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Showing results for tags 'verge'.
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Shinko 011.....The front tire developed a big bubble in the middle of the tread. The tires have probably 5-6k miles on them. I am not to the wear bars, even if I were a bubble should not have formed. let me be honest I have noticed a few cracks in the tread on my inspection before I left for the weekend. I really didn't think much of it. So I decided to make the about 300 plus mile round trip from Ct to Ma. On my way up near the end I noticed a shaking in the bike and really didn't think much of it till my return trip this morning. I found a pair of bulges in the tire tread. I decided to risk it and make the ride home anyway. I stayed in the right lane and did 65-70 mph making it back ok. On my inspection of the tire in my driveway after arriving the bulge was gone only laving a small bump for evidence that I wasn't crazy. I did take a picture of the bulge to send to shinko. Hopefully I hear back from them. Im not sure i want to use them again. they did run good other than a slow leak and some sidewall cracking on the rear tire. I might pay the extra and get the PR3 for my upcoming trip. also been eyeing anew bike. The 98 has been nice but I might need a fresh start....haha My riding style is moderate. I mostly commute a 10 miles round trip to work and some weekend runs around some good roads. I do get decent lean angles and they tires griped nicely and are super sticky when they warm up.
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So after two sets of Conti Road Attacks, a set of Avon Storms and two sets of Road Attack 2s, I've decided to try something different - Shinko 016 Verge. Why? I hate to admit it, but primarily price - nearly $100 bucks a set less than the Contis and let's face it, I live in Indiana where I waste more tires than I use. Before pulling the trigger I read all of the reviews both here and on other forums. Lots of haters - "old designs", "slow to warm up", etc. and a good number of folks said they had them and were very happy. So how do I decide if they work for me other than to try a set out and see? I loved the Road Attacks for the light handling, particularly when new. They always seemed like the tip over was effortless and holding a line was easy. Felt good on the street and for an occasional track day. The Storms were an experiment to try and get better commuting mileage - meh - 7k before they were cupped and the handling was always heavier than the Contis. The Attack 2s felt lighter than the Storms when new, but seemed to lose that light handling feel after just a few thousand miles. So the Verges are purchased and mounted. The front required no weight - a good start, and the rear, well we don't know yet because the shop has misplaced their adapter cone for the VFR(a separate long story) It rides out without vibration, but I'll take it by later this week and have it checked. Initial impression - the profile on these tires is different... I don't know yet if it's different good or bad but definitely different. At slower speeds they feel like I'm riding on a knife edge. Think about turning and the motorcycle feels like it's falling in that direction. At street speeds in a turn you actually have to apply pressure away from the turn to prevent the line from tightening. Initiate a slow weave (30mph) and you consciously have to bring it back to neutral. Maybe this is normal for some tires but it is outside the bounds of my experience with the VFR or any other motorcycle. Now, on the other hand, add a bit of speed to a corner and the steering pressure seems to become neutral - no steering pressure to hold the line and light pressure to make adjustments. At speed they feel pretty good. As stated in the title, this is an experiment. My daughter and I are headed to TN/NC next week and I'll be able to give these tires a proper 2k mile test with lots of real curves. If anyone is interested I'll try post a couple of updates throughout the trip. Ride safe
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From the album: 2002 VFR
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From the album: 2002 VFR