it as long as lasts me 10-14000 miles and by 10K miles my rear shinko SE890 Journey will be in need of replacing as well.

It`s a very minor vibration.

The Journey was much worse.

[davit]

19K on this Tourmaster, I credit the longevity to balancing with Ride On and keeping pressure between 38 and 40 psi.  It's been to San Diego in 2015 and Colorado in 2016, sticks well wet or dry, handles predictably and is quiet.  I am considering a radial for my next tire simply because the front suspension is a bit harsh, otherwise would buy another in a heartbeat.

[Alpha Dog]

I have the tourmaster on the front and the journey on the rear.  My Harley Mechanic tried to talk me out of them. He said not to good on Harleys.  I told him that may because the older Harleys are using to small a tire on the rear.  After 6 k miles on them, they are performing quite well.  I used dyna beads and no problems with with any vibration.

[cookiedough]

19K on this Tourmaster, I credit the longevity to balancing with Ride On and keeping pressure between 38 and 40 psi.  It's been to San Diego in 2015 and Colorado in 2016, sticks well wet or dry, handles predictably and is quiet.  I am considering a radial for my next tire simply because the front suspension is a bit harsh, otherwise would buy another in a heartbeat.

why would you say a radial on the front would be more cushy than a bias ply tire such as the tourmaster by shinko?   I am in the same boat thinking my front suspension is too harsh with avon cobras on the front so was hoping a bias ply would be tad bit more forgiving and softer than a radial tire in front, or not?????????? Opinions?  I do know that tire pressure makes a HUGE difference even 2-3 psi since I run NEVER over 40 psi in front since if I do, the front suspension sucks and is too stiff/firm just based on psi alone of the front tire.  I run 38-40 psi tops in the front tire since if I put 42 psi in front tire, it is too harsh of a ride.  38 to 39 is much softer and better ride for my valk i/s front tire.

[davit]

why would you say a radial on the front would be more cushy than a bias ply tire such as the tourmaster by shinko?   I am in the same boat thinking my front suspension is too harsh with avon cobras on the front so was hoping a bias ply would be tad bit more forgiving and softer than a radial tire in front, or not?????????? Opinions?  I do know that tire pressure makes a HUGE difference even 2-3 psi since I run NEVER over 40 psi in front since if I do, the front suspension sucks and is too stiff/firm just based on psi alone of the front tire.  I run 38-40 psi tops in the front tire since if I put 42 psi in front tire, it is too harsh of a ride.  38 to 39 is much softer and better ride for my valk i/s front tire.
[/quote]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/motorcycle_tires.html

[cookiedough]

interesting read davit,  never knew a radial tire would be, or in general should be,  more forgiving over bias ply tires.  I would have thought the other way around?  Then again, it also said bias is generally for larger cycles and not sport bikes.  Since I normally do not corner like a sport bike/crotch rocket needing a radial tire,  I would think a shinko 230 tourmaster front tire being bias ply should be fine on my valk i/s?? 

Am going to order it in next few weeks before riding season so I can get it intalled/balanced before April 1st or so riding season is upon us.  I called 3 places to put it on my front rim and interesting some want to double the labor if NOT buying the tires from them.  One was only 55 to mount/balance doing it all, but one was near 90 bucks - OUCH!!  Gotta shop around that is for sure.

If this shinko 230 tourmaster front bias ply tire does not last 12K or more,  then going to go back to the avon cobra that was on for around guessing 16K miles and is almost down to the wear bars in spots.  I even got a comment late last fall from an onlooker at a grocery store telling me that he thinks my front tire should be replaced very soon so I guess if he noticed while looking over my bike coming out of the grocery store, maybe I should listen?

[Avanti]

interesting read davit,  never knew a radial tire would be, or in general should be,  more forgiving over bias ply tires.  I would have thought the other way around?  Then again, it also said bias is generally for larger cycles and not sport bikes.  Since I normally do not corner like a sport bike/crotch rocket needing a radial tire,  I would think a shinko 230 tourmaster front tire being bias ply should be fine on my valk i/s?? 

Am going to order it in next few weeks before riding season so I can get it intalled/balanced before April 1st or so riding season is upon us.  I called 3 places to put it on my front rim and interesting some want to double the labor if NOT buying the tires from them.  One was only 55 to mount/balance doing it all, but one was near 90 bucks - OUCH!!  Gotta shop around that is for sure.

If this shinko 230 tourmaster front bias ply tire does not last 12K or more,  then going to go back to the avon cobra that was on for around guessing 16K miles and is almost down to the wear bars in spots.  I even got a comment late last fall from an onlooker at a grocery store telling me that he thinks my front tire should be replaced very soon so I guess if he noticed while looking over my bike coming out of the grocery store, maybe I should listen?

I will send you a PM for a place in Madison that will do a tire change for $20.00, mounted and balanced by a Pro on professional equipment. You will have to dispose of your own tire. 

[davit]

[/quote]

I will send you a PM for a place in Madison that will do a tire change for $20.00, mounted and balanced by a Pro on professional equipment. You will have to dispose of your own tire. 
[/quote]

Really?  PM me to!

[wild6]

I've used the Shinko 890 front a couple of times.  They handle and wear great, but they both delaminated on me.  Seems they don't like extended high speed runs a temps above 80.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've used the Shinko 890 front a couple of times.  They handle and wear great, but they both delaminated on me.  Seems they don't like extended high speed runs a temps above 80.

Hey Dan, where you been hiding. I had a vibration with one, maybe that was the issue. I'm not willing to try them again.

[wild6]

I've used the Shinko 890 front a couple of times.  They handle and wear great, but they both delaminated on me.  Seems they don't like extended high speed runs a temps above 80.

Hey Dan, where you been hiding. I had a vibration with one, maybe that was the issue. I'm not willing to try them again.

Been just here and there.

Yeah, first tire started coming apart in Alabama on the way to GOTF 2014.  Found a shop and had it replaced.
Started having vibration with the second one on the way back from GOTF last year.  Found a blister on it after I got home.
Have an Avon on it now and will have no problems this year.

[DarkSideR]

I had a Shinko Tour Master go bad on me. Multiple large bubbles all round the tire. I would try them again if I only rode around town. But Since I travel long distances I won't go back to Shinko. It would make for a bad day whether it completely came apart or if it just bubbled. An accident isn't worth the dollars saved, and the time to find a replacement while on the road isn't worth it either.

If you are looking to save money on your front tire, might I offer a possible solution? I am replacing my front Metzler 880 that I got +12k miles out of and paid $208, with a Rear Michelin Active Pilot 130/90R17. That's right I'm putting a rear tire on the front. The rear tire has more tread, and I paid $132.

[davit]

Huh, that's the first I've heard of a Tourmaster going bad.

And there's a difference between cheap and inexpensive, this my second and performance and longetivy, once I figured out pressure, has been excellent. 

[cookiedough]

I had a Shinko Tour Master go bad on me. Multiple large bubbles all round the tire. I would try them again if I only rode around town. But Since I travel long distances I won't go back to Shinko. It would make for a bad day whether it completely came apart or if it just bubbled. An accident isn't worth the dollars saved, and the time to find a replacement while on the road isn't worth it either.

If you are looking to save money on your front tire, might I offer a possible solution? I am replacing my front Metzler 880 that I got +12k miles out of and paid $208, with a Rear Michelin Active Pilot 130/90R17. That's right I'm putting a rear tire on the front. The rear tire has more tread, and I paid $132.

thanks,  will scope out a michelin active pilot but doesnt the size 130/90/17 not being EXACT size alter the speedo and handling just a tad should be 150/80/17 size as the normal.  what issues might it cause being different sizing since 130 is skinnier than 150 and 90 is slightly taller than 80?

Also,  I have found a michelin active pilot rear tire bias ply in size 140/90/17 vs. 130/90/17 for near same price of 130 (vs. 132) bucks which is closer to the proper 150/80/17 sizing correct?  Should I go that size instead being 140/90/17 for my front tire?  Please let me know all you tire experts.

I always have liked michelin tires on vehicles think they are the best out there for cars and for 130 vs. 85 or so for the shinko it does have more tread depth made for a REAR tire vs. a front tire.  Do I have to reverse direction mount this or mount as normal just like a front tire?

[cookiedough]

speaking of michelin, what about a 140/80/17 sizing at 165 bucks for the michelin commander II bias ply front tire?  is not 150, but 140 width slightly skinnier?

Gee,  now questioning what I want to buy since I like Michelin always have but Shinko 230 tourmaster is hard to beat under 90 bucks if it works as it should..

[davit]

I think you should put a car, maybe a truck tire on the front.  Bridgestone makes a nice T/A KO. 

[cookiedough]

I think you should put a car, maybe a truck tire on the front.  Bridgestone makes a nice T/A KO. 

Nah,  too much off road capability..

Actually, that pic of your shinko 230 tourmaster front tire with 19K miles I am really impressed with that type of longevity and still have a bit of tread left needing to be replaced soon though.  Much over 16K miles on a front tire and would be good enough for me. 

[DarkSideR]

I had a Shinko Tour Master go bad on me. Multiple large bubbles all round the tire. I would try them again if I only rode around town. But Since I travel long distances I won't go back to Shinko. It would make for a bad day whether it completely came apart or if it just bubbled. An accident isn't worth the dollars saved, and the time to find a replacement while on the road isn't worth it either.

If you are looking to save money on your front tire, might I offer a possible solution? I am replacing my front Metzler 880 that I got +12k miles out of and paid $208, with a Rear Michelin Active Pilot 130/90R17. That's right I'm putting a rear tire on the front. The rear tire has more tread, and I paid $132.

thanks,  will scope out a michelin active pilot but doesnt the size 130/90/17 not being EXACT size alter the speedo and handling just a tad should be 150/80/17 size as the normal.  what issues might it cause being different sizing since 130 is skinnier than 150 and 90 is slightly taller than 80?

Also,  I have found a michelin active pilot rear tire bias ply in size 140/90/17 vs. 130/90/17 for near same price of 130 (vs. 132) bucks which is closer to the proper 150/80/17 sizing correct?  Should I go that size instead being 140/90/17 for my front tire?  Please let me know all you tire experts.

I always have liked michelin tires on vehicles think they are the best out there for cars and for 130 vs. 85 or so for the shinko it does have more tread depth made for a REAR tire vs. a front tire.  Do I have to reverse direction mount this or mount as normal just like a front tire?

I am still debating whether or not I will run it in reverse. I'm leaning towards running it normal rotation so that water is pumped out correctly.

Here's some data on sizes. They are all very, very close in size.

Stock Size             D/S Size
150/80 R17             130/90 R17      140/90 R17
4.72                      4.61                4.69                 Sidewall Height
5.91                      5.12                5.51                 Section Width
26.45                    26.21               26.92               Diameter
83.09                    82.35               84.58               Circumference
762.53                  769.41              749.15              Revs/Mile

[Cracker Jack]

I had a Shinko Tour Master go bad on me. Multiple large bubbles all round the tire. I would try them again if I only rode around town. But Since I travel long distances I won't go back to Shinko. It would make for a bad day whether it completely came apart or if it just bubbled. An accident isn't worth the dollars saved, and the time to find a replacement while on the road isn't worth it either.

If you are looking to save money on your front tire, might I offer a possible solution? I am replacing my front Metzler 880 that I got +12k miles out of and paid $208, with a Rear Michelin Active Pilot 130/90R17. That's right I'm putting a rear tire on the front. The rear tire has more tread, and I paid $132.

thanks,  will scope out a michelin active pilot but doesnt the size 130/90/17 not being EXACT size alter the speedo and handling just a tad should be 150/80/17 size as the normal.  what issues might it cause being different sizing since 130 is skinnier than 150 and 90 is slightly taller than 80?

Also,  I have found a michelin active pilot rear tire bias ply in size 140/90/17 vs. 130/90/17 for near same price of 130 (vs. 132) bucks which is closer to the proper 150/80/17 sizing correct?  Should I go that size instead being 140/90/17 for my front tire?  Please let me know all you tire experts.

I always have liked michelin tires on vehicles think they are the best out there for cars and for 130 vs. 85 or so for the shinko it does have more tread depth made for a REAR tire vs. a front tire.  Do I have to reverse direction mount this or mount as normal just like a front tire?

I am still debating whether or not I will run it in reverse. I'm leaning towards running it normal rotation so that water is pumped out correctly.

Here's some data on sizes. They are all very, very close in size.

Stock Size             D/S Size
150/80 R17             130/90 R17      140/90 R17
4.72                      4.61                4.69                 Sidewall Height
5.91                      5.12                5.51                 Section Width
26.45                    26.21               26.92               Diameter
83.09                    82.35               84.58               Circumference
762.53                  769.41              749.15              Revs/Mile

I haven't read all of this thread so I might be repeating this, or contradicting somebody.

The purpose of running a rear tire on front in reverse (arrow pointing backwards) is to facilitate proper water management to prevent hydroplaning on breaking on wet roads.

[DarkSideR]

I haven't read all of this thread so I might be repeating this, or contradicting somebody.

The purpose of running a rear tire on front in reverse (arrow pointing backwards) is to facilitate proper water management to prevent hydroplaning on breaking on wet roads.

Cracker Jack - so glad you posted. My new Rear Michelin Pilot was delivered today. I studied the tread pattern, and to my amazement found that YES the tire must be ran in reverse for the water to be properly pumped out from under it. Thank you much.