A different front tire ...

I've grown used to the idea that there are not many front tire choices for my VTX 1800 Retro (150/80/R17). Pretty much all we hear about is the Dunlop D-251 or Elite 3, the Metzler Marathon ME 880, or the Avon Cobra. However, I just came across the Shinko 747 on the Honda Direct Line web site. At $150 it's a little more than the Dunlop and Metzler, but less than the Avon.

Has anyone tried it, or heard about it? Shenko makes some really good sticky racing tires, but I have never heard of this Touring Radial before. Opinions?

Big Charlie

Big Charlie,
Just scanning the band here and noticed your tire question. Here is a little "out-of-the-box" thinking for you . You can get some "rear" application tires in the size you need for the front of the VTX-R. Some are "bias" ply tires. Can you mix tires??? Mother Honda must have thot it O.K. as the Valkyaries first came out with a radial back and bias front tire. If you check my sigiture, you'll see that I run a bias-ply on the front of my Wing. I DID NOT tell my radial car tire on back, that my tire on point was a bias-ply tire!!!! To this day (6,000 Miles) I 've kept the secret an haven't told the radial that the front was non-conforming!!! It has twice the amount of rubber and handles so well, that I'll order another in about 15,000 miles to replace this one. The Dragon's Tail is in my back yard, so you can know that it's been pushed a time or two . Hope this may shed a little lite ont he subject, although I may take some heat for the forward thinking, it works for me and several hundred others. JMHO Semper-fi

Marine MP,

I don't know why I didn't consider that sooner! I have friends with trikes, and they all use a rear M/C tire on the front. I'll definitely check it out next time I'm due for front rubber.

As an aside -- The Shinko tire is really nice. Handles very well and a smooth ride. We'll see how well it lasts.

Big Charlie