Shinko - Shock Story

[Beren]

Having put 5,000 km's on a Shinko rear tyre over the winter I can say... that it wasn't a bad experience at all.

A few months back I went tyre shopping for by little Bandit 250 and thought I was set on getting one of the cheaper big brand tyres on the back. Eventually though I settled on getting a Shinko Apex on the basis that it is pretty much the top of the Shinko range and at the same price their best tyre was probably going to be at least the equal of what I was looking at.

First if like me you ever buy a second hand bike with a pretty worn rear putting new rubber on it is going to be probably the single most awesome upgrade you will ever buy!

After a trip down to Bikesport in Helensville to pick up the bike I took it pretty carefully home having read all the stories about scrubbing tyres in etc - Then I took it into work and back carefully to make sure I had given it a good chance to settle before I gave it any welly.

Before I go any further into my opinion please remember - a) I have now only done 8000km's of road riding so I don't know what 'great' would be. b) I have a 250... that is hardly going to be putting massive amounts of torque out! c) This bike is my only form of transport, so while I love to push on a bit I can't afford to be in a ditch... which is my excuse for still having an inch or so of chicken strip.

By far the favourite part of my commute currently is set of lovely sweeping corners which are great fun at only just above legal speeds, let me lean the bike a reasonable way over and open up nicely on the exits - basically they are great learner curves to build up some confidence on without having a great deal of challenge. Or so I had thought...

I went in at the kind of entry speed that I was used to and the bike leaned into the corner so easily I almost thought it was going to fall over! I had no idea just how much difference a properly round back tyre really means to how your bike leans into a corner. Over the next couple of days I was able to increase my average cornering speed by a good 10-15kmh just due to the level of confidence the grip gives me. I have still yet to push hard enough for the back to even think about giving up so the tyre is certainly not limiting my ability!

I have put it through some pretty stink weather over the last couple of months, wet with some reasonably high cross winds, and the tyre has coped impeccably.

So I guess I would rate these tyres as at least a 7/10 – and only my bikes lack of power and my lack of talent lets me rate them higher! I will update this in another 5000km to see how it is wearing, and what my opinion of it is after I get to go on some decent rides in good weather.

[Katman]

I have still yet to push hard enough for the back to even think about giving up so the tyre is certainly not limiting my ability!

Stop right there.






(Or take it to a track).

[Beren]

Yup, and that was king of my point with the review - for what I do everyday it is a fun, confidence inspiring tyre, that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

My little Bandit is my ONLY transport - I love having fun on it, but I won't be taking it to a track or trying to find the limits further than I have until it's finance is paid off and I have enough set aside to replace it!

[racefactory]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/545/82...on-Review.aspx

Nothing wrong with 'em for sure. I think the only problem is that they last so long that even when they have tread left at 15,000 km people think that they still aren't worn out and then wonder why when they find a notable lack of grip.

[riffer]

Stop right there.






(Or take it to a track).

Well, yes and no. It really depends on the roads you are riding on. I don't believe myself to be an overly quick rider, however, due to the roads I ride on I have next to no chicken strips.

There's nothing wrong with using all the available tread is there? After all, I paid for it.

Then again I have Conti SportAttack front and RoadAttack rear on my RF and RoadAttacks on my Bandit.

[Katman]

There's nothing wrong with using all the available tread is there? After all, I paid for it.

I'm sure that would make a fitting epitaph for many a rider.

[george formby]

Well, yes and no. It really depends on the roads you are riding on. I don't believe myself to be an overly quick rider, however, due to the roads I ride on I have next to no chicken strips.

There's nothing wrong with using all the available tread is there? After all, I paid for it.

Then again I have Conti SportAttack front and RoadAttack rear on my RF and RoadAttacks on my Bandit.

I had one on my TDM & when I reached the edge of the tire it felt as if the bike stopped leaning, weird feeling.

[riffer]

I'm sure that would make a fitting epitaph for many a rider.

Oh all right. Be warned folks; if you have to lean your bike you're obviously going too fast for the corner.

[Katman]

Oh all right. Be warned folks; if you have to lean your bike you're obviously going too fast for the corner.

Don't be a twat Simon.

You know very well I'm talking specifically about the desire to rid your tyres of 'chicken strips' (god, how I hate that wanky term) at the expense of cornering well within one's limits.

[Maha]

I own and protect my chicken srips with a passion.

[riffer]

Don't be a twat Simon.

You know very well I'm talking specifically about the desire to rid your tyres of 'chicken strips' (god, how I hate that wanky term) at the expense of cornering well within one's limits.

I know that Steve, I'm just trying to make the point that no chicken strips isn't necessarily an indicator of a dangerous rider. Sometimes it's actually the complete opposite.

However, your original point does stand; the pursuit of removal of chicken strips for that purpose does tend to somewhat precipitate the likelihood of lowsides.

Work up to it slowly people. You should never intend to go all the way to the edge of the tyre. If it happens during the course of normal riding, well and good.

[george formby]

I know that Steve, I'm just trying to make the point that no chicken strips isn't necessarily an indicator of a dangerous rider. Sometimes it's actually the complete opposite.

However, your original point does stand; the pursuit of removal of chicken strips for that purpose does tend to somewhat precipitate the likelihood of lowsides.

Work up to it slowly people. You should never intend to go all the way to the edge of the tyre. If it happens during the course of normal riding, well and good.

That brief moment on your favourite road when the stars align & it's all clear & clean.