After purchasing Yokohama Tires in 1998, Shinko Corporation has built an impressive tire portfolio for the motorcycle and scooter aftermarket. The Korean company currently offers 64 distinct street, off-road and track products in different segments such as drag and test racing, touring and motorcycling, cruisers and enduros, and sports touring. and adventure, etc.
Shinko’s 003 Stealth Radial tire is a high-speed radial tire for contemporary sports cars. They are narrowly focused, with two 17-inch front sizes (120/70 and 120/60) available in both standard street and ultra-soft track. Rear options are a bit wider, with eight different sizes – six 17-inch sizes (three available super soft), 180/55ZR18 and 120/80-12 for small motorcycles. We fitted a pair of standard compound Stealth Radials to the Yamaha FZ-09, 120/70-ZR17 F003RR front ($137.95 list price) and rear 180/55-ZR17 R003RR ($201.95).
Related: Yamaha FZ-09 2017 | Review the first trip
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Inflated to Yamaha’s recommended pressure (36 psi front/42 psi cold rear, much higher than the track setting), the feel of the tires is immediately appealing, providing autonomous driving dynamics. gentle at all speeds (they’re rated for 168 mph). Initial engagement response is quick, and the transition to fully linear is predictable and reassuring. The Stealth works well together and complements the FZ-09 chassis, just one of many similar models for which they are designed. At the pressures stated above, the ride quality is solid, showing that the stiff sidewalls are suitable for the needs and purposes of a high-performance tyre.
On the subject of tire construction, the Stealths have nylon side straps front and rear. The tread construction includes two nylon and two aramid belts at the front and one nylon and three aramid belts at the rear to handle both weight and force. For our particular application, the tire load capacity is 520 lb front and 805 lb rear, giving a total allowable bike/rider/cargo weight of 1,325 lb – more than enough for even an FZ in serious sport tour mode.
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We threw miles at Stealths in the city, on highways and winding mountain roads. In general, the tires meet almost everything that sports racers are used to – except rain (nothing, thanks Mr. Drought). In this case, however, Stealth’s distinctive “smooth/concave” tread design incorporates multiple short drain posts, most of which are sealed ends. Positioned from the center of the tire to the edges, these small grooves provide maximum rubber footprint while remaining DOT compliant – an ideal formulation for the road or high performance track.
Overall, the Shinko 003 Stealth Radials offers good sports performance at a reasonable price.
