Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Shinko tyres? IRC tyres? Opinions needed

OK it's tyre replacement time again - rear one this time. It's gotten to the point where it needs to be done NOW, but cash is tighter than usual. To put things in perspective a Metzeler Marathon is gonna cost me AU$250-280, a Bridgestone Battleaxe will set me back about AU$205-220, and the equivalent Dunlop'll be about the same.

A local tyre guy (who ALWAYS undercuts the big boys by a lot and knows more about tyres than anyone I've met) has got IRC and Shenko tyres for $105 and $130 respectively, fitted & balanced. He even cleans off the mould release goo and plucks off the "hairs".

I've never used either of these brands and I'm thinking that a 1/2 price tyre's better than a baldy, specially since it's gonna be a while before I can afford a Metz. 90% of the bike's use is as a commuter. I ride in sun and rain, but it doesn't rain much (if ever) here right now.

I've looked for reviews and have found a few good & bad reviews of both but no real consensus. Has anyone used either of these tyres in the past? What I'm looking for here is info on these tyres, not a reminder that "you should always buy the best"... I already know that, can't afford it right now, and don't have any other transport.

Truth be told, back in the day (70's)- when my money was channeled to beer, cars, and women (in that order). I often bought the cheapest bike tires. I can't say I ever had a problem that was related to the integrety of the tire itself. I do recall one of those Cheng-whatevers that lasted forever. Of course it was hard as a rock and rode like one, too. I don't recall any handling problems either - but back then I was going too fast to notice.

I'll agree that a cheap tire is better than a badly worn tire. Surely someone will disagree - But I bet they have move money, too.

ditto what pipe said. i have a rideing bud that put those shenkojapsomething on his star and they have lasted about 5yr. what he said was, that they are not a soft grippy tire like some of the other name brands and that he feels them in the butt and arms but he has gotten used to the difference and probably wont go back to metzler and is sure he will never spend the $$ for avons that wear out to fast.

but everyone knows how much you need those super soft avons in those insane FL twisties...

yep, and I'm not going to need my Avons when I head up to NC for July 4th either!!

NC...ah...c'mon up to NYC...that's where the real party'll be at

Hey Matt,

No experience with IRC on our bikes but have used them on Trials competition bikes and a set on my old CB-900 Custom, it was a good tire for the economy and the IRC Observed Trials tire went head to head with Michellin couldn't tell the difference between them.

On my 900, I thought it was a good tire but can't speak to the millage as the tire out lasted the bike!

All I know is the Metzler out performs the stock Bridgstones in millage and performance in a fashion that I could really feel the difference in the ride.

eddy