New Front Tire Options

I've used Shinko 712s at different times on two XS650s. On the second set the front tire was defective and had to be returned because the bead would not seat evenly. I support local business and had the tire installed at the local shop where I bought it, so there were no issues or complications with returning it. The replacement was fine. Neither set of 712s caused problems at any speed or on any pavement surface, and delivered good feedback, steering, and adhesion, but because of the quality assurance issue, I did not buy another set of Shinko tires. I went back to H-rated Bridgestone BT45s. Pirelli Sport Demons are very nice and much lighter than the BT45s, but they don't last long; 3500 miles or so and you can stick a fork in 'em, they're done.
 
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If you like them, why change? As for myself, I don't like to mess with success.
I had to do both of the CB650's tires at the same time. Finding a tube-type rear tire in 120/90-17 (the "correct" size) proved surprisingly difficult; however, after doing some basic math and examining the clearances on that bike, I decided I could run a 130/80-17 rear tire without problems, it being almost the same height and just a little wider than the 120/90-17 I had been searching for. So I looked for that and I found the BT45. Since I wanted to run the same front and rear if possible, I got that plus the 100/90-19 front BT45.

However, my XS650 takes tubeless tires. I can easily get them in the Bridgestone BT45, but I have a very fresh Shinko 712 on the rear already, and again, I'd like to run the same front and rear. It seems the 712 front is getting mixed reviews, but the 230 looks very similar and at least it's the same brand. If I was doing both ends of the XS I might get the Bridgestones, but since I'm not, I don't have a strong reason to put one on the front.
 
Also, I'm cheap. The 712 on the back is performing well, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the Bridgestone. If I can get a front tire for the XS that's as good as that rear tire for less than the price of the BT45, I'm going to do that.
 
Also, I'm cheap.

I can go along with that. But, I'll assume you're frugal rather than cheap. Shinko tires get plenty of praises. The only complaints I've seen on the forums is that some of them are defective right out of the box. This proves to be nothing more than inconvenience.
 
I've got a 1980 XS650, the one with the tubeless rims, and I'll be needing a new front tire for next year. I'm looking at a number of 100/90-19 tires; naturally I want a good deal, but I want a tire rated over 100 MPH (though I seldom go there) and I want a good balance of traction and lifespan.

Right now, I'm looking specifically at the Kenda K673 Kruz and K657 Challenger and the Shinko 712 and 777. Does anyone have experience with these tires that they'd like to share? Which is the better option? Or is there one I should be looking at that I've missed?


G'day from OZ,

Me I m a Pirelli bloke.

All of my machines wear them.

My '76 XS650 has Route 66 tyres.

Why do I like Pirelli................because they stick like shit on a shovel.

Heck yes they wear out quicker than others but when you think about how small the contact patch is and if it gets a little wet I want stiction

GeeDub
 
I can go along with that. But, I'll assume you're frugal rather than cheap. Shinko tires get plenty of praises. The only complaints I've seen on the forums is that some of them are defective right out of the box. This proves to be nothing more than inconvenience.
I've run Shinko dual sport tires for years on my TW200, with great success; in fact, I have one in the garage right now waiting for me to put it on. (The TW's rear tire is darn near unique and pretty much has to come from Bridgestone, but the front is not so hard to get.) So I'm comfortable with their quality. And, I've run that 712 rear for around 2500 miles and am happy with it.

I'm "cheap" in the sense that I won't spend money on high-priced tires if I can get what I want for less. Pirellis are no doubt excellent, but I can't justify spending over twice as much, twice as often, which is what it amounts to. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in here. I'm still on the fence about which Shinko to buy, but it's just between the 230 and the 712 now. Easier to decide between two than twenty.
 
I'm currently running a Shinko on a tubeless '80 rim on the front and and a Shinko on a spoke rim on the rear. While I've put less than 200 miles on them thus far it will have to start getting a lot better before I buy another. Balance is good, speed rating is 130 but I just don't feel connected to the road.
 
I'm currently running a Shinko on a tubeless '80 rim on the front and and a Shinko on a spoke rim on the rear. While I've put less than 200 miles on them thus far it will have to start getting a lot better before I buy another. Balance is good, speed rating is 130 but I just don't feel connected to the road.
Which Shinkos?
 
Thanks, RecycleBill. I was confused, since we're discussing two different Shinko tires. I'm leaning toward the 230 pretty strongly right now.

I've not pushed the Shinko 712s hard into a corner but I have ridden them in excess of 100 MPH and they just don't seem as stable as I am used to.
 
I have found some new Shinko's on the front to be a bit squirmy on tar snakes and the like also. But the effect seems to rapidly lessen after a few miles, or I acclimate. :shrug:
 
I've got a 1980 XS650, the one with the tubeless rims, and I'll be needing a new front tire for next year. I'm looking at a number of 100/90-19 tires; naturally I want a good deal, but I want a tire rated over 100 MPH (though I seldom go there) and I want a good balance of traction and lifespan.

Right now, I'm looking specifically at the Kenda K673 Kruz and K657 Challenger and the Shinko 712 and 777. Does anyone have experience with these tires that they'd like to share? Which is the better option? Or is there one I should be looking at that I've missed?
 
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