Shinko The SR999 Long Haul motorcycle tires are designed for cruiser and V-Twin motorcycles, and they’re as capable as they look. The tread has rain grooves running in an alternating diagonal, almost claw-like pattern, and the look nicely complements my Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. But more importantly, those grooves drain effectively for reliable grip in wet weather, which is essential on Florida’s west coast, where I live and drive. It might be called the Sunshine State, but the Gulf of Mexico causes us year-round choking storms.
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V-Twins like my Harley are heavyweight bikes, and the SR999 Long Haul withstands the weight of the machine, rider, and gears very well thanks to the reinforced bodywork, aramid straps, and rubber compound , built for long distances and solid grip in a wide range of conditions. The Shinko USA website has a size chart for the SR999 tires and comes in a wide range of sizes, with diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. Load ratings range from 54 (467 lb) for the front 80/90-21 to 84 (1,102 lb) for the 180/55B18 back.
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A set of SR999 tires was fitted to my Softail by Ricachet, one of the best mechanics in Tampa, at HellBenders Motorcycles. Right after we left the store, we were met with a typical Florida storm. I didn’t have time to scrub the tires before the sky opened. I navigated carefully through evening traffic, and the tires felt stable and reassuring.
The drive home took me to Interstate 275, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I squeezed the steering wheel pretty hard. The Shinkos rolled smoothly, and as I accelerated, I noticed…nothing. Don’t twist, don’t seek grip, just move steadily as if it wasn’t even raining.
After that initial steamy ride, I started adding more kilometers to my daily commute. The SR999s demonstrated good stability, giving me a lot of confidence in sharp turns and providing an all-round smooth ride. What I really appreciate is that, even though the carcass is reinforced, I don’t feel every bump on the road like I did with other tyres. They handle most highway roughnesses – seams, cracks, trenches and potholes – without causing drama.
This was my first experience with Shinko tires and although I didn’t want to try an unfamiliar brand at first, I’m glad I did. After a few thousand miles on the SR999s, they have exceeded my expectations, and I feel more confident and safer carrying them on my bike.
Shinko SR999 Long Haul tires are available in a variety of front and rear sizes and range in price from $114.95 to $269.95.
