Tire Life Report

[keithmaine]

I was hoping to begin a thread that will give us a good idea of how the different tires perform and wear on the RX3
.
Many times I look at other forums and there are tire battles just like oil threads. So if you would just provide straight feed back on how the tires perform and wear for you. Please let us know terrain involved, road vs dirt etc. as well.

I am running Shinko 244s, but I know others are running Kenda and Shinko 804/805.

So as we gather mileage lets check in and update how our tires are doing.

Thanks

Keith

[SpudRider]

Thanks for starting the great thread, Keith.

I got 13,000 miles of good wear from the Shinko, 244 rear tire in size 5.10-17. This tire performs very well on pavement. The tire also performs well while riding off road on gravel roads, dirt roads, and fire roads, as long as the dirt is not muddy.

Here is a photograph of the Shinko, 244 rear tire after 13,000 miles of wear. I replaced the tire with another Shinko, 244 rear tire, size 4.60-17.

[Mudflap]

That's amazing Spud! I've never gotten over 4000 miles out of a rear 244, and I'm a pretty conservative rider. Could the rubber compound be different on the 4.10/18 size I use? The one on my Lifan 200 right now is more worn than the one in your pic and only has 3100 miles.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Mudflap

That's amazing Spud! I've never gotten over 4000 miles out of a rear 244, and I'm a pretty conservative rider. Could the rubber compound be different on the 4.10/18 size I use? The one on my Lifan 200 right now is more worn than the one in your pic and only has 3100 miles.

I think the excellent cushion hub on the rear wheel of the RX3 probably contributes a lot to extended tire life. I don't know if the rubber compound is different for the 4.10-18 tire, but I'm betting the cushion hub is the main factor which prolongs rear tire life for the RX3 motorcycle.

[dpl096]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for starting the great thread, Keith.

I got 13,000 miles of good wear from the Shinko, 244 rear tire in size 5.10-17. This tire performs very well on pavement. The tire also performs well while riding off road on gravel roads, dirt roads, and fire roads, as long as the dirt is not muddy.

Here is a photograph of the Shinko, 244 rear tire after 13,000 miles of wear. I replaced the tire with another Shinko, 244 rear tire, size 4.60-17.

That Shinko 244 look like the 510-17 K270 at CSC ... only a lot cheaper! Did you ride the factory tired at all ?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by dpl096

That Shinko 244 look like the 510-17 K270 at CSC ... only a lot cheaper! Did you ride the factory tired at all ?

You are correct; the Shinko 244 is pretty much a kenda K270 clone, but it is less expensive. Some people think the Shinko 244 tires perform better on pavement than the Kenda K270 tires, especially the front tire. However, some people with larger, faster bikes, have shed knobs from the Shinko, 244 rear tire. I don't think the RX3 will shed knobs because of its lower weight, smaller engine, and excellent cush hub. I have installed the Shinko 244 tires, both front and rear, on several motorcycles, and I have never had any problems with them.

I rode the factory rear tire for several hundred miles until I got a flat. Since it was the sloppy springtime, I seized the opportunity to switch to the Shinko 244 tire at that time. Thereafter, I soon switched to a Kenda, K270 front tire for better traction off road.

The Kenda, K270 front tire lasted a long time, but it wore unevenly. If I had flipped the front tire, it would have lasted much longer. I replaced the Kenda, K270 front tire with a Shinko 244, size 3.00-18 tire.

[RedHawk47]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I think the excellent cushion hub on the rear wheel of the RX3 probably contributes a lot to extended tire life. I don't know if the rubber compound is different for the 4.10-18 tire, but I'm betting the cushion hub is the main factor which prolongs rear tire life for the RX3 motorcycle.

How does a cushion hub make a difference in tire mileage?

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by RedHawk47

How does a cushion hub make a difference in tire mileage?

I am no expert but the cush drive absorbs sudden shock to the drive line including the rear tire which would reduce the rear tire skid on down shifting and loss of traction during sudden acceleration. I think perhaps riding style and terrain play greater rolls but every little bit helps.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by RedHawk47

How does a cushion hub make a difference in tire mileage?

Originally Posted by keithmaine

I am no expert but the cush drive absorbs sudden shock to the drive line including the rear tire which would reduce the rear tire skid on down shifting and loss of traction during sudden acceleration. I think perhaps riding style and terrain play greater rolls but every little bit helps.

As Keith replied, riding style and terrain play greater roles, but every little bit helps.

[dpl096]

Quote: The Kenda, K270 front tire lasted a long time, but it wore unevenly. If I had flipped the front tire, it would have lasted much longer. I replaced the Kenda, K270 front tire with a Shinko 244, size 3.00-18 tire............

My riding will be 70/30 paved to gravel-dirt back roads..... Would you suggest the Shinkos are superior in better handling for such conditions...

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by dpl096

Quote: The Kenda, K270 front tire lasted a long time, but it wore unevenly. If I had flipped the front tire, it would have lasted much longer. I replaced the Kenda, K270 front tire with a Shinko 244, size 3.00-18 tire............

My riding will be 70/30 paved to gravel-dirt back roads..... Would you suggest the Shinkos are superior in better handling for such conditions...

I think either the Shinko 244, or the Kenda K270 tires will serve you well for that type of riding. The Shinko tires cost less, so you might as well try them first. I like the Shinko 244 tires a lot; they have served me well.

[Lee R]

I'm at 2000 and counting on Shinko 804/805s. I like them but will probably try the 244 for the reduced cost in the future.

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by Lee R

I'm at 2000 and counting on Shinko 804/805s. I like them but will probably try the 244 for the reduced cost in the future.

Lee

please keep us posted on these tires


thanks

Keith

[GSC]

Ryan disclosed that my rear tire replacement choice K784 being oversized may rub a bit when shock is bottomed out, Due to my lowering link.
The experience and complete disclosure before purchase of CSC is so cool!

Anyway any experience with oversize tires and a lowering link RUB at shock bottoming out. Can't decide if I should take the risk. Front shock yes but no memory of rear?

[rtking]

Originally Posted by GSC

Ryan disclosed that my rear tire replacement choice K784 being oversized may rub a bit when shock is bottomed out, Due to my lowering link.
The experience and complete disclosure before purchase of CSC is so cool!

Anyway any experience with oversize tires and a lowering link RUB at shock bottoming out. Can't decide if I should take the risk. Front shock yes but no memory of rear?

CSC is a class act. Ryan, Steve, Joe, Gerry, Sara... every one of them. (Sorry CSC Crew - can't recall everyone's name.) Great that they provide disclosure up front... part of their amazingly honest approach.

I would check with Ryan on his thoughts about the rubbing. I think your airbox is above the rear tire, so that's what would take the brunt of any rubbing on compression. Maybe Ryan may have an alternative recommendation for a tire that might work?