In business since 1946, Shinko began by making bicycle tires and tubes. In 1998 they bought the Yokohama Rubber Company's motorcycle tire business and molds, and now market these under the Shinko name.
While Shinko is probably less known to Americans than several other Japanese tire companies, they are gradually becoming noticed by at least a few groups of motorcyclists. As Kenda did some years ago, Shinko has entered the motorcycle tire market by offering a decent tire at a low price; in fact, the Shinko Advance radial can be had for about half (or even less) the cost of most brands for a comparable tire.
The Advance is DOT approved and W-rated to 168 mph. Its radial belts are made from Aramid, a strong and heat-resistant synthetic fiber. The company rates the rubber density as intermediate, although users report it as being soft and sticky. With a somewhat low profile, the Advance gives the appearance of being fairly wide. But it's also available in a "240 Fat" version if you're looking to stuff as much tire as will fit on the back of your bike.
Rider reviews on this tire are a mixed bag. They're mostly positive, but detractors complain the tire wears out quickly -- at 4000 miles or less. On the positive side of this, the tire seems to hold well on wet pavement and perform well in hard braking situations. And again, it's hard to beat the price.
As with any sport bike tire, Shinko's recommendation is to take it easy for the first 100 miles to let the tire break in.
Here's another radial Shinko tire: the sport-touring 009.
Find this Shinko Sport Bike Tire:
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