Shinko 712 Tires

[Snakeoil]

There was a time that when I saw names like Shinko, Maxxis, etc., my first thought was “junk” and moved on. My tire choices over the years have been Dunlop, followed by Continental, Michelin, Metzler, and Avon.

So, since I’m looking to put new tires on the R100/7 and knowing that the bike originally came shod with inch base, 100 profile ratio tires, I’ve been looking for metric equivalents that come as close to the OD of the original tires.

I run modern K70 Dunlops on a couple of bikes and have been pleased with the handling and quality. It was the go-to tire back in the day. But the mileage you get out of a K70 is pretty poor. I also like the profile of the newer tire designs since the Beemer will be ridden thru the twisties on a regular basis.

While looking at various modern tires, the Shinkos kept coming up on my browser, so I took a closer look. The reviews for the tires are excellent. Yes, I realize that internet review should all be questioned. But it seems that as a rule, they are reported to be a very good tire. And the pricing is excellent as it the reported life.

I have a friend who was the NE trials champ a couple of years running. He’s cheap and needed new tires in a pinch for a 305 scrambler just prior to the Motogiro. He picked up a pair of Shinko dual purpose (we used to call them trials tires) and put them on. Compound felt very soft and we were all joking about the “stinko” tires on Bob’s bike. But Bob and I rode a good portion of the event together and we flogged the bikes pretty hard thru both the paved and dirt sections. Bob expected the tires to be a bit squirrelly on the blacktop, but said they never gave him an uncomfortable moment. And they worked great in the dirt sections. But those are a totally different type of tire so cannot really compare. But it did say something for the quality coming out of Shinko.

So, nothing like real world reviews. Anyone here try the Shinko 712 tires? Good, bad, amazing, scary??

Thanks,
Rob

[dougie]

My Honda Hawk GT came to me with Shinko tyres, but I don't remember the model (there was an "R" in it).
They were very grippy - no complaints there.
I didn't renew them, only because I wanted stock sizes which they don't make.

[woodly1069]

I have the 712s on my R75/5 and love them. In fact I run the Shinko Trial Masters on my GS and love them too...

[bbelk]

I made a long run in West Texas a year or so ago. I left home on a nearly new Shinko on the back of an R90/6. There are some wide open spaces out there and we spent a good deal of time in the 75 to 80 MPH range. The Shinko was was disappearing so fast the difference could be seen at every stop and I was shopping for tires in little towns and considering using the front tire off a Harley as a replacement for the Shinko. With about 400 miles to go, and wear bars nearly gone all the way around, we dropped down to 55 MPH. At 55 there was no more noticeable wear in the last 400 miles. Total trip was 1,700 miles and I doubt that tire made 2,500 total. It was worn beyond what I considered safe for most of its last 1,000 miles. I won't buy one again.

[templetommy]

On my second set, good traction on dry pavement do not know about rain too much as it doesn't rain here too much any more on the Central Coast of Ca. They are on my R80 rt. They don't seem to last as long as some others but they are inexpencive and I like them

[chasbmw]

If you are looking for properly inch sized tyres for your bike, how about the Michelin pilot Actives

they are the correct size, grip well in all conditions and seem to wear well without squaring off.

This rear tyre has done 6-7000 miles, including most of eastern europe fully laden and a track day.


I just had to include a hero photo as well...

[Duane Ausherman]

Riders choosing the wrong tire (always from another source) really did make me a lot of money.

Your question is a very good one. Better to ask here first.

However, you forgot to include how you ride. What are your expectations? Do you love the curves and ride fast with low bars, or ride sitting upright at the legal speed limit?

[Snakeoil]

You point is well taken. I'm somewhere in between what your two choices are. My bars are the stock R100/7 US Market bars with about 4 inches of rise. Clip-ons are not something I want on a street bike. I will take a bike thru its paces from time to time and can use a tire's capability. I did spend a little time on the race track with a full WERA spec SV650 I built. But I don't push the limits on the street as I might on a track for obvious self-preservation reasons (gravel, critters, old ladies in Buicks, texters, etc.). But what I'm not is an upright, 55 mph touring rider with Mama on the back taking in the scenery. Wife actually loves to ride, but gets nervous on the Beemer because I'm a bit too sporty for her. He prefers riding on the back of the John Deere, aka Harley.

So, I want a tire that will not let me down when I need it most. I don't ride as fast as I once did, but have been known to get crazy now and then if I happen to be with the wrong crowd or it's just one of those special days. You know what I mean.

As I'm sure you all know, the myriad of tires out there is a bit overwhelming. And the reviews/opinions attached to each make decisions even worse. I suspect that most tires are pretty good in general, today. What I'm finding in my advanced years is some of the new kids on the block are making superior products to some of the old timers. Or they are at least making products as good for much lower prices. I was not familiar with the Michelin Pilot Actives in inch sizes. I ran Pilot Powers on my SV and only pushed them beyond their capabilities once. So I'll take a look at those.

I've read nothing but good things about the 712s. They are also very close in OD to the original inch-size tires. I figure if you get a good tire it will serve you well. So I might as well try to get a correct OD and make my speedo more believable.

regards,
Rob

[SteveD]

I figure if you get a good tire it will serve you well. So I might as well try to get a correct OD and make my speedo more believable.

Pilot Actif. It reads like the Shinko's are good at the speed limit, but wear at higher speeds. They might be cheap initially, but if 2 sets last equal to 1 set of the Michelin ....The Michelins are VERY good.

[Airbear]

I just had to include a hero photo as well...

And a bloody good photo it is, Charles. (Some may not know that one should right-click and select Open to see the whole shot). The photographer should prolly be acknowledged, because that picture will find its way around the 'net.

I'm a fan of the Pilot Activs too. I especially like that they retain their shape for a long time.