Shink 230 Sizing

[The1970's]

When I first bought my bike I put on a fresh set of Dunlop D404's. I've been hearing that they tend to get pretty nasty near the end of their life and after about 4000 miles my rear tire is down to the wear indicators. From my search on the forum it seems everyone likes the Shinko 230's. I was looking for a set but can't seem to find my size. My dunlops are 100/90/19 on the front which I can find easily and the rear is a 110/90/18 which I am having trouble finding in the 230. All the usual parts places list that size for sale but mark it as "unavailable". How about the 120/90/18? Will it fit? And more importantly will it negatively impact the handling?

Just to put it out there I really haven't had any bad experience with the 404's. I don't really ride in the wet unless I get caught out, but when I do they handled it fine. Living in Florida most of the roads are straight but when I find some curves I do like to ride somewhat hard, but probably nowhere near the limits of the bike. I am very disappointed with the mileage though. 4000 miles has all but destroyed the rear.

So I have my eye on the 230's but i'm open to suggestions. The bike is mostly used for fun riding and I would favor a longer tire life over better grip.

EDIT: Has anyone tried the Pirelli MT66's on a GS?

[Nessism]

A 120 will be fine. Some people around here squawk when moving to larger tires than the originals but understand, a lot of Kawasaki KZ bikes, that used the same size wheels, came stock with 120's on the rear.

[bwringer]

The Shinkos will handle better, and will be a lot more consistent throughout their life. I don't know that they will last a LOT longer than the D404, but I would suspect you'll be happy, especially for the price, and if you're mounting them yourself.


Stock tires were 3.25-19 front and 4.00-18 rear, so 100/90-19 and 110/90-18 are correct. As you noted, that size is a not available in some tire models, so many riders run 120/90-18 with no issues.

However, 110/90-18 is certainly not impossible to find -- it's available in the Shinko 712, which in my experience handles just as well as the 230 (there's a set on my GS right now, in fact...).

That size is also available in several other good options (along with the very common 100/90-19 front):

https://www.americanmototire.com/search-results?q=110%2F90-18

You sort of have to sift through the front tires to find the rears, but I see:

Shinko 712 <= Great tire at a bargain price
Avon AM26 RoadRider <= probably the best choice for longevity and excellent grip, especially if you have to pay to have tires mounted
Conti Go & Classic Attack
IRC Durotour
Pirelli Sport Demon
Bridgestone BT45


I'd avoid the Kendas, the Dunlop 404, the Metzeler Lasertec, and the Bridgestone Spitfire.

https://www.americanmototire.com/search-results?q=110%2F90-18