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Shinko Tires

The old Yokohama Tire Company we all knew and trusted.

The first time I heard Shinko, I followed-up with a “Who?” Never having heard of
Shinko, my limited knowledge had me imagining an upstart company trying to
get into the tire business. I could not have been more wrong.

Established in 1946, the Shinko Group began as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan that today has become a burgeoning manufacture of all types of rubber products. In 1998 the Shinko Group purchased the tire technology and molds from the Yokohama Rubber Company’s motorcycle tire division, and began production of these products under the Shinko Tire brand.

Shinko has its manufacturing based in South Korea and its design division based in Japan, so the company seamlessly combines Japanese engineering muscle and design principles with South Korean production economies and quality control standards. Today Shinko Tires produces approximately 200,000 motorcycle
tires per month. A small company it is not.

In the United States Shinko Tires are imported by Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS), with corporate headquarters in Boise, Idaho. With a strong foothold     on the power sports market and with ware-houses located in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; and Memphis, Tennessee, Shinko Tires USA in conjunction with WPS is proud to bring you the Shinko line of Sport bike, Cruiser, Scooter, Off road, and Dual sport tires.

On-going testing in the USA R & D at Shinko Tire's factory assures a continuous source of exciting tires incorporating the latest technologies and advances to meet the need of today's riders. In fact, Shinko offers one of the broadest lines available. Our family has used them with good results.

To give you an example: In the past year, Shinko has been working tirelessly on the 757 tires specifically designed for larger touring bikes like the Gold Wing. Their R&D department has extensively worked with Honda clubs and touring groups to get feedback on their tires. Their engineers not only applied the latest technologies and designs, but sent these out to real riders to test. Over the past year or so, there have been on-going design changes made to improve handling and tread life. They now have one of the best Gold Wing tires on the market – only few people are aware of it, yet.

So, Shinko is the old Yokohama Tire Company we all knew and trusted? No, it’s better! You might want to consider the Shinko the next time you are in the market for tires.