Shinko 244 Rear Tire: Size 4.60-17

[SpudRider]

Last year I laced a size 2.50-17, Warp9 rim to the hub of my rear wheel.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14974





I chose the narrower rim for several reasons. I wanted to reduce the weight of the wheel, and its unsprung mass. I also wanted to facilitate tire changes. However, the main reason I chose a narrower hub was to allow the installation of a narrower rear tire.

Several days ago, after 13,000 miles of wear, I replaced my Shinko 244 tire, size 5.10-17, with a Shinko 244 tire, size 4.60-17.



The smaller rear tire has reduced saddle height and the weight of the bike. This tire rides very well, and corners better than the wider tire on pavement. The narrower tire is still wide enough to support good loads. However, if I am riding heavily laden on an extended trip, I can still install the wider, size 5.10-17 tire.

Here are a few more photographs of my new rear tire.

[rjmorel]

Do you notice the bike sitting any lower Spud? rj

[Eco Mouse]

What does 13,000 miles look like on a Shinko 244?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Do you notice the bike sitting any lower Spud? rj

Yes, the saddle height is noticeably lowered. That is one of the main reasons why I decided to install a narrower rim.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Eco Mouse

What does 13,000 miles look like on a Shinko 244?

I don't remember if I set out the trash since I changed that tire. I might still have the used Shinko tire in my trash bin. If I have it, I will post a photograph of it, tomorrow.

[SpudRider]

I still have the worn tire, size 5.10-17. I will capture a photograph of the worn tire tomorrow, before I go for a ride.

[rjmorel]

Will your new Shinko 244 tire, size 4.60-17 fit on an original RX3 rim or is original rim to wide Spud? I would like to go this route to lower seat height next time I need a rear tire, rj

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Will your new Shinko 244 tire, size 4.60-17 fit on an original RX3 rim or is original rim to wide Spud? I would like to go this route to lower seat height next time I need a rear tire, rj

The Shinko 244 tire, size 4.60-17 is designed for a size 2.15-17 rim. Click the "Size & Specs" tab at the following link.

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/tire/244-series

You can safely mount a tire on a rim one size smaller, or larger, than the recommended rim. However, if you exceed this safety margin, the tire will not mount properly. That is one of the reasons why I laced a size 2.50-17 rim to the rear hub of my RX3.

The size 5.10-17 tire is designed for a size 3.00-17 rim, which is the stock rim of the RX3 rear wheel.

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/tire/244-series

Therefore, I can still mount the larger tire, if I need more load bearing capacity. I choose the size 2.50-17 rim, because it afforded me the widest selection of tires which would fit. The stock rim for the rear wheel of the Suzuki DR650 is also size 2.50-17.

[SpudRider]

As promised, here is a photograph of my worn, size 5.10-17, Shinko 244 tire.



I could have squeezed a few more miles from this tire. However, after riding on it for 13,000 miles, I decided I would enjoy better traction in the sloppy riding conditions of springtime. Also, I wanted to inspect the rear wheel, and I'm glad I did, since I discovered two worn bearings in the rear hub.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=16320

[Eco Mouse]

OK, I'm impressed at 13k wear. That approaching Mefo mileage territory for a fraction of the price.

I think I'm going to set up a second wheel set for the Cyclone. Excel rims, 18" up front, 17 rear. 2.50" wide rims on both.