Cheng Shin

[czeremcha]

I purchased an 82 1100GL with two different tires. Both Cheng Shin. Front tire (Barracuda-V) made in Taiwan and Rear tire (C-SHI MAXX) made in China. They are new according to the previous owner with less than 500 miles on them. Should I be concerned at all from a quality standpoint? Any thoughts out there?

[mike_of_bbg]

As I recall, Chen Shin tires had a pretty good reputation. But I also thought they hadn't been made in a while? Better check the date codes on the tires and see how old they are. My bike had a Chen Shin on the rear, but I immediately replaced it due to sidewall cracking.

[czeremcha]

The number on the rear is 3508. I believe that means it was made in 2008. Is that correct?

[mike_of_bbg]

Should be. They stopped importing street tires in Fall 08 IIRC.

Again, they were pretty popular with a good reputation - particularly for a "budget" tire. The sidewall cracking on mine seemed a bit premature but that's a material issue. Ride it enough not to get there Never rode on it to feel out its handling characteristics, etc. But have seen much positive feedback.

[Larry D]

The number on the rear is 3508. I believe that means it was made in 2008. Is that correct?

Yep, the 35th week of 2008.

[Steve]

I have no experience with the Barracuda, but the Hi-Max is a good tire. We got about 14,000 miles out of the set on my wife's 850L. I'm sure that there are some on this board that could have managed to scrub them off in less than 10,000 miles, but that's their version of "fun".

By the way, we put on another set of Hi-Max because we were reasonably impressed with them. Cheng Shin has discontinued production of street tires, many have turned to Shinko for inexpensive replacements. Have not heard too many longevity stories about them yet.

.