As avid motorcycle enthusiasts, we’re always on the hunt for superior products that can enhance our riding experience.
This time, our exploration led us to a tire that left a significant impression – the Shinco R520 DC, a dual compound tire.
The main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best dirt bike tire for you? Let’s find out!
Shinco R520 DC
Key Takeaways
- Economically priced
- High carbon blend for extended wear
- Formulated for intermediate and hard surfaces
I’ve been running the Shinko R520 DC tires on my dirt bikes for the past few seasons, and I’m thoroughly impressed with their performance.
The dual compound construction provides excellent traction across a wide range of terrain, from loose sand to rocky single track.
I really like the reinforced knobs on the R520 DC. They resist tearing and chunking, even when subjected to hours of abuse on the gnarliest trails. This durability translates to longer tread life, saving me money in the long run.
After testing the R520 DCs in various conditions, I’ve found that they excel in intermediate to hard terrain.
It hooks up exceptionally well on dry, packed dirt and rocky surfaces. I’ve also had great success running them at lower pressures for extreme enduro events.
In my experience, the versatile tread pattern strikes a good balance between straight-line traction and cornering grip. I feel confident pushing my bike to the limits, knowing that the R520 DCs will hold their line through the turns.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While I’m a big fan of the Shinko R520 DC tires, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Limited Sizing Options: Currently, the R520 DC is only available in a 120/100-18 rear size. This may not be ideal for riders looking for a narrower or wider tire.
- Not DOT Approved: The R520 DC is designed specifically for off-road use and is not DOT approved. If you plan on doing significant street riding, you’ll need to look for a different tire.
- Soft Compound Wears Faster: The soft compound used on the R520 DC provides excellent traction but may wear more quickly than harder compound tires, especially if you frequently ride on abrasive surfaces like sand or rock.
Despite these potential drawbacks, I believe the Shinko R520 DC is an excellent choice for serious off-road riders looking for a high-performance tire at a reasonable price point.
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The Shinco R520 DC is a dual compound dirt bike tire, a feature that immediately piques interest. The center knobs are composed of an extraordinarily soft and gummy material.
This gumminess is one aspect that we are particularly partial towards when it comes to rear tires.
Interestingly, the side knobs are designed with a much harder compound, giving it a dual compound structure.
This blend of soft and hard compounds is quite spectacular and contributes to it’s remarkable performance.
The Traction Trifecta: Incredible Grip, Braking, and Versatility
The Shinco R520 DC offers remarkable traction thanks to its dual compound structure. The gummy center allows for excellent grip, and the harder sides make for powerful braking traction.
This unique combination, along with its versatility, makes it the favorite among our most-loved tires.
A Comparative Analysis
We weighed the Shinco 520 DC alongside other top-performing tires, such as the IRC VE 33s, Dunlop AT 81 EX, and the 220 ride tire, all of which we highly recommend.
Although the Shinco 520 DC weighed the most, the weight doesn’t detract from its incredible performance and, if anything, solidifies our fondness for this tire.
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| Shinco 520 DC | 14 pounds 0.5 ounces |
| IRC VE 33s | 12 pounds 13.5 ounces |
| Dunlop AT 81 EX | 12 pounds 0.4 ounces |
| 220 Ride Tire | 13 pounds 6.9 ounces |
Shinco R520 DC Performance vs Durability
It’s important to note that the Shinco 520 DC doesn’t boast an exceptionally long lifespan. After just over 10 hours of use, it shows signs of wear and tear.
However, the performance during these 10 hours is absolutely phenomenal, making the limited lifespan a worthwhile trade-off.
- Superb traction on a variety of terrains, from slick rock to mud
- Excellent grip, making the motorcycle feel almost glued to the ground
- Significant traction, even when it is worn down
Compatibility Considerations
The Shinco 520 DC offers versatile compatibility. Despite the manufacturer’s probable recommendations against using it with tubeless, we found no issues in doing so.
Moreover, it can also work well with heavy-duty tubes or mousse bibs, and there should be no issues with holding plugs.
Shinko R520 DC Longeverty
Hard Enduro and Rocky Terrain
I’ve put them through the wringer, riding hundreds of miles of gnarly Rocky Mountain single-track and high mountain passes. Despite the abrasive terrain, the reinforced knobs resist tearing and chunking, allowing them to hold up exceptionally well.
Desert and Sand
In the Sonoran Desert, I subjected the R520 DCs to both sand and sandstone slabs. It performed admirably, providing great traction without excessive wear.
Dual Sport and Adventure Riding
During long dual sports missions and events like the Nevada 200, the Shinko R520 DCs demonstrated their longevity.
While they’re not rated for highway use, they handled the occasional stretches of pavement between trails without issue.
Extreme Conditions
Even after 20 hours of riding in motocross tracks, woods, mud, and water, the R520 DC showed minimal wear, with zero chunking on the lugs. This is a testament to their durability in the harshest riding conditions.
While longevity ultimately depends on factors like the bike, rider weight, and riding style, the dual compound construction of the Shinko R520 DC—with a soft crown for straight-line traction and harder shoulders for cornering—results in an impressive balance of grip and longevity across a wide range of off-road terrain.
Comparison to Similar Products
| Model Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Kenda K772 Carlsbad | Designed for desert and hard terrain, reinforced knobs, long tread life |
| IRC VX30 | Versatile off-road tire, excellent traction, durable construction |
| Dunlop D803 GP | Trials competition, silica-blended compound, revised carcass architecture |
| Heidenau K60 Scout | Mud & snow rated adventure tire, varying tread pattern based on size |
The Shinko R520 DC is a dual compound off-road tire designed for intermediate to hard terrain, similar to the Kenda K772 Carlsbad.
Both tires feature reinforced knobs for durability and long tread life. However, the Shinko R520 DC is only available in a 120/100-18 rear size, while the Kenda K772 Carlsbad offers more sizing options.
Compared to the IRC VX30, the Shinko R520 DC has a more aggressive tread pattern, making it better suited for harder terrain. The IRC VX30 is a more versatile off-road tire that performs well in a wider range of conditions.
The Dunlop D803 GP is a specialized trials competition tire, featuring a silica-blended compound and revised carcass architecture.
While it excels in its intended discipline, it may not be as well-suited for the varied terrain that the Shinko R520 DC is designed to tackle.
Lastly, the Heidenau K60 Scout is a mud & snow rated adventure tire with a varying tread pattern depending on size.
It’s designed for larger adventure bikes and may not be the best choice for pure off-road riding like the Shinko R520 DC.
Shinco R520 D Pressure
The recommended the pressure range for Shinko R520 DC is 33 psi, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
However, I’ve found that adjusting the pressure based on riding conditions and personal preference can significantly impact performance, traction, and wear.
Off-Road Riding
For off-road riding, I typically run my R520 DCs at lower pressures, around 14-18 psi. This allows it to conform to the terrain, providing better traction and a more comfortable ride. The soft, flexible sidewalls of the R520 DCs maintain stability even at these low pressures.
Street and Dual Sport Riding
When I’m primarily riding on pavement or doing longer dual sport rides, I’ll bump the pressure up to around 25 psi front and rear. This helps minimize wear, improves handling, and reduces rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency.
Extreme Conditions
In gnarly enduro races or extreme single track, I’ve experimented with pressures as low as 3-3.5 psi in the rear.
The R520 DC’s stiff sidewalls prevent it from feeling flat, while the extra-soft compound provides unreal grip. Just be prepared to sacrifice some longevity at these pressures.
It’s important to note that optimal pressure varies based on factors like rider weight, bike setup, and terrain. I always carry a reliable pressure gauge and small pump on rides, so I can make adjustments as needed.
Experimenting with different pressures within the recommended range has helped me find the sweet spot for my riding style and conditions. The versatility of the Shinko R520 DC really shines when you dial in the pressure to unlock its full potential.
Shinco R520 DC Compatibility and Fitment
The Shinko R520 DC is compatible with a wide range of dirt bikes, from 250cc two-strokes to 501cc four-strokes. I’ve personally run them on my KTM 300 XC-W and Husqvarna FE 350, and they’ve been a perfect fit.
Sizes
The R520 DC is currently available in one rear size: 120/100-18. This size works well for most modern dirt bikes, including:
- KTM 250/300 two-strokes and 350/450/500 four-strokes
- Husqvarna TE/FE models
- Honda CRF250/450R and CRF250/450X
- Yamaha YZ250/450F and WR250/450F
- Suzuki RM-Z250/450
- Kawasaki KX250/450
Fitment Considerations
While the 120/100-18 size is not always listed in the owner’s manual for every bike, I’ve found it to be a great option for most off-road riding. The slightly wider profile provides better traction and stability without negatively affecting handling.
However, it’s important to note that the R520 DC is not DOT approved and is not recommended for highway use. They are designed specifically for off-road riding, from enduro and extreme single track to desert racing and motocross.
When mounting the R520 DC, pay attention to the directional tread pattern. They should be installed with the “Front” marking facing forward for optimal performance.
Overall, the versatile sizing and wide compatibility of the Shinko R520 DC make it a great choice for riders looking to upgrade their dirt bike’s performance across a variety of off-road disciplines[3].
Is Shinco R520 DC Worth the Price?
For a price tag of approximately $125 (as of the time of writing), the Shinco 520 DC offers excellent value for money. Its performance, even after substantial usage, still outperforms many new, super-hard compound tires.
Even if the lifespan is shorter, the exhilarating experience it offers during its prime time makes it an absolute steal.
Conclusion
While the Shinco 520 DC may not be the lightest or the most durable tire on the market, it certainly ranks among the top performers.
Its dual compound structure allows for a splendid blend of grip and braking power, making it a standout choice for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Even though we live in what may be described as a golden age of dirt bikes, with numerous options available, the Shinco 520 DC is one of the best dirt bike tires that stands out among the crowd.
It encapsulates the epitome of excellence in tire technology, and we wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try if you get the chance.
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