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How important is maintaining the correct tire pressure?
Very. Tire pressure is one the most important maintenance tasks you should perform before every ride. Although the
carcass and overall structure of the tire has a significant effect on the overall performance of the tire, for it to function
properly you must have sufficient air pressure in the tire.
We recommend that you check your air pressure before every ride, especially when carrying a load. Every 4 psi of air
lost in the tire translates to approximately 60 to 70 pounds reduction in load carrying capacity. For example, if your
tire pressure is 34 psi, instead of a recommended 41 psi, you would need to take 120 to 140 pounds of load off of the
motorcycle. Never exceed the maximum load capacity that is stamped on the sidewall of the tire at the recommended air
pressure.
Another reason proper air pressure is so important, is to ensure proper handling of the motorcycle. Never over-inflate a
tire, as over-inflation of a tire may reduce the contact patch. Likewise, under-inflation generates uneven contact pressure
and support. Both conditions negatively affect the handling and stability of the motorcycle.
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When choosing replacement tires, what is the best method of selecting the right size and type of tires
for my motorcycle?
We recommend that you first consult the owner's manual for your motorcycle to find the original size of the front and
rear tires. Once you know the sizes, it is imperative that you only purchase tires of the same size recommended in the
owner's manual.
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What type of sidewall protectants or cleaners can I use on my tires?
We recommend that you only use a mild soap solution to clean your sidewalls and whitewalls. Then rinse with plain
water.
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Is it possible to have my tires repaired?
Shinko does not recommend repairing damaged street tires. Temporary repair should not be attempted because
secondary damage may occur that results in sudden tire failure or an accident. Shinko also does not recommend the use
of liquid sealants, as they are a form of temporary repair that may adversely affect ply material and disguise secondary
damage. Never perform an exterior repair and never use an inner tube as a way to repair a street tire. The same
recommendations apply to dirt tires, except where no external damage is apparent, and a new inner tube typically repairs
a deflated tire.
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What is the recommended run-in for a new street tire?
Shinko recommends a run-in distance of approximately 100 miles. Before then, maximum power or hard cornering
should not be applied to the tires. Proper run-in allows you to familiarize yourself with the feel of the new tires or tire
combination, as well as allowing the tire mold release agent applied during the manufacturing process to be worn off.
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Is it okay to put wider tires on my motorcycle?
Wider tires should only be installed with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer. If wider tires are approved
for a particular motorcycle, one size designation is the typical permissible size increase. Be sure to consider clearance
for width and diameter, the effect on stability and handling, and whether your rim is wide enough. Always allow for some
tire growth, as all tires will increase in size after they have been inflated and ridden on for a few hundred miles.
In the USA, Shinko Tires are imported by Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS)/HardDrive, with corporate headquarters in Boise,
Idaho. With a strong foothold on the Power Sports market and with warehouses located in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California;
Memphis, Tennessee; Ashley, Indiana; Midlothian, Texas; and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Shinko Tires USA-in conjunction
with WPS/HardDrive-is proud to bring you the Shinko line of Cruiser, Sportbike, Scooter, Off road, and Dual sport tires.
Ongoing testing in the USA and R & D at Shinko Tire's factory means a continuous path of exciting tires to meet the need of
today's riders. Shinko Tires and WPS/HardDrive are here to serve your needs...ENJOY THE RIDE!
Established in 1946, the Shinko Group began as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan that today has
become a world wide manufacture of rubber products.
In 1998 the Shinko Group purchased the motorcycle tire technology and molds from Yokohama Rubber Co., and began
production of these products under the Shinko Tire brand. With manufacturing based in South Korea and design based in
Japan, the company has seamlessly combined Japanese engineering and design principles with South Korean production and
quality control standards.
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uestions (FAQs)
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SHINKO TIRES