Shinko SR999 Long Haul motorcycle tires are designed for V-Twin cruiser and touring motorcycles, and they handle as good as they look. The tread has rain grooves that run in an alternating diagonal pattern, almost like claw marks, and the styling nicely complements my Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. But more importantly, those grooves evacuate water efficiently for reliable wet-weather grip, which is essential on the west coast of Florida, where I live and ride. It may be called the Sunshine State, but the Gulf of Mexico sends frog-choking storms our way year-round.
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V-Twins like my Harley are heavy bikes, and the SR999 Long Hauls carry the weight of the machine, rider, and gear very well thanks to their reinforced carcass, aramid belting, and rubber compound, which was formulated for high mileage and confident grip in a range of conditions. Shinko USA’s website has a size chart for the SR999 tires, and there are numerous sizes, with diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The load index ranges from 54 (467 lb) for an 80/90-21 front to 84 (1,102 lb) for a 180/55B18 rear.
A set of SR999 tires were installed on my Softail by Ricachet, one of the best mechanics in Tampa, at HellBenders Motorcycles. Soon after leaving the shop, we had a typical surprise Florida storm roll in. I had barely scrubbed in the tires before the skies opened up. I carefully worked my way through evening traffic, and the tires felt stable and reassuring.
My route home took me onto Interstate 275, and I’m not ashamed to admit I was squeezing the handlebar pretty tight. The Shinkos rolled along smoothly, and as I got up to speed, I noticed…nothing. No squirm, no hunting for grip, just steady cruising like it wasn’t even raining.
After that initial wet ride, I started racking up miles on my daily commute. The SR999s exhibit good stability, give me a lot of confidence in sharp turns, and provide an all-around smooth ride. What I really appreciate is that, despite the reinforced carcass, I don’t feel every bump in the road like I’ve felt with other tires. They handle most of the rough spots on the highway – seams, cracks, gouges, and potholes – without drama.
This is my first experience with Shinko tires, and while I was initially reluctant to try an unfamiliar brand, 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 with them on my bike.
Shinko SR999 Long Haul tires are available in a range of front and rear sizes and are priced from $114.95 to $269.95.
How long is the Long Haul? Mileage?
Hey Dale . unlike lot of riders , i ride my bike , after consistantly only getting 6,500 miles from the Dunlop rear tire . i’m happy to say the shinko 999 tire reached over 8,500 miles . Changing it this week . front i bet still has 1500 still left on it easily . Handle great in the rain and perfect on the twisties .. also saved a considerable amount of cash as they run cheaper .
Why is their 180 65 16 not reinforced? Most of the older harley touring bikes were this size and it would be a natural fit unless these long hauls aren’t for long haul bikes
Hey Mike , after only averaging 6,500 miles on the Dunllp elite 3 rear tires . tryed the shinko 999 . as of today 8,500 miles and changing it this week . front i bet still has 1500 left on it . riding a indian chieftan Approx. 850 lbs . handle great in the rain and The Ozark Twisties .
You must ride damn hard if you’re only getting 6500 out of your Dunlops I’m putting one of these Shinko’s on now but my Dunlop 407 got me 15,000
that really depends where you live. I just went through my second set of dunlop 408 dual compound and only got 6700 miles out of them and the side are all choppy. they howl going down the road and have lost some cornering ability because of the choppiness. If you live in an area where the road are long and straight then they are great for that as you don’t ride the sides much. I live in new england and corner alot and lean heavy when I do. I have run the michelin commanders on my rk and got a 8k on the rear and it was 2 rear to one front.
I was told I would get a decent amount of miles out of this tire but after less then 3 months and just about 5k miles the tire has 1/32 left of tread and needs replaced. The tire had good grip and traction but I got more miles out of the 777 then the 999