TOPIC:

So they can't be called SHT ko anymore. Good to know.
Steve

missionkz wrote: They were on sale and I think only I paid $90.00 for the pair of Shinko 712s.
Yes H rated..... 120/90H-18 and 100/90H-19 and it included free shipping.
Which is almost half of what my Avon Phenoms cost!!
And, that is what concerns me..... seems too cheap for a decent tire.

My KZ1000 LTD, (old parts bike now) still has the second set of tires on the mag wheels!! Ha ha..

Check sidewall date codes and make sure they are made within this decade.....

That is very cheap, even the carp Dunlops I ran once were more than that.

Shinko 712's ,, that's what I use and haven't had any complaints. There sticky in the corners and grip well in the rain. As far as milage I have 2000 on the this set and still look new

cheerz
gregz

GregZ wrote: Shinko 712's ,, that's what I use and haven't had any complaints. There sticky in the corners and grip well in the rain. As far as milage I have 2000 on the this set and still look new

cheerz
gregz

Nice stingray!

Holy crap! I didn't even see the car, just looked at the bike and scrolled.... What has become of me?
I have a different set of shinkos on my GPZ 550, and I like them a lot. They were cheap, but, yeah, they handle great, not as noisy as I thought they'd be (they're dual sport tires. don't shoot me). I'll look into these to replace the knobbies.

OK here we go again:

www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6205/i/shinko-712-rear-tire

www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6204/i/shinko-712-front-tire

Hey all, I'm in need of a front tire for my 1978 K-650B (spokes) and see the discussion here on Shinko 712 tires. Will something like that work on my bike? I think I need 3.25x19 tires.

I'm looking for good handling and decent life. I try to stay out of the rain and snow, but sometimes you get caught out. The local cycle parts place only had two options, one was knobby, which I don't think I want.

I see the 712s here at www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6204/i/shinko-712-front-tire

How do I convert the size? They have 120/80, 100/90, etc. Will any of these fit my bike?

100/90-19 is the best metric size for the front of the 1978 KZ650. Forget getting a knobby,that would be a REALLY bad idea! Also, be sure to install a NEW tube when you replace the tire. Have you considered buying from an online tire dealer? Ed

Ok, great, 100/90-19. These shinko tires seem really reasonable. Any reason to look for anything better? The comments here have been pretty positive.

Thanks for the help.

I've been running the Shinko F230 and 712s for about 6 years now. I like them. They handle better than the Dunlop tires I've had.

Because of size and rating and price I run an F230 front and a 712 rear. I live in the PNW where it the roads are wet constantly, and they perform well. I found the longevity of the F230 rear to be the same as the 712, so I go with the cheaper one there.

I have about 475 miles on the 712s now and so far, so good!
75mph-85mph at freeway speeds... smooth.
Had the bike up to +120mph on the speedo a couple times... nothing notable, other then normal KZ1000 handling stuff.
I've ridden in rain .... no problem... spirited riding on super hard core 25mph to 50mph switchback mountain roads... no problem... 10-12 miles of well maintained dirt roads... not bad at all.... two up riding... all good.
No wobbles or head shake... all in all... a pretty good pair of tires for under $120.00 plus shipping was free.
Equal to a pair of high end big name tire brands? Well, I doubt it but I am quite happy with these, especially compared to the old, and well used rear Metzler and front Avon that was on it.
Also, there was no problem with balancing, as some others have suggested/claimed, although my rear Shinko 712 (120/90 H-18) needed a full 2 ounces to get balanced.

Third rear tire for me. About 4-5000 miles to a tire. I'm on a 1000, it should last longer on yours.
Steve