Adventure motorcycling is a thrilling experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right gear.
One of the most important components of any adventure bike is the tires.
They provide the grip and stability needed to traverse a variety of terrains, from smooth highways to rocky trails.
The Shinko 705 and Avon Distanzia are two of the most popular adventure motorcycle tires on the market.
Let’s take a closer look at each tire and see how they stack up against each other.
Overview of Shinko 705 and Avon Distanzia
The Shinko 705 is a dual-sport tire designed for adventure and touring bikes. It features a 50/50 on-road/off-road tread pattern and is suitable for a variety of terrains, from dirt roads to highways. Shinko is a Japanese brand that has been producing motorcycle tires since 1946.
The Avon Distanzia is a high-performance adventure motorcycle tire with a 90/10 on-road/off-road tread pattern. It is designed for larger adventure bikes and provides excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Avon Tyres is a British brand that has been producing motorcycle tires since 1904.
Construction and Design
The Shinko 705 is made with a 4-ply nylon carcass and a rubber compound that is optimized for on and off-road use. It features large blocks in the center of the tire for improved stability and traction on the highway, while the knobs on the shoulders provide grip on loose surfaces.
The Avon Distanzia features a dual-compound tread design that is optimized for both wet and dry conditions. It has a 2-ply nylon carcass and a high silica content for improved wet grip. The tire’s tread pattern is designed to provide stability on the highway while still providing grip on loose surfaces.
Both tires have a tubeless construction and are suitable for use on adventure bikes with spoke wheels.
On-Road Performance
The Shinko 705 performs well on the highway, providing good stability and grip in both dry and wet conditions. It also has a relatively low noise level compared to other adventure motorcycle tires, which can be a plus for long-distance touring. The tire’s 50/50 on-road/off-road tread pattern means it’s not as good as dedicated street tires for cornering or high-speed stability, but it strikes a good balance between on-road performance and off-road capability.
The Avon Distanzia is designed primarily for on-road use, and it excels in this area. The tire provides excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces, with a dual-compound tread that delivers superior traction and stability. It’s also relatively quiet for an adventure motorcycle tire, making it a good choice for long-distance touring.
Off-Road Performance
The Shinko 705 is a capable off-road tire, with good traction on loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and mud. The large blocks in the center of the tire provide stability on uneven terrain, while the shoulder knobs offer grip in soft terrain. However, the 50/50 on-road/off-road tread pattern means it’s not as good as dedicated off-road tires for serious off-roading.
The Avon Distanzia is not designed for serious off-road use, but it can handle light off-roading and gravel roads. The tire’s tread pattern is optimized for on-road performance, but it still provides enough grip on loose surfaces to make it a viable option for adventure riders who spend most of their time on paved roads.
Price
The Shinko 705 is a budget-friendly adventure motorcycle tire, with a price point that’s lower than most other tires in its class. It’s a good choice for riders who want a capable adventure tire without breaking the bank.
The Avon Distanzia is a premium adventure motorcycle tire, with a price point that’s higher than most other tires in its class. It’s a good choice for riders who want the best on-road performance and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Conclusion
The Shinko 705 and Avon Distanzia are both excellent adventure motorcycle tires, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Shinko 705 is a capable on-and-off-road tire that’s budget-friendly and a good choice for riders who want a balance between on-road performance and off-road capability. The Avon Distanzia is a premium on-road tire that provides excellent grip and stability on paved surfaces, but it’s not designed for serious off-road use.
Ultimately, the choice between these two tires depends on your riding style and preferences. If you spend most of your time on paved roads and want the best on-road performance, the Avon Distanzia is the better choice. If you want a tire that’s capable on both paved and unpaved roads and won’t break the bank, the Shinko 705 is the way to go.
FAQs
- What is the difference between adventure and touring motorcycle tires?
Adventure tires are designed to handle a wider range of terrains, from smooth highways to rough dirt roads. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern than touring tires and are designed to provide better grip on loose surfaces. Touring tires, on the other hand, are designed primarily for paved roads and provide good grip and stability at high speeds.
- Can the Shinko 705 and Avon Distanzia be used on different types of bikes?
Both tires are designed for adventure and touring bikes with spoke wheels. However, it’s important to make sure the tire size and load rating are appropriate for your specific bike.
- How often should adventure motorcycle tires be replaced?
It’s recommended to replace adventure motorcycle tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inch.
- Are there any other adventure motorcycle tires you would recommend besides the Shinko 705 and Avon Distanzia?
There are many other adventure motorcycle tires on the market that are worth considering, such as the Michelin Anakee Adventure, Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41, and Continental TKC 70. These tires offer a range of on-road and off-road performance and vary in price and quality.
- How do I know which tire is right for me?
The right tire for you depends on your riding style and preferences. If you spend most of your time on paved roads and want the best on-road performance, a tire like the Avon Distanzia might be the best choice. If you want a tire that can handle a variety of terrains and won’t break the bank, the Shinko 705 is a good option. It’s important to do your research and read reviews to find the tire that best meets your needs.