Today, we turn our attention to the Shinko 241s, a revolutionary motorcycle tire that has gained significant attention among riders.
Its design, durability, and remarkable performance make it a preferred choice for riders looking to replace their stock tires.
The Shinko 241s tires are size 275 by 19, an impressive size that promises an enhanced riding experience.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best dirt bike tire for you? Let’s find out!
Shinko SR 241 Review
Pros and Cons
- Superior off-road performance
- More road-friendly than stock tires
- Stable and smooth on different surfaces
- Capable of slightly increasing your bike’s top speed
Our Shinko 241s Final Verdict
My Take on the Shinko SR-241
I’ve been running the Shinko SR-241 on my dual sport for the past year, and I’m thoroughly impressed.
These tires strike an excellent balance between on and off-road performance, making them incredibly versatile for adventure riding.
On the street, the SR-241s provide confident grip and stability. The tread pattern handles well in both dry and wet conditions, giving me peace of mind when cornering or braking.
I like their smooth ride quality, too – they absorb minor bumps and vibrations nicely.
When I hit the trails, the SR-241s really shine. The tightly spaced knobs dig into hard-packed dirt and gravel, providing reliable traction for climbing and braking.
I’ve even tackled some intermediate single-track and they handled it with aplomb. The carcass feels sturdy and resists deflection, allowing me to charge through rough terrain.
Longevity has been fantastic as well. I’ve put over 4,000 miles on my current set of SR-241s and they still have plenty of tread left.
The rubber compound seems to wear slowly and evenly, with no signs of chunking or cracking. I expect to get at least another 1,500 miles out of them before needing to replace them.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While I love the SR-241s, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
The tires’ bias-ply construction and soft compound can cause some squirming during hard cornering on pavement, especially at higher speeds. If you’re an aggressive street rider, you may prefer a stiffer, more sport-oriented tire.
In deep mud or sand, the SR-241s can struggle for traction. The tread pattern isn’t ideal for these conditions and can pack up quickly. If you frequently ride in very soft terrain, a dedicated off-road tire would be a better choice.
The SR-241s are on the heavier side for dual sport tires. While I haven’t noticed any significant impact on performance, the extra weight could be a consideration for riders looking to maximize acceleration or maneuverability.
Prices on the Shinko SR-241s can vary, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. I recommend checking Revzilla.com before buying elsewhere – they often have special offers available and will match any lower prices you find. Their price match guarantee ensures you won’t overpay.
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Comparing Shinko 241s to Stock Tires
This comparison is based on prior experience with stock tires, which, although quite resilient, have some limitations, particularly when it comes to road riding.
One of the noticeable differences on the road is the smoothness. With their larger knobs and spaces, stock tires are more suited for off-road activities.
The Shinko 241s, on the other hand, offer more comfort on the road due to their curved contour and closer gaps between the treads.
Features and Benefits
| Features | Shinko 241s | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Contour Shape | Curved | More Knobby |
| Tread Gaps | Closer | Wider |
| Comfort | High | Moderate |
| Road Suitability | More Road-Friendly | More Off-Road Oriented |
Riding Experience and Performance
With the Shinko 241s, you’ll experience a more grounded feeling when riding. The added weight from the may slightly reduce the bike’s torque, but this minor loss is hardly noticeable.
On the bright side, the added weight offers the bike more stability and makes it feel more solid.
Furthermore, they might even boost your top speed slightly. In our test ride, we clocked 49 miles per hour, a bit faster than the 48 miles per hour achieved with stock tires.
Off-Road Capabilities
When it comes to off-road capabilities, the Shinko 241s outperform the stock tires. They offer superior traction, particularly on hills where stock tires often struggle.
This is especially evident when the terrain is wet. If you’re looking for tires that perform equally well on both roads and trails, the Shinko 241s are the perfect fit.
Shinko SR 241 Tire Sizes
The Shinko SR-241 tires come in a range of sizes to fit many different dirt bikes, dual sport motorcycles, and even some modern electric bikes like the Sur Ron and Talaria[6]. Here are the key sizes I’ve found available:
- 2.75-14
- 2.75-18
- 3.00-17
- 3.50-18
- 21 inch front (3.00)
- 19 inch front and rear (2.75)
- 18 inch rear (3.50)
This broad size range means the SR-241s can work on everything from small vintage enduros to big adventure bikes.
They’re a popular choice for riders looking to upgrade from stock tires on bikes like the Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR-Z400, and Honda XR650L.
Fitment Guide
Here’s a quick guide to help choose the right SR-241 sizes for different bike types and riding styles:
- Vintage Enduros and Dual Sports (1970s-1990s)
- Front: 3.00-21 or 2.75-21
- Rear: 4.00-18 or 4.50-18
- These sizes maintain the classic proportions while providing good all-around performance.
- Modern Dual Sports (2000s-present)
- Front: 90/90-21
- Rear: 120/80-18 or 130/80-17
- The slightly wider sizes offer improved stability and grip, especially on pavement.
- Adventure Bikes
- Front: 90/90-21
- Rear: 130/80-17 or 150/70-17
- Choosing a size matched to the bike’s weight and intended use is key. Wider rears help with carrying luggage.
- Motocross and Off-Road
- Front: 80/100-21
- Rear: 100/100-18 or 110/100-18
- The narrower widths work well in mud and sand, but the SR-241s are really more of an intermediate to hard terrain tire.
I’ve used the 90/90-21 front and 130/80-17 rear on my DR-Z400S and been very happy with the balance of on-road manners and off-road capability. The 130 rear transforms the bike compared to the skinny stock 120 size.
It’s important to note that not all sizing is consistent between brands, so it’s always good to double check that a specific SR-241 size will fit your rims. Shinko has a convenient fitment guide on their website to confirm compatibility.
Overall, with so many sizes available, there’s an SR-241 combo that will work for almost any dual sport rider.
Just pick the sizes that match your bike and riding style, and you’ll be good to go! The wide range of 18, 19, and 21-inch sizes,, in particular,, makes these tires a great choice for dual sport and adventure riding.
Shinko SR 241 Longevity
Based on rider experiences, the Shinko SR-241 typically lasts between 2,400-5,000 miles before the tread starts to square off, depending on usage. Several factors impact the lifespan of these tires:
Riding Style and Terrain
Aggressive riding, especially on pavement at higher speeds, will wear the SR-241s faster than more moderate trail riding.
The knobby tread pattern is optimized for a mix of dirt and street, so extensive highway use at speeds over 50 mph can cause uneven wear. Harder terrain like rocky trails will also be tougher on the tires compared to soft dirt.
Tire Pressure
Running the proper pressure is key for maximizing life. Most riders find 18 psi works well for the SR-241s. Going too low on pressure can causeit to wear unevenly or get damaged.
Shinko SR 241 Puncture Resistance
The Shinko SR-241 offers solid puncture resistance thanks to their 4-ply carcass construction. I’ve ridden them through some gnarly rocky terrain without any flats. The thick, reinforced sidewalls help protect against pinch flats and cuts from sharp edges.
Comparison to Other Dirt Bike Tires
Compared to more dirt-focused tires like the Dunlop D606, the SR-241s provide similar puncture resistance.
The key difference is the tread pattern – the D606 has taller, more widely spaced knobs that can get chewed up faster on hardpack and pavement. The SR-241’s denser, lower-profile tread holds up better to mixed on/off-road use.
Some popular dual sport tires like the Kenda K270 have a slightly lighter carcass (usually 2-3 ply). This saves weight but offers less protection against punctures.
For my riding, which includes a lot of rocky desert trails, I prefer the beefier construction of the SR-241s. I’m willing to carry a little extra weight for more peace of mind.
Real-World Performance
In over 3,000 miles of riding my Shinko SR-241s, I’ve only had one puncture. It was from a large nail that would’ve flattened any tire.
The carcass was strong enough that the nail didn’t cause a blowout – I was able to plug it trailside and keep riding.
I also like how the SR-241s resist cutting and chunking, even when subjected to extended pavement riding.
Some full-knobby tires start shedding knobs under hard street use, but the Shinkos have held up great. The rubber compound seems to provide a good balance of grip and durability.
Overall, I’ve been very impressed with the puncture resistance of the Shinko SR-241. They strike a great balance for dual sport riding, offering dependable flat protection without sacrificing all-around performance.
If you ride in areas with lots of thorns, sharp rocks, or other tire-killing hazards, the SR-241s are a great choice.
Shinko SR 241 Visual Appearance
The Shinko SR-241 features a classic trial tread pattern that looks great on a wide range of bikes. The tread consists of tightly spaced, alternating square knobs that provide a good balance of on and off-road grip. The knobs are arranged in a V-shaped pattern that helps channel water and debris for consistent traction.
Tread Design
What I really like about the SR-241 tread is how the knobs are tall enough to dig into soft terrain but not so tall that they squirm on the pavement.
The leading edges of the knobs have a nice radius that helps them grip when leaned over on the street without sacrificing off-road bite[4].
They also have staggered side knobs that extend down onto the sidewall. This gives you a little extra grip when riding off-camber terrain or dealing with deep ruts.
It’s a feature usually found on more aggressive off-road tires, so it’s cool to see on a dual sport tire like the SR-241.
Sidewall and Lettering
The SR-241s have a classic natural rubber-colored sidewall with black lettering. The lettering is crisp and easy to read, with the Shinko logo, model name, and size designation.
Some riders like to add a colored stripe to the sidewall for a retro look, but I prefer the clean, understated appearance of the stock tan sidewalls.
Mounted Appearance
It looks right at home on this classic dual sport. The square knob pattern complements the bike’s simple, rugged aesthetic.
The SR-241s give this big dual sport a purposeful stance. The taller sidewall knobs are visible and hint at the off-road capability.
The trial pattern of the SR-241s looks awesome on this popular dual sport. It’s an ideal match for the bike’s supermoto-influenced styling.
Overall, the Shinko SR-241 have a timeless visual appearance that works on everything from vintage enduros to modern dual sports.
The tread pattern is aggressive enough to convey off-road prowess without looking out of place on the street. If you want a tire that looks as good as it performs, the SR-241 is a great choice.
Maintenance
Regularly cleaning after rides and inspecting them for damage helps catch issues early. Balancing the tires properly also prevents uneven cupping wear from developing over time.
Overall, with a blend of on and off-road riding and diligent maintenance, I’d expect to get at least 3,000 miles out of a set of Shinko SR-241.
They provide a great balance of longevity and performance for the price. While there are longer-lasting dual sport options out there, the SR-241s are a solid choice, especially for vintage bikes where the classic tread pattern looks right at home.
Shinko SR 241 Rider Skill Level
The Shinko SR-241 are a great choice for beginner to intermediate dual sport riders. These versatile tires provide a user-friendly combination of on- and off-road performance that helps build confidence for riders who are still developing their skills.
Beginner-Friendly Characteristics
Several key characteristics of the SR-241s make them well-suited for new adventure riders:
The tightly spaced, square knob tread pattern provides dependable traction on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to hard-packed dirt trails. This helps novice riders feel more secure when transitioning between different terrains.
The rounded profile of the tire carcass allows for predictable cornering behavior[8]. Beginners can lean the bike over without sudden loss of grip, making it easier to learn proper cornering techniques.
On the street, the SR-241s offer good grip and stability. While they may squirm slightly under hard acceleration or braking, the overall handling is confidence-inspiring for new street riders.
Intermediate Rider Benefits
As riders progress in their skills, the SR-241s continue to offer advantages:
The balanced on/off-road performance is ideal for intermediate riders who want to explore more challenging terrain without sacrificing street manners. The SR-241s encourage riders to expand their boundaries.
Intermediate riders often experiment with different pressures to fine-tune handling. The SR-241s respond well to pressure adjustments, with lower pressures providing better compliance and traction off-road.
The good wear characteristics and durability are a plus for intermediate riders putting in more miles. The SR-241s can handle longer adventures without needing frequent replacement.
Less Optimal for Advanced Riders
While the SR-241s are great for beginners and intermediates, more advanced riders may find them limiting in extreme conditions:
In deep mud or sand, the tightly spaced tread pattern can pack up and lose traction. Dedicated off-road tires would better serve advanced riders tackling these conditions with taller, more widely spaced knobs.
At higher speeds on pavement, the SR-241s’ soft compound and bias-ply construction can cause them to flex and feel less stable.
Experienced street riders who prioritize high-speed cornering may prefer sport-oriented dual sport tires.
The SR-241’s vintage trial tread design isn’t optimized for aggressive riding styles. Hard-charging advanced riders may overwhelm the tires’ limits, especially on heavier, more powerful bikes.
Overall, the Shinko SR-241s hit the sweet spot for beginning and intermediate dual sport riders. The forgiving handling, versatile performance, and durable construction make them an excellent choice for building skills on a variety of terrains.
While expert-level riders may eventually outgrow the SR-241s, these tires provide a solid foundation for adventure riding enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
After several hours of riding with the Shinko 241s, we can confidently say that they are a superb upgrade from stock tires.
They offer improved handling, stability, and versatility, which are essential qualities for both off-road and road riding.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a solid, reliable, and high-performing set of dirt bike tires for your Sur-Ron bike, we highly recommend the Shinko 241s.
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