New Shinko 705 on the left and Kenda K761 with 6,000+Kms on the right
Setting the stage: After putting 6,500 kms on my Kenda K761 Dual-Sport rear tire, I had worn through the tread and it was time for a change. So I was off to the forums looking for reviews on KLR650 rear tires. Time and time again the Shinko 705 (130/80/17) Dual-Sport rear tire was mentioned and I had to try it for myself. Admittedly, the Shinko 705 rear tire has had its share of negative reviews but it also had a great number of glowing reviews, and I figured at $65 I’d take to the time to form my own opinion.
Here’s a little about the Shinko 705 Dual-Sport tires:
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Performance Review: I now have just over 2,000 kms on my Shinko 705 rear tire and I love it! I’m still a fan of the K761 but the Shinko 705 outperforms it in all categories. I’ve used the tire at highway speeds, on my daily commute, on gravel roads, rainy/wet conditions (lots of rain!) and here are my observations:
The Good Stuff:
- The day I installed the 705 rear tire it rained and rained and rained. I was stressed about riding a new tire in the rain but it performed remarkably well in wet condition. In fact, far better than the Kenda or Dunlop ever did.
- The Shinko 705 is surprisingly stable in all conditions. As with any dual-sport tire there will be compromises but I don’t feel that the 705 suffers in any condition. Whether riding on the street, highway, dirt road, trail in wet or dry conditions I’m 100% confident in the 705.
- After 2,000 kms the treads still look like new. I’m hoping these will last more than 6,000 kms.
- Great bang for the buck. At $65 plus taxes and shipping for the rear tire you can’t go wrong.
The Bad Stuff:
- I have nothing bad to say.
Notes:
- Picked them up from aviciouscycle.ca. Best price, great service and they had them in stock.
- I’ve been running them at 32 psi since day one and haven’t felt like making any changes.
- Disclaimer: I haven’t tried the Shinko in the mud so I can’t speak to that.
- I will definitely buy this tire again.
With its great price point, surprising stability and it’s ability to perform well in all conditions, I’m comfortable giving the Shinko 705 rear tire a 5 star rating and my recommendation as replacement tires for all KLR650 riders.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and stay obsessed.
