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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 13, 2016 20:23:51 GMT -5
MYSTERY SOLVED... I THINK...
I finally crawled down and examined the Shinko sidewall for its "born-on" date. 06/99.
So..... It's NINETEEN YEARS OLD...
I also found NUMEROUS other smaller splits in the rubber, yet NO dry-rot.
My dealer is checking the new one to be sure it's "fresh". I never did suspect the Shinko brand to be prone to do such things, anymore than any brand of P-rated tire. It's just plain OLD. I can't fault the maker when a tire gets funky after two decades in the warehouse.
I've never worried about a tire's age in the past. We used decades-old truck tires on our Hogs, and most guys had over 10 years on factory tires and they never split... Maybe a little dry-rot, but nothing like this one! I will DEFINITELY watch the tire's ages from now on!
Ride safe,
Leo (now checking the tires AIR and their AGE) in Texas
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Long trip
by: oldchopperguy - Aug 13, 2016 19:53:28 GMT -5
Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 13, 2016 19:53:28 GMT -5
Dans,
Welcome to the site! Have a bone on the old chopper guy for really RIDING that scoot!I made several runs of around 100 miles on my old Xingyue 150 with no trouble. That WAS after working out the typical "Chinese bugs"... I finally got that little wheezer to be the most enjoyable and reliable Chinese 150 around. I like 150's so much, I'd still be riding one if they'd keep up with 70-mph traffic. I'm having a tire replaced on my current old Kymco 250 and DROOLING over a new Lance 125 in the store, with old-school headlight, gauges and bars... Lance is now produced by SYM, and I imagine the quality is top-notch. If ONLY they'd stuff a 300 cc twin-cam fuel-injected mill in THAT Italio/retro/Honda-Jokeresque masterpiece I'd have to figure a way to get one... Probably good for my budget that they won't do that... LOL!
Just remember, these 150's are NOT made for highway speeds. Best to run 45-50 or 55 tops if the scoot will do 55 if possible for extended running. A 150 should run all day happily at 50-mph except on hills or into strong wind. You'll just have to slow down some on those long hills... I don't know what kind of roads you'll be on, or how HOT your weather is. If you keep your riding just under WOT you should be fine. When I got into scooters, it was 30 years or so after riding nothing but Harley Davidsons... So it never occurred to me that any ride couldn't go 100 miles... Silly me... LOL! Just don't push the scoot too hard and it should be just fine. If you can't keep up with traffic, possibly try more remote roads with 45-50 speed limits. Enjoy the trip! Nothing's more fun than a trip with "your knuckles in the wind"...  Please take some pix and post 'em for us to envy... Ride safe! Leo in Texas
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 12, 2016 22:23:54 GMT -5
howdy and----i wish we could just put the cable and lock on the %(*&^& thieves so we could have some of the relaxed freedom we used to have. the house we moved in to in 1961 had no keys for the front door and we left the keys in all the cars in the driveway hoping that if a neighbor had need to borrow them , they would at least return 'em with a full tank of fuel===== wish we still lived in that world---- lotsa miles and smiles to ya ken
I definitely agree! Have a bone...I was raised in the Chicago suburbs, and we too left our keys in the car, and never locked the house. The few vacations we took left the house unlocked. One time, there was some food gone from the fridge, and dollar left on the kitchen table with a thankyou note from a weary traveler. My chopper "Old Blue" which had the equivalent of $200K in today's Obamadollars invested didn't even have a key ignition. Just the old Harley twist-switch with fake keyhole. The actual key version was optional. It was a much different, and in many ways better world. Sigh...  Ride safe, and watch yer' six... Leo |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 11, 2016 9:47:26 GMT -5
Kat,
I didn't catch your original meaning of "rotating"... Duh...  Just old age... Yeah, putting scoots on the center stand is a tad "awkward"... It gets easier with practice but I still use the side-stand except when putting the mouse to bed.
That DOES look like another crack beginning. I'd missed it while examining the big one. Not good...I've never had a tire do this in my fifty years of driving... Not even in the "old days" when tires were not all that good. Any old problematic tire showed plenty of signs of dry-rot and checking long BEFORE a split like this appeared. Rocknv may have something there when he mentioned damage from hitting something in the past. I've hit some potholes and road-debris in the past, but nothing recently... especially since adding the new LED lights. I don't think Shinko tires are any more prone to this phenomenon than other brands. This one has performed great until just now. Just one of those things. I did get down and give the REAR tire a thorough inspection in case I had hit something. No problems there. Some riders have great results with the popular Kenda brand. I had them on my 150 and they were fine, and just wouldn't wear out. "Minnie Mouse" had new Kendas when I got her, but they handled absolutely AWFUL on the 250. The Michelin rear and Shinko front tires have been fine performers. I think the smaller the wheel diameter, the more finicky the tires become. Never had this trouble on old Hogs... Just slap a used 16" truck tire on and you're good to go...  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 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 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 22:38:21 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 22:00:25 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 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 oldchopperguy on Aug 10, 2016 0:36:33 GMT -5
It's been hot here too.... When it's over 100 out, I just don't ride. It's just too uncomfortable AND unsafe with the helmet and all the gear, when it's that hot. It's just too easy to get dehydrated. Especially with my stop and go commute and my 1500cc goldwing (about 900lbs). Just be careful, carry water and take frequent brakes. There is nothing worse then finding your legs all wobbly and weak when you are at a stop light. Absolutely... And when you're as old as I am, it seems to get to you faster. Sometimes when I stop at a light, I'm glad I'm not riding a half-ton cruiser... Ride safe, stay cool! Leo in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 9, 2016 12:28:20 GMT -5
Both scooters are in back of the house within the enclosure of the fenced-in backyard - and with the steering columns locked... 
I's STILL advise a HEAVY stranded cable too. Even chained to each other makes the bikes hard to remove. Trust me, the cretins who took your previous scoots will be watching to see what you replace them with. I had just moved into a new apartment back in the 1970's. Thieves noticed my TV, stereo and some nice furniture being delivered. First day of work, I came home to an empty apartment.Insurance replaced most everything and I thought I was OK... Wrong...Same jerks waited and watched until my new stuff was delivered and again, first day of work after the new stuff arrived, I came home to an empty apartment. Insurance paid off again (telling me THIS was the LAST time) and I replaced everything. This time though, I hired a retired neighbor for $25 a day to sit in the living room with a shotgun. This time the thieves waited three days before re-visiting my place. Big, FATAL mistake. Nobody's apartment in that complex got robbed again for years. These thieves don't work, don't care and have nothing better to do than relieve you of your goods. Just a simple cable-lock usually encourages them to hit an easier target. Not that they can't cut the cable, it's just too time-consuming and there are other unlocked bikes to steal. I've also found that some chicken blood and empty cartridges scattered around make an AMAZING deterrent... LOLOLOL! Ride safe,Leo |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 8, 2016 19:54:22 GMT -5
Gawrsh, thanks Leo. My sis'in-law doesn't have the Barbie figure, but she's a skinny minny. When they visit, she rummages through the kitchen for all edible candy and devours it. Dunno how she stays a size nonexistent.
>'Kat Like a garbage can: step on her foot and her mouth opens up... Like a jungle-beast... eats anything that doesn't eat her first...I once got an 40X beaver Stetson hat from my partner with a hat-band made as a miniature ranger set: full-quill ostrich with silver buckle, keeper and tip. Only 3/8" wide with proportional hardware... Absolutely exquisite.She took a squint at it, went full-on deer-in-the-headlights, and waxed euphoric... "I'll bet I could wear that as a BELT..." she squealed with glee. Sure 'nuff... it was perfect on her... How COULD I say "no"... She got a lot of use out of it at the beach, wearing it around her waist, in a string-bikini and a cowboy hat... Come to think of it, she didn't look too shabby on the back of my Hog in that outfit either... and ME still weighing around 350... Oh, yeah... Don'tcha just HATE it? LOL!I had to get another band... My "Urban Cowboy" image was at stake... HeHeHe Yeah, I was positively dangerous on the mechanical bull back then. Nowadays, I put both feet down when I stop the scoot... Time DOES take its toll... sigh... And ABSOLUTELY... Lock up that new Kymco and keep it out of sight!Ride safe...Leo |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 7, 2016 17:16:46 GMT -5
Oh, Kat...Have a bone for just "being you"... Long ago in a city far away... I had an office manager who had that nearly unobtainable "Barbie Doll" figure... 5' 4", ninety pounds, 38DD-18-33 measurements. 38 years old with 4 kids. She NEVER worked out, and lived on pizza, beer and chocolate shakes. Could NOT gain a pound even though she ate 24-7. Always had a Snickers bar in one hand and a coke in the other. She looked better in a bikini than most of the models we worked with at our ad agency. Never did a sit-up in her life, and STILL had "6-pack abs". Women H-A-T-E-D her. WIVES REALLY hated her... Just one of those rare folks simply "born that way" and no amount of junk food was going to change it... Cheesh! I remember taking her to lunch: a salad and ice-water for me, and a family-size pizza with extra everything and several large beers for her... And a big chocolate sundae for her dessert.
She stayed at ninety pounds, I stayed at 350... Does THAT suck or WHAT?What can I say? If I inhale deeply while riding by a pizzeria, I gain 2 pounds... Double cheesh...
Reminds me of those weight-loss TV ads: "When you go swimming in the ocean, do Japanese sailors throw harpoons at you?"... or, "When you go to the beach, do beautiful women surround you... just to get some shade?" Well, you need our new Super-Strength Anorexia no-fat diet pills... Ain't life grand? Wonder how much more speed each lost pound adds to our scoots? Ah... Who cares?
Gettin' a little off-subject... But I'm lovin' Floridagull's new Kymco! Floridagull... HIDE it and LOCK it up tight. The cretins who stole your last one will be WATCHING to see what you replace it with.Ride safe!Leo
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 6, 2016 20:51:30 GMT -5
Kat,Golly gee, they look right to me...OH! You mean the Kymco ATV... Yeah, a couple too many wheels. Close, but no cigar.Ah, the innocent beauty of the tummy that has not yet discovered beer and pizza... Sigh...
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