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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 1:01:54 GMT -5
Well now, boyz & gurlz... I've been bragging on how great my Shinko 120-70-12 front whitewall and Michelin 140-70-12 "painted" whitewall tires have been for two seasons. I always do a "walkaround" before riding, checking oil level and kicking the tires, checking brakes and lights just to be safe. So... Today I was going to Wally World, and as I inspected the tires (I usually give both a manual turn to inspect for dry-rot, nails, chicken-strips, funky wear, etc.) to my total surprise I found a SIX-INCH-LONG crack in the front Shinko, all the way down to the cords. The cords are starting to bulge up through the crack...
EEEEEWWWWW!    Now, that CRACK was NOT there a few days back when I was riding FAST on the freeway. Up until YESTERDAY that tire was EXCEPTIONAL in handling. And shows zero wear with 2,000 miles on it. (The Michelin Power Pure DOES show some tread ware). There was NO dry-rot, NO checking... The crack opened up in the road-contact part of the tread. Not even in the grooves. With only two seasons riding, proper inflation and never left in the direct sunlight, I am more than disappointed. The split is SO major it wouldn't even be safe to ride the few miles to my dealer for replacement... The front wheel is pretty easy to get off, so I guess I'll pull it and take it to him in the car. I still want a whitewall... and I'll bet if I check for a made-on date, I'll find that tire sat in the warehouse for 5 or 10 years before I got it. Unless I can find another P-rated whitewall from a major manufacturer, I'll chance one more Shinko. The tire DID perform superbly, but I'm a little gun-shy now... and, short on budget. I think Shinko makes good tires, and probably THIS one was "older than dirt". Here's my safety "heads-up"... A few minutes of pre-ride "walkaround" might save your life. Pilots always do that before going up, and riders really should do the same. I shudder to think of that monster crack letting go at 75-mph. Wonder how many cartwheels the old mouse might have done... I likely wouldn't have lived long enough to count 'em...  Ride safe, and keep watch over your ride.Leo in Texas
PS: When I replace the tire, I'll keep posting the results, especially if I find a different brand of P-rated meats... Seems like SOMEBODY besides Shinko MUST make a P-rated whitewall 12-incher for a Vespa or similar... |
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Post by hillbillybob on Aug 10, 2016 7:18:24 GMT -5
You are much more forgiving than I would be. Shinko would never see another penny of mine. Old or not, a 6" split in the tread is unacceptable. No more screwing around with bike tire brands for me.....it's either Michelin or Pirelli that gets my money. I recently installed a set of Michelin, (standing tall) 110/  -12 tires on my 150. (overall height is 2mm taller than your 140/70-12 rear tire) Lord knows, I don't need the 'P' rating, that these have, for I rarely get over 40 mph. I did however, want something with a higher load index than the previous 120/70's (51) or 430lbs. The 110/ 's are "P" rated, plus have a load index of (64) or 615lbs. That's a big difference, and has to say something about the way these two sizes are constructed. I know you love your whitewalls, but how lucky was it, that your tire didn't let go during one of your 70+ mph jaunts? I will stay tuned for your updates. |
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Post by cyborg55 on Aug 10, 2016 8:12:51 GMT -5
WHEW!!! That's a butt pucker moment when you see that sort of thing,,,I too walk my bike,,just a quick peep at it and a good going over once a month with a Rollie stool and wrenches ,,,my Harley's were notorious for loose bolts and nuts,,so I got into the habit of giving the old girls a thorough go over ,,,I'm convinced that inspection has saved my dumb from death or serious injury,,,and a ton of pain,,,I'm basically a coward and don't like pain,,,
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Post by SylvreKat on Aug 10, 2016 8:20:07 GMT -5
Wow Leo, I'm SO GLAD you do that walk around! This forum wouldn't be the same without you and your tales. Can your dealer check the date of the new tire, so you know it hasn't been aging in a warehouse? I check my tires, but never thought to rotate them. Hm.  How to do that and look them over, when I don't center-stand Peej? Hm. >'Kat |
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Post by hillbillybob on Aug 10, 2016 11:02:11 GMT -5
Date code is stamped into every tire made. Search "tire date code", and many sites like this one link, will pop up. |
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Post by spandi on Aug 10, 2016 17:08:43 GMT -5
Good grief Leo! Glad you're OK. (A blowout on a car is bad enough, but on two wheels?....YIKES!) I have to agree with others here, do you really want to run the risk with any more of them "stinko" tires? Why not just paint up a brand name (American or European) tire? I also think it's a good idea like you said to check the age, and replace them every five years or so.
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Post by sevenwheels on Aug 10, 2016 18:46:56 GMT -5
Well you know, I have Shinkos on the Morphous. I'm going to take a real close look right now because I thought it was my imagination that lately Morph has been a little squirrely in the turns. Seems to be exacerbated in the rain. Hmmmm. I'll get back to you all.
David
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Post by wheelbender6 on Aug 10, 2016 20:13:22 GMT -5
Glad you caught it, Leo. I have worn out my Shinkos and replaced them with Kendas, but my wife still has them on her scoot. I will have to look them over before every ride.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 22:00:25 GMT -5
Here's a pic of the damage...
After close inspection with a bright light, I cannot TRULY tell if this is a SPLIT or a CUT. It's remotely possible I ran over something VERY sharp on the freeway I suppose, but that is doubtful. That split was NOT there before my fast freeway ride, and WAS there a few days later before attempting a trip to the store.
The rubber is still soft and pliable around the damage. NO dry-rot or "checking". These P-rated (92-mph) Shinkos are popular for street rides and enjoy a pretty good rep in many reviews. I have been EXTREMELY pleased with mine, up to now. My guess is that this tire is old, OLD, OLD... Got to check the "born-on" date. My old knees just won't let me crouch to find the "freshness" date tonight. My dealer (THE best!) is hand-picking a replacement, a FRESH one for sure! If I don't feel safe riding the few miles to the store, he'll even pick up Minnie Mouse with a truck.  Boy, do I wish I had more money and less arthritis... He has a sinister all black "My Road" 700 cc on the floor at about half-price... SWEET! Too big, too heavy and too expensive for me nowadays. I'll stick with the mouse! Floridagull is RIGHT! There are SUPER deals to be had on new Kymco rides RIGHT NOW!!! 
Ride safe! Check for gremlins before riding...Leo
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Post by shalomdawg on Aug 10, 2016 22:22:35 GMT -5
wow and howdy
i've seen and tolerated those kinds of failures on four wheelers and up to 24 wheelers but that would have scared me spitless on my scoot. i'm glad you spotted it, leo , and keep us up on what else takes place in the hunt for a replacement.
lotsa miles and smiles to ya'll and all ya'll
ken
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 22:38:21 GMT -5
Glad you caught it, Leo. I have worn out my Shinkos and replaced them with Kendas, but my wife still has them on her scoot. I will have to look them over before every ride. That's a good practice for all of us, with ANY tires! Ride safe! |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 22:40:49 GMT -5
Well you know, I have Shinkos on the Morphous. I'm going to take a real close look right now because I thought it was my imagination that lately Morph has been a little squirrely in the turns. Seems to be exacerbated in the rain. Hmmmm. I'll get back to you all. David Welcome to the site! That sweet and HEAVY Morphous is a load on the tires... Good to check 'em regularly. I don't suspect Shinko tires to be prone to this kind of failure, but it's good to be vigilant. Ride Safe! |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 22:51:29 GMT -5
Thanks one and all for the concern for my safety! 
This site has the BEST members around! Upon finding that massive split, I did get a tad queezy thinking about the tire coming apart at 75 or so... NOT a pleasant thought. OOHHH, that BEAUTIFUL Givi windshield...The Good Lord watches out for us if we'll listen. I think He has extra patience with me, reminding me that old bones don't heal fast, and look for potential trouble BEFORE it bites me... Yup! On a road trip with the posse, a pal back in the 1970's had a front WHEEL disintegrate on a "newfangled" Ducati Darmah showing off at around 135-mph. I think we counted more than 20 cartwheel "bounce-marks" in the tarmac. He plowed a furrow in the gravel shoulder nearly a football field long. All he was wearing was shorts and flip-flops.
He lived, is 70 now, and STILL picking pea-gravel out of his aging carcass... And, he STILL has that much-repaired Duke!!!
I have NO desire to duplicate his performance...Ride safe! Leo
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 23:06:37 GMT -5
Wow Leo, I'm SO GLAD you do that walk around! This forum wouldn't be the same without you and your tales. Can your dealer check the date of the new tire, so you know it hasn't been aging in a warehouse? I check my tires, but never thought to rotate them. Hm. How to do that and look them over, when I don't center-stand Peej? Hm. >'Kat
Kat,
I don't think our lightweight scoots need tires to be rotated. Most use different sizes fore and aft anyway and can't be rotated. They'll last their useful life where they live... As for INSPECTING them, it's a LOT easier to do in the center stand!
If you're small, or have little strength, there IS a trick to the center stand. Grab the bars in one hand, grab something at the rear (passenger rail is great if you have one) with the other hand. Then, step on the center stand and get it to the ground. NOW... all at once, PULL BACK on the handlebar, LIFT UP on the rear end, and STOMP on the center stand pedal, throwing your weight rearward as you lift the tail end. All those actions done simultaneously will let a ninety-pounder put a 750 on the stand! Just takes a few practice tries. Just DON'T let yourself lean toward the seat or you and the scoot will topple over to the right... I've almost done that myself!
Using only the side-stand, you'll have to look at the parts you can see, then push it a little and check again, then repeat until you've seen the whole donut... And, yes, my dealer will be SURE I get a FREASH tire for sure! Ride safe, Leo |
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Post by rockynv on Aug 11, 2016 3:52:25 GMT -5
A good local dealer who only sells fresh tires is worth the extra few that they charge. Fortunately the largest multi-namebrand dealer in the area makes it a point of pride to meet or beat even internet pricing on fresh new tires. Motorcycle/Scooter tires that are over a few years old get sold to make mulch. Most tires I have received from them were manufactured within 6 months or less of the date they sold them to me and mounted them on the bike. Nice waiting area to sit in while they mount you tires or work on your bike and free coffee if you want to mosey next door to the dealership and stroll through about 1,000 bikes on display there that are representative of what they have in their warehouse.
Glad you caught it before you put on a show that could have be the final act. Tire looks old though in the picture and could have split from being bruised some time ago from hitting a chuck hole or some debris on the road.
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-12 tires on my 150. (overall height is 2mm taller than your 140/70-12 rear tire) Lord knows, I don't need the 'P' rating, that these have, for I rarely get over 40 mph. I did however, want something with a higher load index than the previous 120/70's (51) or 430lbs. The 110/
