140/60 vs 150/60, once again (+ Shinko review)

[ranmafan]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to replace my Shinko 150/60 rear (~5k km and a little left until the wear bars), and even after reading the discussions on here, I still can't decide...

Points to note:

- I don't like the "floaty" feeling at certain speeds (not a huge deal, though; combination of my shock and tire profile, I guess)
- It's 90%+ straight-line, taking-it-easy riding. No more tracknights (nearby track bulldozered).
- I have a tad more power than a stock FZR (660 mod)
- Straight-line stability is pretty important (have to deal with strong crosswinds often enough).
- I couldn't care less about the looks.

Given #1, #3 and #4, I'm leaning towards the 150/60. But 140/60 is $10-15 cheaper, lighter, and could be a fun experiment. Anyone mind steering me to the right choice?

[pnbell]

Can't help you with your question... sorry

But i am curious what you thought about the Shinko Tires; Would you buy them again? Comparison to other tires you've run? (helping my buddy pick out new tires; trying to decide on a Brand and Size)

Thanks,
-Pete

[_Will_]

150 = more rotating mass = better stability

If you're looking to try something besides to shinko I like the BT016 myself, the avon storm is popular too.

[ranmafan]

Can't help you with your question... sorry

But i am curious what you thought about the Shinko Tires; Would you buy them again? Comparison to other tires you've run? (helping my buddy pick out new tires; trying to decide on a Brand and Size)

Well, the only "issue" I've had is the aforementioned odd feeling somewhere in the region of ~60kph, like the rear is floating on water. But, as I've said, I know my shock isn't in the best condition (preload doesn't even make a difference anymore), and the folks at the track assured me that it's fairly normal for a sportbike.

It felt great in the twisties in the BC interior, and wasn't that terrible at the track, either. On the track, the rear did feel like it started losing traction right about the point where you'd have your knee down Don't think it's the tire's fault, though... Other than that, it was wearing alright, and I had some ~5mm chicken strips (if not more, haha) left in the end.

The front had some pretty noticeable cupping after a few tracknights (you could see the edges of the tread being scrubbed off - I'll take a picture sometime). Probably not a problem. I'd think the front should be good for 2 rears at least, if not 3.

I don't have much to compare to, however. I don't know how much the BT45 (bias-ply, dual-compound) rear that I got with the bike had on it, but it was totally square by the time it hit the wearbars, like the sides weren't wearing at all. In comparison, after ~5000km, the Podium (radial, single-compound) is looking okay-ish, and it's probably good for at least another 1000.

[ranmafan]

150 = more rotating mass = better stability

If you're looking to try something besides to shinko I like the BT016 myself, the avon storm is popular too.

I just don't want to throw the front away yet. Also, living a fair distance away from the border, buying new tires is usually one anally exciting experience here...

If I still have the bike by the time the next rear wears out, I'll probably try Avons, just out of curiosity.

[ranmafan]

Here are some pics. I parked it for the winter pretty soon after the last tracknight last year, and hasn't been long since this year's riding season started..

Rear (150/60):


Front (110/70): perhaps I spoke too soon about not needing a new front.

Not sure what this is. Cord?


A few shots of the left side to show the cupping. The right side has slightly less wear.



I'm a total noob when it comes to tires/suspension, though. If someone can comment here, by all means!

[ranmafan]

Got the local dealer to bump the 150 down to $120 (less than half of BT016 MSRP). JCWhitney no longer ships to Canada

(By the way, Shinko tires are in the Full Bore Marketing catalogue in Canada, same as Arai helmets.)

Now I just need a cheap rear shock replacement. Looking at FZ1 upgrade...