Tire suggestions

[caverman]

I just picked up a '91 FJ and it's in need of tires immediately. I'm somewhat on a budget because I just blew most of my spare funds to buy the FJ in the first place. So, I'm looking at some Shinko brand tires. They are some of the cheapest and they have decent reviews. My other option is a set of Dunlops that would put me out another $80 which I would rather put towards funding some new brake lines. I won't be doing long distance touring with the bike. I'll mostly be around town riding and some occasional group riding. Anyone with experience with either Shinko vs Dunlop brands?

[gggGary]

My tire sticker wall has about 30 Shinko stickers (and some other brands) so...
I've got stories but find them to be good tires, well constructed.
Made in South Korea they bought the Bridgestone tire production lines and moved them to Korea  There were some teething problems early on but that was long ago.
Just bought a 150/80ZR-16 (71W) Shinko 011 Verge for the back of the 93, front will get a verge II.  If you aren't a speed demon the 777HD series are good for typical street use and will take as much weight as you'd dare to load on an FJ
Boiler plate; don't mix Bias and radial tires.

[caverman]

My tire sticker wall has about 30 Shinko stickers (and some other brands) so...
I've got stories but find them to be good tires, well constructed.
Made in South Korea they bought the Bridgestone tire production lines and moved them to Korea  There were some teething problems early on but that was long ago.
Just bought a 150/80ZR-16 (71W) Shinko 011 Verge for the back of the 93, front will get a verge II.  If you aren't a speed demon the 777HD series are good for typical street use and will take as much weight as you'd dare to load on an FJ
Boiler plate; don't mix Bias and radial tires.

I'm looking at the Shinko 230 Series Tour Master. Thoughts on those?

[gggGary]

Prolly fine for the front.  Rear would depend on loads carried. Will you carry passenger, bags etc? I've been happy with the tour masters on lighter bikes.

[caverman]

Prolly fine for the front.  Rear would depend on loads carried. Will you carry passenger, bags etc? I've been happy with the tour masters on lighter bikes.

Passengers...maybe every now and then but really no passengers for the most part. Bags, doubt very seriously, I don't have them now and can't see me adding them. I don't plan to tour or go any long distances. I'm mostly going to ride around town and do an occasionally group ride that would probably only be in the couple hours at a time type of riding.

[gggGary]

Prolly fine for the front.  Rear would depend on loads carried. Will you carry passenger, bags etc? I've been happy with the tour masters on lighter bikes.

Passengers...maybe every now and then but really no passengers for the most part. Bags, doubt very seriously, I don't have them now and can't see me adding them. I don't plan to tour or go any long distances. I'm mostly going to ride around town and do an occasionally group ride that would probably only be in the couple hours at a time type of riding.

150/80-16 (71H) Shinko 230 Tour Master Rear Motorcycle Tire is rated for 760lbs. so you're good to go.

[gumby302ho]

 My advice is to never skimp out on tires, go without a few things, dont buy that case of beer or take the gal out for a good dinner for a spell,lol before you
know it you can afford a quality tire. Just one of my cardinal rules to try and help preserve myself.

[Pat Conlon]

I agree with Gumby....

[caverman]

But what tire do you consider being a bad one and which one isn't? I've looked at the reviews on Shinko vs Dunlop which seem to be two main ones I've seen. I'm assuming you would consider the Shinko brand the one that is skimping on based on price, which does seem to be the cheapest out there. However, on a good portion of the reviews I found the Shinko had a lot of positive ones and I found a couple negatives on the Dunlops. There is not a huge difference in price between the two (maybe $50 more for Dunlop) but the reviews I've seen point to the Shinko...at least for the 16"/17" combo that is available for the FJ.

[3Rigel]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in on this old post but the title fits.

I've recently purchased an unloved FJ1200 and I'm in the process of getting it MOT ready. I've not been on a bike for 25 years so I'm obviously not going to be interested in top end performance. Just want the bike to be safe for a novice.

So here's my question, recently picked up an Avon cobra for the rear with about 600 miles on it. I now need a part worn 120 70 17 for the front. Im struggling to find another cobra or any Avon for that matter so what are my best option to mix with the cobra rear?

Thanks in advance

[Pat Conlon]

What is the date code on the used Cobra rear tire?
Mileage is one thing...but the age of the tire is just as important.
Did you look inside the carcass to see if there are any plugs or patches?

The Avon Cobra rear 150/80-16 is a V rated radial tire, a proper rating for the FJ. Find any V or Z rated radial in the 120/70-17 size for the front.  I have used the 120/70-17 Avon Spirit ST front tires with good results.

Personally, I am very leery buying used tires for my FJ's, but that's just me.

[3Rigel]

Thanks Pat for your response.

Yes it's a recent tyre, I looked for the date and would accept anything within 5 years. No plugs or patches. I'm very weary of buying something unsafe given my inexperience.

When you say any V or Z rated front tyre does that include Bridgestone, Dunlop etc?

[Pat Conlon]

Within 5 years? Hopefully well within 5 years.

Yes, both make speed rated V and Z radial front tires.

[Millietant]

I'm with Pat and Gumby regarding tires for your FJ.

I've put plenty of Cobra tyres on cruisers in the last 2 years, but I wouldn't put one on a FJ, especially with a relatively inexperienced rider on the FJ.

Despite their age, these things are still incredibly fast and the response to throttle input, even in top gear, is instantaneous. Add in any amount of road surface moisture (or even just a cool surface) and stir it with a rider just getting used to the FJ throttle modulation and you have a recipe for rear traction breaks, when you least expect it.

I would say, NEVER skimp on tyres on a FJ - if you can find the right sizes in Avon Storm 3D XM, or Avon Spirit, then go for those, but if not Bridgestone BT46's are great tyres for the FJ.

If you want better tires, go for a 17" rear wheel and fit a pair of Michelin Road 6 tires.

I'd been using BT023's (120/70x17 & 170/60x17, for about 5-6 years and loved them, until I tried the Road 6's on the FJ, recently. These Road 6's are streets ahead in performance, both wet and dry - and they cope with Track riding just as well as they do road-riding.

Tyres are the link between your motorcycle and the road. Fit the best you can get - Don't take chances on something as heavy and responsive as the FJ, it could really hurt you.

[Pat Conlon]

Amen brother Dean, amen....