Shinko 712's on a 750

[nutz4spd]

Has anyone run the Shinko 712's on their GS? I can get a pair in the metric size for $108 out the door but I was curious about the ride and handling quality of them. Do they have decent wet/dry traction? My GS is mainly an around town toy with running the back roads it's main purpose.

[Nessism]

You might want to try the search function because there are a LOT of different reviews here about the 712's and most are favorable.

[nutz4spd]

Yeah, I just looked. Probably should've done that first. I guess the only other question I have then is about rear sizes. Stock is a 110/90, currently there is a 130 (non Shinko) on it. Since I'm still a noob at motorcycle tire sizes, would a 120/90 be acceptable if I wanted a slightly wider rear tire? I only ask because I don't see a 130 size in the Shinko 712's. Just a 120.

[Nessism]

120 is fine. It's pushing the limit of the wheel width but still okay. A 130 is too wide for the rim but some people use them anyway.

[joe penoso]

I used 130 /90/17 rear Bridgestone Spitfire with no detriment. Although I never used Shinko they are preferred over Kenda Tires which I used. Kenda are alright if you stay out of the rain.

[bwringer]

Yep, Shinko 712 and 230 are incredible bang for the buck tires. That's what's on my GS850G (230 at the moment), and it gets mercilessly flogged in all conditions. Sticky, smooth, well-behaved as they wear, and great in the rain.

It looks like you can get either in your sizes, so pick the cheapest (they're usually within $5-$10 a set) or the one that looks the coolest. I can't tell the difference from the saddle, and the 712 is usually cheaper. However, the 230 is V-Rated, so if you spend a lot of time above 130mph...? I switch off for no particular reason.


The one downside is that they might not last as long as some of the high-dollar big brand rubber. I'm getting roughly half the mileage as a set of Avon RoadRiders. In my case, that actually works out great because the GS doesn't get the bulk of the miles nowadays; a set of Shinkos lasts one season just fine, and I get to enjoy a fresh set of buns every spring. If you ride a lot of miles and/or have to pay someone to mount tires, then that may not be as convenient or cost-effective.

Your original front was a 3.25-19, which is pretty easy -- that's a 100/90-19 in modern money.

Your original rear tire was a 4.00-18, which translates most directly into a 110/90-18, although some and probably most folks install a 120/90-18.

130/90-18 is right out... Generally on olde bikes you want to stick close to the original sizes; wider tires end up in a sort of odd hamburger shape cross-section instead of round which causes strange handling leaned over and weird steering.

[1978GS750E]

Yeah, what he said!

I've got Shinko 230's on one GS1000 and 712's on a GS750. Just ordered another set of 712's for the other GS1000 from American Moto Tire yesterday!

Great tire for the money IMO.

[salty_monk]

I'm a fan of the Shinko Tyres too....

[suzukizone]

I used 130 /90/17 rear Bridgestone Spitfire with no detriment. Although I never used Shinko they are preferred over Kenda Tires which I used. Kenda are alright if you stay out of the rain.

I used the S11 Bridgestones for many years on my '81 GS850 G. The rear is no longer available anywhere that I've seen. I got over 12k out of the first set, BUT when I put the second set on, the rear was gone in about 6k miles. Don't worry about it as the only one I've seen was USED, on eBay for something like $150.
I've used the Shinko 230. Love them, very grippy. Front tire I got over 10k with a bit left on it. The rear is good(for me) for just over 6k. I ride easy. Just got a set of Shinko 712's in (not $108 tho, about $150 delivered with an IRC 325x19 tube) I actually expect a bit higher mileage from them. Less "detail" in the tread pattern but reviews here & elsewhere convinced me that they will do fine. I don't need a V tire as I rarely even see 60 MPH. I am the happy geezer tooling along at my own pace and probably *@%^$*@%^$*@%^$*@%^$ing off even the 80 year old church ladies trying to pass me.

Will report on the 712s as they age,....along with me. I think of myself as a fine aged cheese, .....Wife sez I smell like that anyway.

DH