When is a tire worn out or how worn is this tire?

[twowheeladdict]

Anyone tried the Shinkos? I have used them on my XS650's and just put a set on the Roadstar..

190 50 17 $143......
Shinko 016 Verge 2X Radial Rear Tire
 
Experience the new standard in motorcycle tires from Shinko, the DUAL COMPOUND 016 VERGE 2X! With Shinko tires all new dual compound technology you'll get the best of both worlds, superior traction when needed, with all the mileage. Sipes added for better wet grip and even wear. The full steel belted rear tire and Aramid front tire will provide high speed stability and strength.
Best of both worlds with new DUAL COMPOUND for superior traction AND mileage
Siping allows for added wet traction and longevity
Full steel belted rear tire and Aramid belted front for high speed handling
Tread profile designed for quick transitions and more lean angle

I've had no issues with Shinkos and would not hesitate to put them on the Concours if I found myself a thousand miles from home in need of a tire.  I run Shinkos on two of my bikes and will probably put them on a third when it needs tires. 

I choose to run PR4s on the Concours because of their rain capability.  The Concours is my go to distance touring steed and I want to be confident in the rain.

[clogan]

Anyone tried the Shinkos? I have used them on my XS650's and just put a set on the Roadstar..

190 50 17 $143......
Shinko 016 Verge 2X Radial Rear Tire
 
Experience the new standard in motorcycle tires from Shinko, the DUAL COMPOUND 016 VERGE 2X! With Shinko tires all new dual compound technology you'll get the best of both worlds, superior traction when needed, with all the mileage. Sipes added for better wet grip and even wear. The full steel belted rear tire and Aramid front tire will provide high speed stability and strength.
Best of both worlds with new DUAL COMPOUND for superior traction AND mileage
Siping allows for added wet traction and longevity
Full steel belted rear tire and Aramid belted front for high speed handling
Tread profile designed for quick transitions and more lean angle

I recently installed a Shinko Verge in a 200-50-17. After 1600 miles, I really like it. Especially when front AND rear, to my door, were less than the price of the rear only PR4.

[maxtog]

I recently installed a Shinko Verge in a 200-50-17. After 1600 miles, I really like it. Especially when front AND rear, to my door, were less than the price of the rear only PR4.

PR4GT's are super great.  But one they they are not is cheap.

[elp_jc]

That tire is done man, especially if you ride any faster than a granny. And do yourself a favor and change BOTH. Rubber deteriorates with age, and each heat cycle. Even if the front looks good, it's not going to be nearly as good as new. I learned that lesson the hard way decades ago, after a front washout, and ended up costing me more than 30 times the cost of that tire. And was lucky to come out unscathed, or it'd have been much worse. NEVER SKIMP ON TIRES. They're the only thing keeping you from the ground. Never forget that . Good luck.

[Organdonor]

You have a few more miles. I think I'd change it soon. Be careful in the wet. Here is a comparison I pulled off the net....

I used to wait too long, too. No longer.

[Gigantor]

That tire is done man, especially if you ride any faster than a granny. And do yourself a favor and change BOTH. Rubber deteriorates with age, and each heat cycle. Even if the front looks good, it's not going to be nearly as good as new. I learned that lesson the hard way decades ago, after a front washout, and ended up costing me more than 30 times the cost of that tire. And was lucky to come out unscathed, or it'd have been much worse. NEVER SKIMP ON TIRES. They're the only thing keeping you from the ground. Never forget that . Good luck.

+2

People need to take note of this point: Tires are the most important component of your bike

[Leo]

My practice was this:  As soon as I had any doubt in a tire, I would replace it.  Even if it had 1/2 the tread.  By the time you start to worry, something has changed.   Replace it.

[gggGary]

Thanks for all the info.  Since  there is still lots of tread on the edges, my plan is to avoid straight roads      (and have a replacement on hand, I change my own)

[JerBear]

Now THAT is a very good idea!  Frugal AND fun!

[Bike Habit]

+2

People need to take note of this point: Tires are the most important component of your bike

Quoted for truth! One thing I do not skimp on is tires! Be it cage, or bike, I put the best tire I can buy on it! An extra $100.00 is an easy decision for me....YMMV!

[maxtog]

My practice was this:  As soon as I had any doubt in a tire, I would replace it.  Even if it had 1/2 the tread.  By the time you start to worry, something has changed.   Replace it.

Good advice.  In my case, I don't pack on the miles.  I had significant tread left, but the tires were getting old (> 3 yr) and hard and I was getting nervous.  Of course, my TPMS batteries were also going to crap, so it was time for that too (under warranty, so I was charged even less for new tire mounting).  It was time.

Similar thing happened on my car.  I had at least half my tread left, but the tires were very high performance models that were > 5 years old and turning into bricks that would not stick.  (I live 4 blocks from work, so I ride my bicycle every day, and I live in the center of lots of shopping,  most trips are usually short).

[Rembrant]

It's still holding air isn't it? No cords showing? Good to go!

Haha. I agree!

I finished a rear tire off on a trip one time, and did the last 500 miles with the white stripe down the middle.

I was alone though...

I might not be so reckless with the wife on the back.

Always carry a plug kit...always.

Rem

[maxtog]

Always carry a plug kit...always.

Me too.  And I am about 99% sure I would never be able to use it correctly/effectively.

[Rembrant]

Me too.  And I am about 99% sure I would never be able to use it correctly/effectively.

Years ago, before I had my first C14, I was riding a Kawi Z1000, and a Kawi ZX10R before that...and had to plug rear tires on both of them on the side of the road. First time was with an old fashioned ATV plug kit and CO2 cartridges. Worked like a charm, and put another 300 miles on that day (after limping to a gas station to properly inflate the tire). With the way liter-bikes eat rear tires, you're often riding them with a bare patch in the center, and they puncture very easily. A friend of mine with an 05 R1 went through 7 rear tires one season;).

Getting a rear flat tire on a motorcycle isn't all that big a deal imho...however, the front one may be a different story. Haven't had that happen yet.

Rem

[zarticus]

Anyone tried the Shinkos? I have used them on my XS650's and just put a set on the Roadstar..

190 50 17 $143......
Shinko 016 Verge 2X Radial Rear Tire
 
Experience the new standard in motorcycle tires from Shinko, the DUAL COMPOUND 016 VERGE 2X! With Shinko tires all new dual compound technology you'll get the best of both worlds, superior traction when needed, with all the mileage. Sipes added for better wet grip and even wear. The full steel belted rear tire and Aramid front tire will provide high speed stability and strength.
Best of both worlds with new DUAL COMPOUND for superior traction AND mileage
Siping allows for added wet traction and longevity
Full steel belted rear tire and Aramid belted front for high speed handling
Tread profile designed for quick transitions and more lean angle

I have a Shinko Raven on the back of my C14, 5500 miles so far & probably another 1500 to go. At $104 I can get 2 rear Shinko's for the price of 1 PR4. They handle just as good as The PR4's in my opinion & you can check the lack of chicken strips on mine 

[gggGary]

I have a Shinko Raven on the back of my C14, 5500 miles so far & probably another 1500 to go. At $104 I can get 2 rear Shinko's for the price of 1 PR4. They handle just as good as The PR4's in my opinion & you can check the lack of chicken strips on mine 

Thanks for the first hand info, I like to think I'm fast but I'm not "that fast".  I'm pretty sure I don't need ultra rubber while keeping my pace within sane limits on the local roads.  With "too many motorcycles"  no one bike gets all that many miles a year.

[texrider]

I've got a set of Verge 2X on the shelf as my next 14 tires, the rear is 200/50 so we shall see how it goes. Looks like nice tires.

[AlbertaDoug]

I have a Shinko Raven on the back of my C14, 5500 miles so far & probably another 1500 to go. At $104 I can get 2 rear Shinko's for the price of 1 PR4. They handle just as good as The PR4's in my opinion & you can check the lack of chicken strips on mine 

Just wondering if you've had PR4's on your bike?