Shinko 712 Tires

Shinko 712: The Proven Value Leader for Cruisers and Classic Bikes

The Shinko 712 is built for the rider who needs a dependable, high-quality tire without the “boutique” price tag. While many budget tires are limited by low speed ratings and stiff rubber compounds, the 712 is H-rated (130 mph), making it more than capable of handling modern interstate speeds. It is an ideal fitment for Honda Shadows, Yamaha Viragos, Kawasaki Vulcans, and even smaller Harley-Davidson Sportsters. Its design focuses on the essentials: providing a stable contact patch, clearing water effectively, and offering enough durability to make your dollar go further.

All-Weather Safety and Tread Design

The standout feature of the Shinko 712 is its staggered tread pattern. This design isn’t just for a classic look; the grooves are strategically placed to channel water away from the center of the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning during sudden summer downpours. The rubber compound is formulated to stay flexible across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring that you have “sticky” grip on cold morning commutes and predictable handling on hot afternoon rides. The 4-ply nylon carcass provides a “supple” feel, absorbing road vibrations and small potholes far better than the rigid casings found on some heavier touring tires.

Expert Technical Advice: The “Vintage” Sweet Spot

As specialists in older cruiser fitments, we highly recommend the 712 for riders restoring 1980s and 90s metric bikes. Pro Tip: These tires have a very “neutral” profile, meaning they don’t make the bike feel eager to “fall” into a turn, nor do they resist lean. This makes them perfect for newer riders or those who prefer a relaxed, predictable steering feel. Maintenance Note: Because the 712 uses a 4-ply nylon carcass, it is slightly more prone to flat-spotting if the bike sits for months at a time. If you are winterizing your bike, we recommend using a stand to keep the weight off the tires or increasing the pressure by 5 PSI during storage. For daily riding, stick to 32-34 PSI front / 36-38 PSI rear for the best wear-to-grip ratio.

Reliability That Doesn’t Break the Bank

The Shinko 712 has earned a reputation as the “workhorse” of the cruiser world. It may not have the 20,000-mile lifespan of a premium Michelin, but it offers a level of performance that far exceeds its cost. For riders who commute daily or those who enjoy weekend escapes, the 712 provides a smooth, quiet, and safe experience. It is a tire that proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-speed rated, name-brand product that you can trust on every turn.

Fitment Note: While the 712 is a tubeless (TL) tire, it is perfectly safe to use with the appropriate inner tube if your motorcycle is equipped with spoked wheels.

Shinko 712 Tires

The 712 was designed for mileage and performance without the high price tag.

Features:

• Staggered, positive-ration tread ensures these Shinko tires have excellent highway wet weather handling and adhesion
• H-rated motorcycle tires for speeds up to 130 mph
• Tubeless, 4-ply nylon carcass
• Lateral grooves increase inline stability