Shinko Verge On 98 Vfr800

Shinko 011.....The front tire developed a big bubble in the middle of the tread. The tires have probably 5-6k miles on them. I am not to the wear bars, even if I were a bubble should not have formed. let me be honest I have noticed a few cracks in the tread on my inspection before I left for the weekend. I really didn't think much of it.

So I decided to make the about 300 plus mile round trip from Ct to Ma. On my way up near the end I noticed a shaking in the bike and really didn't think much of it till my return trip this morning. I found a pair of bulges in the tire tread. I decided to risk it and make the ride home anyway. I stayed in the right lane and did 65-70 mph making it back ok. On my inspection of the tire in my driveway after arriving the bulge was gone only laving a small bump for evidence that I wasn't crazy.

I did take a picture of the bulge to send to shinko. Hopefully I hear back from them. Im not sure i want to use them again. they did run good other than a slow leak and some sidewall cracking on the rear tire. I might pay the extra and get the PR3 for my upcoming trip. also been eyeing anew bike. The 98 has been nice but I might need a fresh start....haha

My riding style is moderate. I mostly commute a 10 miles round trip to work and some weekend runs around some good roads. I do get decent lean angles and they tires griped nicely and are super sticky when they warm up.

Seriously, you rode 300 miles on a front tire that had some serious issues? Not smart.

Halfway through the trip it was bubbled at the end it no longer had a bubble. the tire looked like it was wearing normally.

Okay, I was a bit confused in that I thought you left on a 300 mile trip with a bad front tire. Still pretty scary stuff. Flat front tires are no fun. Or so I've been told anyway.

I've had the front valve stem decide to divorce itself from the rim at 140 km/h on a right hand bend... Major pucker moment... Don't know how I saved it cause this is NOT a slow leak.

Nothing to do w Shinko mind you just saying I think the only thing that saved me was quick reflexes and 37 years of riding well over 500,000 km and 99% luck.

Don't risk it w the front tyre. If I'd have seen those bubbles I'd have called for a tow or looked for a very nearby tyre shop.

You were on the Verge alright... of disaster.

Holy cow!

Let's see what Shinko says...

If a bubble developed that would suggest tread separation, no? If it goes away that suggests it got much larger.

No idea, just what I'm thinking...

A shinko rep called me today seems I'll be getting new tires for free. He thinks the belt broke inside the tire. Hopefully they come in before my trip to the dragon next week. I ordered an new set of 009 raven in case they don't arrive in time.