Too much info about tires...

[Guest]

Hey all! I'm replacing my rear tire and I'm officially overwhelmed by all the info online and in searched on this forum.

I'm pretty sure I need a 130/90-17.

I mostly commute with occasional rides through the twisties - not afraid to touch a footpeg now and then, but no knee-dragging.

I'm also on a tight budget and planning to drop a bunch of cash into suspension upgrades, so I'm looking for a "value" tire.

I've looked at a couple of reviews, and though I've never heard the name, I did find a couple of reviews that said that Shinko was a fine choice. Looking at this one - curious if there's any experience out there, good or bad. Also curious is anyone's bought a tire or other parts on Amazon, which feels strange. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Shinko-Tour-Master-Rear-Tire/dp/B001CD5E3W/ref=pd_sbs_auto_3

Thanks!

[hikermikem]

Just put the tourmasters on my Big Red project... price was right, we'll see about the peformance/value. Others here have had good luck with this tire though.

Took a lot of weight to balance the rear though...

[bwringer]

That's a fine choice in a value tire.

But I would buy it directly from Motorcycle Superstore instead of through Amazon. Order $10 more stuff at MSS and you'll get free shipping.

[kruppy761]

Check out the bridgestone spitfires at mss they have pretty good reviews.

[Nessism]

Those Shinko's look nice. I just bought a rear Kenda since I already had a new front, but those Shinko's are V rated which typically is a good sign for quality.

[Roostabunny]

Hey Brian, thanks for pointing out the actual retailer.

Good feedback guys, thanks! So a Shinko seems to be a good choice to replace my old D404.

I'm seeing these H-rated 712 models on there for for $54

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/6205/ITEM/Shinko-712-Rear-Tire.aspx

And the V-rated Tourmasters for $65

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/395/6188/ITEM/Shinko-230-Tour-Master-Rear-Tire.aspx

Though I don't intend to reach V-rated speeds, I'm wondering if the Tourmaster will give me an extra $11 worth of handling and grip. The reviews are positive for both, but much more enthusiastic on the Tourmaster page.

I also see that the Tourmaster is aramid belted, and aside from costing more I don't know what that means

[Nessism]

Hey Brian, thanks for pointing out the actual retailer.

Good feedback guys, thanks! So a Shinko seems to be a good choice to replace my old D404.

I'm seeing these H-rated 712 models on there for for $54

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/6205/ITEM/Shinko-712-Rear-Tire.aspx

And the V-rated Tourmasters for $65

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/395/6188/ITEM/Shinko-230-Tour-Master-Rear-Tire.aspx

Though I don't intend to reach V-rated speeds, I'm wondering if the Tourmaster will give me an extra $11 worth of handling and grip. The reviews are positive for both, but much more enthusiastic on the Tourmaster page.

I also see that the Tourmaster is aramid belted, and aside from costing more I don't know what that means

I'd get the Tourmaster. Bias ply tires have cross-plys that go from bead to bead in a crisscross pattern. Sometimes they add a belt, which is a strip of material, aramid in this case, around tire in a circumferential layout which provides stability for the carcass and improves tread life. Sounds like a superior tire for the money.

[Steve]

Not sure about these two particular tires, but a V-rated tire is usually considered a "high-performance" tire, so might be made of softer compounds. This will give you better grip, but at the cost of tire life. Depending on your riding style and priorities, either one can be a good choice.

.

[Nessism]

Not sure about these two particular tires, but a V-rated tire is usually considered a "high-performance" tire, so might be made of softer compounds. This will give you better grip, but at the cost of tire life. Depending on your riding style and priorities, either one can be a good choice.

.

Yea, softer compound typically on the V rated tires but that belt will increase tread life so most likely a wash vs. the harder tire.

[Roostabunny]

OK, cool this helps a lot!

Based on the way I like to ride plus the positively glowing testimonials on the MSS site, I'll pop for the extra $11 on the Tourmaster.

Thanks fellas!

[bwringer]

You big spender, you.

Let us know how it goes, and report back!

I've been very impressed with Shinko tires lately -- my V-Strom is wearing a set of 705s right now, in fact.

[almarconi]

I've got Tourmaster's on my KZ 750, nice tire for the money.

[rideOn]

I got the shinko 712 rear tire last fall. Does all I need. I ride on flat roads with minimum curves here near myrtle. Yes, I can rub the pegs