Cheng Shin or Spitfire

[kruppy761]

I am looking at getting some new tires, I was looking for some feedback on which would be better Cheng Shin or the Spitfire S11, it's only a difference of about $7 in price so from what I've read here is they're both good tires So whats everyone's opinion.

[earlfor]

I've never tried the Spitfires, but I have a run a lot of the Cheng Shin HI Max and have been pleased with them. They wear very well, track nicely and traction is good enough for spirited riding.

Earl

[Nessism]

Are you purchasing on-line or local? I ask because the price difference typically works out so something like $25, not $14. Given that difference, and the positive experience from those with Himax's, I'd go that way.

[Bobber55]

I've had two sets of Spitfires on a 1975 Honda 550 & a 1981 GS550T. I really liked them. The 550T had fairly worn Chengs on it when I bought it, the Spitfires seemed like a big improvement but I had no idea how old they were.

[BlackStar]

I have the Spitfires on my GS1000. I like 'em.

[earlfor]

I've had two sets of Spitfires on a 1975 Honda 550 & a 1981 GS550T. I really liked them. The 550T had fairly worn Chengs on it when I bought it, the Spitfires seemed like a big improvement but I had no idea how old they were.

Any tire that is old and hard has minimal traction. I do not use a tire that is more than two years old. I average a set of tires about every three months, so age isnt a problem for me. :-)

Earl

[8trackmind]

Spitfire......................

[Steve]

I average a set of tires about every three months, ...

Do your tires not last very long or do you tend to put on a LOT of miles?

I ask that because the last set of Hi-Max tires on my wife's 850L lasted for 14,000 miles. Even if you scrubbed them off with some more ... uhhh ... exuberant riding and they only lasted 10,000 miles, that's still a LOT of miles.

.

[buckeyemike]

Going to buy some tomorrow

I am about ready to buy some tires and had kind of settled on the Hi max since I found some at one of the tire shops. The S11 was on my list if I could not find the Himax. I was looking at pictures of them both and the S11 sure look better in the picture. Now I am back to wavering on which ones to buy. Any more input greatly appreciated

[earlfor]

[quote=Steve;951901]Do your tires not last very long or do you tend to put on a LOT of miles?

I ask that because the last set of Hi-Max tires on my wife's 850L lasted for 14,000 miles. Even if you scrubbed them off with some more ... uhhh ... exuberant riding and they only lasted 10,000 miles, that's still a LOT of miles.

.[/quote


I do a lot of miles. One year almost drove me crazy as for a while, I was averaging 1000 miles a week and wearing out a set of tires every six weeks. I may be a touch heavy on the throttle at times also. LOL


Earl

[Mark Harrop]

Cheng-shins for me...I've burned up a few sets, never let me down, and the price is right.

Then again, I run Tomahawks on my sportbike, and haven't had any problems with them either.

There is a kind of placebo effect with helmets and tires...when people spend more money, they think they are getting a better product. Not always true, as much of the tire/helmet testing has shown.

Get some Chengs, and when you wear them out, get the Spitfires, and see if you can tell much of a difference.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I have the S11s on my 850 too, I like them! Looked at the ChengShin about 5 years ago, the sidewalls were very thin. ChengShin Tread pattern is a copy of the metzler ME33 series. S11 is also a dual compound tire with a more modern tread design

[kruppy761]

I ordered the spitfires from http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com 124.98 or something after tax and free shipping. The Cheng Shin's were about 100 from jcwhitney I think and they had free shipping too. Someone said that they're ending production so I might as well try something that I will still be able to buy again in three months instead of liking a tire I can no longer get. Thanks for all the input.

[knotzilla]

Spitfires are my choice, With a cool name like that you can't go wrong, Ted

[82Shafty]

I've run spitfires on two bikes now and have been very pleased.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=136843

Make sure to scrub the mold release agent off of the tires when you get them. VERY IMPORTANT.

I used laquer thinner, a stiff scrub brush (wire) and then a very thorough washing with hot soapy water and plenty of rinsing. You will feel the difference when you are done.

This helps to get most of the slipperly goo off, and by doing this, I have never had any close calls due to slippery new tires.