If you are going with the 100/90-19 front and 130/90-15 rear option, the Shinko 230 is a good choice for an affordable set of tires.......and you can also go to the 140/90-15 rear as well.  The reviews on Bike Bandit seem to be really good for this tire (It is a shame however that the reviews are always made when the tire is new and folks don't have much experience with the durability of the tire).  The tread pattern is a bit unconventional when compared to other modern tires.

If you go to the 100/90-19 front and 140/90-15 rear, you might also consider the Shinko 712.  It has a more conventional tread pattern - not sure if the center groove on the front tire would cause it to want to follow grooves in the pavement.....a lot of tire companies have a zig/zag pattern in the center groove to help stop the tire from following rain grooves (in the review for the 712's no one mentioned this as being a problem). All of my bikes sometimes try to follow the pavement grooves a tiny bit....regardless of the tire I have on the bike.

For the price of these tires, and with free shipping, if you are mounting the tires yourself....they will get you a new set of tires at a really good price.  

Dave, I'm definitely going to go with a 140/90.  I do believe the zig zag pattern does help with tracking.  The price is certainly a factor.  I'm currently in need of a value option and the 230's price tag is about as high as I can go right now.  There are other tires that are cheaper but, as you mentioned the reviews play a role in the choice.  I too wish there were more reviews after some mileage and experience.

WD, It's good to hear that the wear for the 230 is comparable to the commander.  I'm really interested in how it does in the wet.  The reason I'm not going with the 712 is I have a little experience with that tire.  The wet performance of the 712 is lacking, IMO.  I'm willing to spend a little more for the 230 for better wet performance, but I'm only going off of reviews and second hand information.  I really worry about wet performance on the Savage. Once in a slide, the Savage is unforgiving.  It's not like my Aprilia, where I can be in a full slide and the Battlax tires will grip at the last millisecond and the bike will right itself. I'm not expecting the 230 to make the Savage do that, but If I can avoid the slip to begin with, that would be ideal. The stock IRC tires wet performance is not good either.  That's why I didn't go with that value option.

Hey Czech,

I put knobbies on mine and have my old tires just sitting around.  The front tire is removed, the rear is still mounted to the wheel (not on th bike.) You are welcome to the tires if it would help you.  I live in Huntsville, so I'm guessing we could find a way to pass them off.  I'm traveling tonight and will be home tomorrow evening. I could take a couple pics then for you to see the tread and such.  Dunlops if I recall correctly.  I bought the bike used and immediately starting changing things, so I didn't pay a ton of attention to what was on there...  

Totally understand if you'd rather go new, just thought it might help if the budget is tight.  

Sure thing, just let me know. I'll be home this evening  

xaman wrote on 11/10/15 at 05:51:15:


I tried to call customer service yesterday but was on hold for too long and had to get back to work.  Was going to call today, but before I got a chance they had already arrived.  I'm going to go ahead and mount them.  The rear is definitely wider than the stock IRC 140/80, but I know others have mounted it without issue so I don't anticipate any problem.  I'll post pics when it's done.



@xaman, I really appreciate you buddy.  We definitely need to get together sometime since we're so close.  I'm working every day now from early morning to late at night, but I expect that to change soon.

I've got connections at the shop up the street. I'll have it done tomorrow if I can get to it.

I'm just about ready to get new tires also...
I'm a Shinko fan... and will have to choose between the 712's and the 230's...
The 230's cost just a bit more, but  are supposed to wear longer...
Having 2 bikes has cut my yearly mileage down to 3 or 4 k on the Savage...
...with most trips over 100 miles round trip, being relegated to the Sportster...

I will likely stick with the 712's...  (unless the dealer gives me a sweet deal)...
The 712's prettier... ...
Pretty, pretty, pretty... that's what counts in a tire... ...

No offense... those 230's are pretty too... ...