Shinko 003 Stealth Radial Tires | Gear Overview

After buying Yokohama Tires in 1998, the Shinko Group constructed up a formidable tire portfolio for the bike and scooter aftermarket. The Korean firm now gives 64 distinct avenue, off-road, and observe merchandise in such disparate segments as dragracing and trials, touring and motocross, cruisers and enduro, sport- and adventure-touring, and extra.

Shinko’s 003 Stealth Radial tires are go-fast avenue radials meant for up to date sportbikes. They’re narrowly centered, with two 17-inch entrance sizes (120/70 and 120/60) accessible in both normal avenue and ultra-soft observe compounds. The rear selections are a bit broader, with eight completely different sizes – six 17-inch sizes (three accessible in ultra-soft), 180/55ZR18, and 120/80-12 for minibikes. We fitted a pair of standard-compound Stealth Radials to a Yamaha FZ-09, a 120/70-ZR17 F003RR up entrance ($137.95 record value) and a 180/55-ZR17 R003RR in again ($201.95).

Associated: 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 | First Journey Overview

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Inflated to Yamaha’s really useful pressures (36 psi entrance/42 psi rear chilly, far above racetrack settings), the texture of the tires was instantly interesting, offering mild, pure steering dynamics in any respect speeds (they’re rated to 168 mph). Preliminary turn-in response was fast, and the transition to full-lean linear was predictable and reassuring. The Stealths labored properly collectively and complemented the FZ-09 chassis, simply considered one of many related fashions for which they have been designed. On the pressures famous above, the trip high quality was considerably agency, suggesting a stiff sidewall befitting the wants and intent of a no-nonsense efficiency tire. 

With regards to tire development, the Stealths have nylon sidewall belts entrance and rear. Tread development consists of two nylon and two aramid belts up entrance and one nylon and three aramid belts in again to deal with each weight and energy. For our explicit utility, the tires’ load capability is 520 lb entrance and 805 lb rear, giving a complete allowable bike/rider/cargo weight of 1,325 lb – greater than sufficient for even an FZ in severe sport-tour mode.

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We threw miles on the Stealths within the metropolis, on the freeway, and up and down snaky mountain roads. In combination, the tires encountered most every little thing that sport riders usually would – except for rain (thanks for nothing, Mr. Drought). Nevertheless, for this eventuality, the Stealths’ explicit “slick/dimple” tread design incorporates a number of columns of quick, largely closed-ended drainage grooves. Positioned from the tire facilities all the way in which to the perimeters, these small sipes present most rubber footprint whereas nonetheless remaining DOT compliant – a perfect formulation for high-performance highway or observe obligation.

General, Shinko 003 Stealth Radials present good sport efficiency at an affordable value.