I run the Shinko MX216 Fatty. Absolutely love it in all conditions. Fast Harescramble in the Midwest as well as hard enduro. Used it at TKO and it absolutely tracked like none other (TKO was easy this year). I don't resonate with the turning comment Jeff made. This thing will grab flat corners and STICK. I run it with a Nitromousse and couldn't be happier with it.
Thanks for the review Jeff. Re the Fatty, I Just started running the Goldentyre up front (2018 KTM 300 XCW). Absolutely love it. Stable on braking, floats over broken, loose rock and easy in sand. Brilliant for hard edged step ups. I didn't find that it negatively affected the steering, In fact it is way better. I'm normally riding very rocky, hard, extreme conditions here in South Africa. My bike feels more poised and the front is not as nervous as it used to be. Bigger circumference helps keep you out the gaps and holes between rocks. The front is definitely more plush even with a brand new mouse ( I'm running a Nitromouse up front). Jeff says that you should fix that issue with suspension work. I agree, but I generally like a stiff front end and run heavier springs to cope with big unexpected hits, drop offs, and steep descents. My suspension is stock save for the heavier springs, but I do like to run the bike 'on the nose" with some fork drop and raised rear. I think this tyre works well with that set up. This means the initial stroke can be a little harsh and tiring with a lower profile front. I find the Fatty just smooths it all out but lets me keep a stiffer front that I trust. Love it so much I've bough a few more to keep in the garage, stock is often not that easy to come by where I live. As for negatives, I do agree that when it decides to let go it does it without warning. The added sidewall grip can pull you into obstacles and climb you out of ruts when you don't intend to. Just takes a little adjustment time on your riding style. Benefits far outweigh the negatives for me.
So I just retired my dunlop mx52 tires and I'm trying the shinko 525 cheater rear, and mx216 fatty up front. Wow... its amazing. We have lots if soft loamy sand and gravel and hard granite Canadian shield rock covered in mushy slimy green moss, roots around here are very slippery, I'm so impressed with these 2 tires , the front is so good and not losing traction when you front wheel dips into a wet clay rut. So if your in the sudbury area these work great.
I've been running the GT 216 AA Fatty front for a few years now on my 13' 350 EXC, very similar setup with the Tubliss system running 10psi usually here in Australia. My take.. I love how you can get the front to climb out of a rut, its a total positive. When the rut gets get proper deep (honestly - 6" deep rut, get your speed right and concentrate on your wheel placement) you can have your front up out of the rut and let the back end dig in and keep driving through. It's saved me so many times!
I've had shinko side knobs tear off prematurely. The golden 216AA is significantly lighter than the shinko and wears much better, (get easily 2x life from goldentyre 216). Conditions are loamy pnw. I will raise the forks up 3 or 4mm in the clamps to accommodate. Overall I like them and seem to get good straight line traction, specifically downhill. Overall I think you save money going with the goldentyre 216AA and get better performance due to it being so much lighter.
Same here. I don't like either but the Shinko 216 lasts 3 rides before the knobs are broken. The GT rounds the knobs but they don't break off. Try the Shinko 546 for a long lasting fatty. It also turns better IMO.
The old generation goldies did break off prematurely as well. But the new goldies don’t. I belive when shinko copied golendtyres mold, was back when they were both in same manufactueer and they used similar rubber compound from the older gen goldentyre. Golden has since gone to newer gens that don’t break off anymore, and definetly are a LOT lighter.
I have been running a goldentyre 216AA fatty front on my 500 and I have had trouble with the front wanting to do exactly what you described. Great info, Thanks!
Ran the 80/100 Shinko 216s on two bikes this summer here in CO. Both are shot. Had less than 400 miles on the one on my TE300. Side knobs began cracking after the first ride. Don't know if that is a difference in the 80/100 vs the 90/100, but the longevity of those tires was not good, in my experience. I ran the Shinko 546 90/100 last year on the same two bikes and they lasted a whole year + and never cracked or lost a side knob. They did wear down, so I replaced them with the 216s. I've gone back to the 546 90/100 on the 2013 KTM 250 XC-W and put a 80/100 Bridgestone X30 on my 2012 Husaberg TE300. That tire already has nearly 300 miles on it (250 from Tennessee in non-rocky terrain) and it looks new. No evidence of side knob cracking. I really appreciate your honesty in the reviews. My tire choices are usually based on price (I'm cheap) and longevity, but I don't mind trying new things either. The X30 runs a bit more than the Shinko 546, but still way less than the Goldentyre and Motoz, if memory serves me. As for handling, yes, the 80/100's do steer better, but I can adapt to the fatty's and if they hold up and last longer, that works for me. They do feel cushier as well. I run 13-14 psi with HD tubes.
216 doesnt last long. the side knobs tear with minimal use (ive only used to 90/100). Ive heard the 546 is much better. I think it has to do with the compound (model) not the size.
In upper Michigan we have the same with the Shinko fatty. Side knobs tear off quickly, I'm back to high dollar goldentyre and I hope they didn't screw anything up moving it to China.
I ran the Shinko Fatty (216) front (based on a couple of friend's early experiences) in many different conditions (soft, rocks, roots, fast, slow, hard pack, ruts). I went down multiple times, which is rare for me - this tire is way too unpredictable. I tried several different pressures (I run tubliss) across 3 to 12lbs. I couldn't trust it anywhere. They seem to wear well, but if you are on the ground who cares. It is no longer on my bike and the fatty experiment is over permanently. Jeff says it is a budget tire, but it cost $105 with tax in Canada. Recommend you avoid.
Accurate and fair analogy Jeff. I personally loved the early iterations of the GT216 on my 2 stroke in the CA and NV desert. Game changer for those conditions. The hype wore off instantly in the mountains, on better dirt. Very condition dependent. The 90/90 GT is a great compromise for all conditions.
All riding is regional, and no tire is good at everything. That said, I find the GT Fatty to be my overwhelming favorite tire, and so do most of my friends in Western Washington State. I had heard amazing things about GT Fatty as far back as 4-5 years ago. I immediately fell in love with tire, and as Slaven's says, it's a killer tire for sand due to the wideness keeping it up and out of the sand and sparing you of the knifing and shoulder injuries I have from sand wrecks. Yes, the tire likes to wander in rutted trails, a pita in a place like Gifford Pinchot. But, in an alpine setting and being over 200 lbs, a sharp downhill turn the Fatty tire will not wash out. I have not tried the Shinko, and that is because every tire by them is toast after just 200-500 miles, while I can get an astounding 2-3k miles from the Goldentyre! Pertaining to the lack of quickness of these tires, good point, and have started using the wide but less tall Chubby by GT and LOVE it. If you are racing, and can afford to replace tires very often, the inferior but softer compound of the Shinko might serve you better. GT and Shinko share the same mold due to GT's failure to stop Shinko from using it, but Shinko doesn't have access to the upgraded and protected secret of their rubber compounds. In tires, you get what you pay for, and changing LESS often for me is a good thing, as tire swapping costs me time and money. Thanks Jeff for this informative video! FYI, I have had 7 bikes in 6 years and ride 120 days per year and ride with many pro level riders down to intermediates.
They suit the Mallee bush here in South Australia well I personally run on front my bikes 950 Super Enduro , 1290 super enduro custom & 690 rally what i have left in personal stock the Cheng chin C755HT 3.25/3.50 x 21 later will try the Mitas XT644 Army Special 3.50-21 Front
I wanted to visit this again. We had recent rain and i rode the bike in the wet, rooted rocky forest of East TN. At slower single track speeds in the wet forest this tire did very good, honestly it did better wet than dry. I know that sounds silly but, that was my experience this weekend. It never offered to slip, quite opposite of when i rode it in the dry. I know it washed out a lot in the dry, maybe i was going faster when the trails were dry than in the muddy conditions.
Was watching your video on fatty front tire and the under stear. The bigger tire changes the geometry of the bike. If you install a fatty you'll need to raise the suspension tubes up about a 1/4 inch to re gain your steering. Putting your bike back in balance
Hello Carl: I'm familiar with chassis balance and how it effects steering. I have two videos on suspension balance that you might wish to review. Even with the bike in perfect balance, the Fatty does not steer as well (in most conditions) as the narrower 80/100 or 90/90. It's simple physics, the wider profile does not have as much grip because it floats on top the dirt rather than carving like a more narrow profile.
I agree with Slavens. I finally tried a shinko fatty to see what the hype is about. My 250xc now turns like a butcher knife instead of a precision knife. However it is a very sticky tire for climbs and such. In tight single track it tends to climb out of the track. Also on hard hits I dont feel it on my rim as much. I also had it on my 690 for 200 miles. I hated it. It tracks road groves and feels like it will wash out. I cant wait till it wears out.
Your review scares me lol. I'm used to pirelli mx32 razor sharp handling and want something for rocks. The mx33 dunlop has been really good here for cushioning but i'm not liking the vague feeling/hand pump and thought a "chubby" might be the answer.
Thank you Jeff, I just purchased my first dual sport 2008 cfr 230 and you are a very good source for info,I will start my riding adventures next year hear in Southern Cali mostly desert and mountain for now
I've had bad results with the Goldentyre 216. I've had 2 of them on 2 different bikes, both in 90/90. When you get it at first, it's very nice and I had no complaints. However, after getting a flat, things got weird real quick. After getting home and putting in a new tube, both GTs never handled well ever again. It was like they got a taste of being flat and wanted to stay flat forever. Total vague twisty marshmallows even at 16+ psi. First time it happened I thought something was wrong with my forks causing the twist, which is possible on vintage bikes. But then when it happened again to another bike, I knew it was the tire. I think the soft carcass just gets completely worn out from being flat, even if all you do with it is wheel the bike into and out of the truck and into the garage as was the case on my 2nd one. God help you if you were actually moving when it happened like my 1st one. When my first bike got its flat, the tire was so soft and terrible I was barely able to stop without dying, and that was from 1st-gear speeds. Turn the bars wherever you want, it's gonna just plow dead straight, like a flat street tire. I think if the GT goes flat and you're doing like 45mph (and not running Tubliss) you're probably going to the hospital. With Tubliss or a mousse to keep it from going full pancake, this all is probably not so bad. I'd consider them mandatory on a Goldentyre.
But what I don't understand is if the Shinko and Goldentyre are basically the same tread pattern...and the Shinko is just a slightly softer rubber, what makes the Shinko a "budget" tire?
I really like the goldentyre 216aa fatty. My 2 favorite front tires are the goldentyre 216aa in 90/100 and the michelin starcross 5 soft in 90/100 I never really hear of anyone else running the starcross 5 but I really like it. Its hard for me to choose which is my favorite between the 2 I really like them both it kinda depends on the weather. I think michelins run a bit small so the 90/100 is a good size for the starcross 5 tire, and I really like running a fatty tire but i can understand why some people don't like them I have definitely noticed turning is affected when im riding on gravel/dirt roads connecting trails or whatever im doing at higher speed thats my only complaint with the fatty otherwise it suits my riding style well. I live in Washington 60 miles north of seattle and I feel its a good tire for my area I ride once a week no matter what the weather is so i ride lots of wet sloppy single track and I've been surprised at how well the goldentyre does on wet muddy off camber stuff there is a certain trail that has a steep smooth slippery muddy part that you have to ride sideways and the goldentyre is the only tire I've tried that doesn't slip at all and I have gained a lot of confidence with that tire.
I agree. I ran the Starcross 5 medium this season and it's a great front tire. I do like the 216 for the rocks and roots of the NW. Not much hardpack here.
Great review! Seems there are a lot online - hard to discern between the marketing gimmicks and genuine /experience. Just ordered two of your recommendations from your site online!
I've probably had about 4 Shinko 216 90/90s now over several years and all of them have started chipping off the side knobs earlier than most tires. The most I get before I start losing them is around 25 hours.
@@colee7005 25 hours is about right for me in the rocks and roots. I have that on my AT81F, about a quarter of the knobs are starting to split. 10 more hours, and it will probably be done. I am trying an M59 next, buddy is trying the x30.
@@slaverace1 Seems quite a few Shinko users are reporting that the side knobs are coming off. Do you believe they are all from a bad batch....or is the Shinko just prone to this problem? BTW. I like your reviews!
Glad you mentioned pea gravel and sand. The area I live is a mixture of sand, pea gravel , loon shit loamy mud sand soft crap, and granite Canadian shield rock. I think I'm going to try the 216. Any suggestions for a great rear tire that comes In a 19 inch for this mix of terrian
I recently bought a few Goldentyre 216’s to try on my TE250i and the Beta 4-stroke. In medium density rocks n roots for tight deep enduro trails seems good on the west coast. BUT they do climb up the sides of trails and has put me on my ass a few times. I’ll have to try the MotoZ ST next. I run the. Goldentyre with Tubliss only and maybe I need to raise my pressures? I’ve tried 4, 6, 6.5, 7 lbs, liking 7psi the in the same traction conditions on the 250i. Maybe I need to bump it up a bit?
I do a healthy mix of super sandy track to hard pack clay that's rutted to hell. Haven't tried a fatty yet but going to give er a go next tire change. Are these easier to mount or more difficult when compared to a standard size front?
Jeff the motoz tractionator enduro that I have seen has a different tread pattern to the one in your video, is this pattern new? I run the arena hybrid rear and love it so keen to run this front but every picture I’ve seen of the tyre doesn’t look like the one in your video.
I don't see a difference in between the shinko and the golden except in my wallet. I do like the way they soak up some of the bumps. Yes I've had my suspension done but the more the tire soaks up the less makes it to me. They can pack with mud easier than a narrow tire.I do agree turns different but think it is a matter of getting use to.
Shinko made the original fatty for Goldentyre, that's what the first generation of the GT was identical to the Shinko. When GT moved to China ( screw that) is when they went to the harder compound. If you want the original gummy fatty that made them popular to begin with, go with the Shinko.
When you click on the link posted by Jeff the Motoz looks like a different pattern to the one shown in the video , is this tyre in the video a new model from Motoz ?
@@enduro-parts-aus I run that tyre on my Husqvarna TE 250i... According to the markings on the sidewall, it looks like Jeff had mounted the tyre incorrectly...
I bought a Shinko Fatty tire, went on one ride and i don't like it. Turning is terrible. Single track in Kentucky is not the place for it. Might be better elsewhere in the U.S.
The Shinko 216 is DOT rated as well. It's pretty much the same tread pattern and compound as the Goldentyre, performance should be very similar. We will find out this weekend!
Not the best review I have seen. The reviewer keeps making it about him. We get it, you don't like it. That's ok, but you keep coming back to you. Be objective, not biased.
Dave Kramer I think he was very fair, objective and unbiased. The whole point of someone’s review is sharing their experience. Other wise it’s not an honest/very helpful review. He offered the pros/benefits of it and shared his experience/opinion based on pros/cons which is what people need for guidance on a product they aren’t familiar with. Good job Jeff.
@@pandasman8657 , :36 seconds into the video he lets us know he doesn't like fatty's. He repeats that sentiment several times. Yes, he told us why he doesn't like them. Good for him!
Jeff Well done. Dave, He is talking about his experience and why he don't like fatty's but he does say if you live somewhere else that they work well. You sound like you are a Jerk and just want to complain. If you like them run them and stop Bitching.
I run the Shinko MX216 Fatty. Absolutely love it in all conditions. Fast Harescramble in the Midwest as well as hard enduro. Used it at TKO and it absolutely tracked like none other (TKO was easy this year). I don't resonate with the turning comment Jeff made. This thing will grab flat corners and STICK. I run it with a Nitromousse and couldn't be happier with it.
Thanks for the review Jeff.
Re the Fatty, I Just started running the Goldentyre up front (2018 KTM 300 XCW). Absolutely love it. Stable on braking, floats over broken, loose rock and easy in sand. Brilliant for hard edged step ups. I didn't find that it negatively affected the steering, In fact it is way better. I'm normally riding very rocky, hard, extreme conditions here in South Africa. My bike feels more poised and the front is not as nervous as it used to be. Bigger circumference helps keep you out the gaps and holes between rocks. The front is definitely more plush even with a brand new mouse ( I'm running a Nitromouse up front). Jeff says that you should fix that issue with suspension work. I agree, but I generally like a stiff front end and run heavier springs to cope with big unexpected hits, drop offs, and steep descents. My suspension is stock save for the heavier springs, but I do like to run the bike 'on the nose" with some fork drop and raised rear. I think this tyre works well with that set up. This means the initial stroke can be a little harsh and tiring with a lower profile front. I find the Fatty just smooths it all out but lets me keep a stiffer front that I trust. Love it so much I've bough a few more to keep in the garage, stock is often not that easy to come by where I live. As for negatives, I do agree that when it decides to let go it does it without warning. The added sidewall grip can pull you into obstacles and climb you out of ruts when you don't intend to. Just takes a little adjustment time on your riding style. Benefits far outweigh the negatives for me.
Thanks for Sharing...Best wishes to our South African Bro...
So I just retired my dunlop mx52 tires and I'm trying the shinko 525 cheater rear, and mx216 fatty up front. Wow... its amazing. We have lots if soft loamy sand and gravel and hard granite Canadian shield rock covered in mushy slimy green moss, roots around here are very slippery, I'm so impressed with these 2 tires , the front is so good and not losing traction when you front wheel dips into a wet clay rut.
So if your in the sudbury area these work great.
I've been running the GT 216 AA Fatty front for a few years now on my 13' 350 EXC, very similar setup with the Tubliss system running 10psi usually here in Australia. My take.. I love how you can get the front to climb out of a rut, its a total positive. When the rut gets get proper deep (honestly - 6" deep rut, get your speed right and concentrate on your wheel placement) you can have your front up out of the rut and let the back end dig in and keep driving through. It's saved me so many times!
I've had shinko side knobs tear off prematurely. The golden 216AA is significantly lighter than the shinko and wears much better, (get easily 2x life from goldentyre 216). Conditions are loamy pnw. I will raise the forks up 3 or 4mm in the clamps to accommodate. Overall I like them and seem to get good straight line traction, specifically downhill. Overall I think you save money going with the goldentyre 216AA and get better performance due to it being so much lighter.
Same here. I don't like either but the Shinko 216 lasts 3 rides before the knobs are broken. The GT rounds the knobs but they don't break off. Try the Shinko 546 for a long lasting fatty. It also turns better IMO.
The old generation goldies did break off prematurely as well. But the new goldies don’t. I belive when shinko copied golendtyres mold, was back when they were both in same manufactueer and they used similar rubber compound from the older gen goldentyre. Golden has since gone to newer gens that don’t break off anymore, and definetly are a LOT lighter.
I have been running a goldentyre 216AA fatty front on my 500 and I have had trouble with the front wanting to do exactly what you described. Great info, Thanks!
Ran the 80/100 Shinko 216s on two bikes this summer here in CO. Both are shot. Had less than 400 miles on the one on my TE300. Side knobs began cracking after the first ride. Don't know if that is a difference in the 80/100 vs the 90/100, but the longevity of those tires was not good, in my experience. I ran the Shinko 546 90/100 last year on the same two bikes and they lasted a whole year + and never cracked or lost a side knob. They did wear down, so I replaced them with the 216s. I've gone back to the 546 90/100 on the 2013 KTM 250 XC-W and put a 80/100 Bridgestone X30 on my 2012 Husaberg TE300. That tire already has nearly 300 miles on it (250 from Tennessee in non-rocky terrain) and it looks new. No evidence of side knob cracking. I really appreciate your honesty in the reviews. My tire choices are usually based on price (I'm cheap) and longevity, but I don't mind trying new things either. The X30 runs a bit more than the Shinko 546, but still way less than the Goldentyre and Motoz, if memory serves me. As for handling, yes, the 80/100's do steer better, but I can adapt to the fatty's and if they hold up and last longer, that works for me. They do feel cushier as well. I run 13-14 psi with HD tubes.
216 doesnt last long. the side knobs tear with minimal use (ive only used to 90/100). Ive heard the 546 is much better. I think it has to do with the compound (model) not the size.
In upper Michigan we have the same with the Shinko fatty. Side knobs tear off quickly, I'm back to high dollar goldentyre and I hope they didn't screw anything up moving it to China.
Same problem with the side knobs breaking here. I suspect the compound if the issue
I like the Fatty Golden on my 250 XC. West Tennessee sand, mud, roots, leaves...works great IMO
I like the Shinko front Fatty. The bump absorbing qualities and braking grip on sketchy mountain downhills are a good trade off for me.
Jeff another informative video, thank you for an honest and to the point overview! I got sand in SoCal so these are for me!
I ran the Shinko Fatty (216) front (based on a couple of friend's early experiences) in many different conditions (soft, rocks, roots, fast, slow, hard pack, ruts). I went down multiple times, which is rare for me - this tire is way too unpredictable. I tried several different pressures (I run tubliss) across 3 to 12lbs. I couldn't trust it anywhere. They seem to wear well, but if you are on the ground who cares. It is no longer on my bike and the fatty experiment is over permanently. Jeff says it is a budget tire, but it cost $105 with tax in Canada. Recommend you avoid.
Very good thorough review. Fair, honest, unbiased and informative. Thanks Jeff!
You bet
Accurate and fair analogy Jeff. I personally loved the early iterations of the GT216 on my 2 stroke in the CA and NV desert. Game changer for those conditions. The hype wore off instantly in the mountains, on better dirt. Very condition dependent. The 90/90 GT is a great compromise for all conditions.
How much plushess do you lose on rocks with the 90/90 ? I'm trying to setup a wheelset purely for rocks.
All riding is regional, and no tire is good at everything. That said, I find the GT Fatty to be my overwhelming favorite tire, and so do most of my friends in Western Washington State. I had heard amazing things about GT Fatty as far back as 4-5 years ago. I immediately fell in love with tire, and as Slaven's says, it's a killer tire for sand due to the wideness keeping it up and out of the sand and sparing you of the knifing and shoulder injuries I have from sand wrecks. Yes, the tire likes to wander in rutted trails, a pita in a place like Gifford Pinchot. But, in an alpine setting and being over 200 lbs, a sharp downhill turn the Fatty tire will not wash out. I have not tried the Shinko, and that is because every tire by them is toast after just 200-500 miles, while I can get an astounding 2-3k miles from the Goldentyre! Pertaining to the lack of quickness of these tires, good point, and have started using the wide but less tall Chubby by GT and LOVE it. If you are racing, and can afford to replace tires very often, the inferior but softer compound of the Shinko might serve you better. GT and Shinko share the same mold due to GT's failure to stop Shinko from using it, but Shinko doesn't have access to the upgraded and protected secret of their rubber compounds. In tires, you get what you pay for, and changing LESS often for me is a good thing, as tire swapping costs me time and money. Thanks Jeff for this informative video! FYI, I have had 7 bikes in 6 years and ride 120 days per year and ride with many pro level riders down to intermediates.
How much plushess do you lose on rocks with the 90/90 ? I'm trying to setup a wheelset purely for rocks.
They suit the Mallee bush here in South Australia well
I personally run on front my bikes 950 Super Enduro , 1290 super enduro custom & 690 rally what i have left in personal stock the Cheng chin C755HT 3.25/3.50 x 21
later will try the Mitas XT644 Army Special 3.50-21 Front
I wanted to visit this again. We had recent rain and i rode the bike in the wet, rooted rocky forest of East TN. At slower single track speeds in the wet forest this tire did very good, honestly it did better wet than dry. I know that sounds silly but, that was my experience this weekend. It never offered to slip, quite opposite of when i rode it in the dry. I know it washed out a lot in the dry, maybe i was going faster when the trails were dry than in the muddy conditions.
Was watching your video on fatty front tire and the under stear. The bigger tire changes the geometry of the bike. If you install a fatty you'll need to raise the suspension tubes up about a 1/4 inch to re gain your steering. Putting your bike back in balance
Hello Carl:
I'm familiar with chassis balance and how it effects steering. I have two videos on suspension balance that you might wish to review. Even with the bike in perfect balance, the Fatty does not steer as well (in most conditions) as the narrower 80/100 or 90/90. It's simple physics, the wider profile does not have as much grip because it floats on top the dirt rather than carving like a more narrow profile.
I agree with Slavens. I finally tried a shinko fatty to see what the hype is about. My 250xc now turns like a butcher knife instead of a precision knife. However it is a very sticky tire for climbs and such. In tight single track it tends to climb out of the track. Also on hard hits I dont feel it on my rim as much. I also had it on my 690 for 200 miles. I hated it. It tracks road groves and feels like it will wash out. I cant wait till it wears out.
🤣🤣🤣🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
Your review scares me lol. I'm used to pirelli mx32 razor sharp handling and want something for rocks. The mx33 dunlop has been really good here for cushioning but i'm not liking the vague feeling/hand pump and thought a "chubby" might be the answer.
Thank you Jeff, I just purchased my first dual sport 2008 cfr 230 and you are a very good source for info,I will start my riding adventures next year hear in Southern Cali mostly desert and mountain for now
I've had bad results with the Goldentyre 216. I've had 2 of them on 2 different bikes, both in 90/90. When you get it at first, it's very nice and I had no complaints. However, after getting a flat, things got weird real quick. After getting home and putting in a new tube, both GTs never handled well ever again. It was like they got a taste of being flat and wanted to stay flat forever. Total vague twisty marshmallows even at 16+ psi. First time it happened I thought something was wrong with my forks causing the twist, which is possible on vintage bikes. But then when it happened again to another bike, I knew it was the tire. I think the soft carcass just gets completely worn out from being flat, even if all you do with it is wheel the bike into and out of the truck and into the garage as was the case on my 2nd one. God help you if you were actually moving when it happened like my 1st one. When my first bike got its flat, the tire was so soft and terrible I was barely able to stop without dying, and that was from 1st-gear speeds. Turn the bars wherever you want, it's gonna just plow dead straight, like a flat street tire. I think if the GT goes flat and you're doing like 45mph (and not running Tubliss) you're probably going to the hospital. With Tubliss or a mousse to keep it from going full pancake, this all is probably not so bad. I'd consider them mandatory on a Goldentyre.
Just do the experiment! We all like what we like. The better the rider... the pickier we tend to be. Poor riders won't know the difference.
But what I don't understand is if the Shinko and Goldentyre are basically the same tread pattern...and the Shinko is just a slightly softer rubber, what makes the Shinko a "budget" tire?
The Shinko is $30 less.
@@slaverace1 right, but I mean as far as how does it lack in performance?
90/90 is the best i have used , good all round size
I really like the goldentyre 216aa fatty. My 2 favorite front tires are the goldentyre 216aa in 90/100 and the michelin starcross 5 soft in 90/100 I never really hear of anyone else running the starcross 5 but I really like it. Its hard for me to choose which is my favorite between the 2 I really like them both it kinda depends on the weather. I think michelins run a bit small so the 90/100 is a good size for the starcross 5 tire, and I really like running a fatty tire but i can understand why some people don't like them I have definitely noticed turning is affected when im riding on gravel/dirt roads connecting trails or whatever im doing at higher speed thats my only complaint with the fatty otherwise it suits my riding style well. I live in Washington 60 miles north of seattle and I feel its a good tire for my area I ride once a week no matter what the weather is so i ride lots of wet sloppy single track and I've been surprised at how well the goldentyre does on wet muddy off camber stuff there is a certain trail that has a steep smooth slippery muddy part that you have to ride sideways and the goldentyre is the only tire I've tried that doesn't slip at all and I have gained a lot of confidence with that tire.
I agree. I ran the Starcross 5 medium this season and it's a great front tire. I do like the 216 for the rocks and roots of the NW. Not much hardpack here.
What if you adjust the geometry by changing the fork height to get a better turn-in with the fatty?
Shinko 216 fatty 90/100-21 are an excellent enduro tire on East coast.
Great review! Seems there are a lot online - hard to discern between the marketing gimmicks and genuine /experience. Just ordered two of your recommendations from your site online!
i have a GT gt216, agree not a standout for performance, bit overhyped but soak up the bumps better than a 80/100
I have the Shinko 216 on my 02 CR250 & its great on the east coast.
Avoid the Shinko 216 90/100 for rocky/rooty woods riding. 5 hours and the side knobs are completely wasted, even with 12 psi.
Contact your vendor for a replacement. There was a known bad batch and Shinko will replace it.
@@slaverace1 thanks Jeff, will do.
I've probably had about 4 Shinko 216 90/90s now over several years and all of them have started chipping off the side knobs earlier than most tires. The most I get before I start losing them is around 25 hours.
@@colee7005 25 hours is about right for me in the rocks and roots. I have that on my AT81F, about a quarter of the knobs are starting to split. 10 more hours, and it will probably be done. I am trying an M59 next, buddy is trying the x30.
@@slaverace1 Seems quite a few Shinko users are reporting that the side knobs are coming off. Do you believe they are all from a bad batch....or is the Shinko just prone to this problem? BTW. I like your reviews!
I hade a 20" front rim and tire on my 2001 kx250 back in the day so I may have hade the first fatty. I remember it being soft over the rocks.
Can you list the weight for all three?
Glad you mentioned pea gravel and sand. The area I live is a mixture of sand, pea gravel , loon shit loamy mud sand soft crap, and granite Canadian shield rock.
I think I'm going to try the 216.
Any suggestions for a great rear tire that comes In a 19 inch for this mix of terrian
Kenda equilibrium is the best I've ever had
Thanks, that was some helpful insight
You're welcome.
Looking forward to the GT216 and GT333 for loamy deep dirt and gravel!
I recently bought a few Goldentyre 216’s to try on my TE250i and the Beta 4-stroke. In medium density rocks n roots for tight deep enduro trails seems good on the west coast. BUT they do climb up the sides of trails and has put me on my ass a few times. I’ll have to try the MotoZ ST next.
I run the. Goldentyre with Tubliss only and maybe I need to raise my pressures? I’ve tried 4, 6, 6.5, 7 lbs, liking 7psi the in the same traction conditions on the 250i. Maybe I need to bump it up a bit?
Mark Bevans I like 8.5 on my front. Less and it bottoms out
We usually run 10-11 PSI in the front with Tubliss, much lower in the rear.
Does a 90/100 fatty work better in sand than the soft specific tires from Dunlop and Kenda? The mx33 and Southwick are smaller sizes tires at 80/100.
being spec'd at 90/100, fatty tires shouldn't be wider than 90/90s, just taller. why is this not the case? what am I missing?
What you're missing is the numbers are some irrelevant. They are a joke and not the funny haha kind.
I do a healthy mix of super sandy track to hard pack clay that's rutted to hell. Haven't tried a fatty yet but going to give er a go next tire change. Are these easier to mount or more difficult when compared to a standard size front?
Easier.
Jeff the motoz tractionator enduro that I have seen has a different tread pattern to the one in your video, is this pattern new? I run the arena hybrid rear and love it so keen to run this front but every picture I’ve seen of the tyre doesn’t look like the one in your video.
Yes, we will get the picture on the website updated.
I don't see a difference in between the shinko and the golden except in my wallet. I do like the way they soak up some of the bumps. Yes I've had my suspension done but the more the tire soaks up the less makes it to me. They can pack with mud easier than a narrow tire.I do agree turns different but think it is a matter of getting use to.
Shinko fatty is 4 ply and the GT is 2 ply. GT used to make a 4 ply version they called the desert race edition. The Shinko is pretty stiff.
Iv got to get that golden fatty, the sugar sand here in sw florida is trying to kill me.
Shinko made the original fatty for Goldentyre, that's what the first generation of the GT was identical to the Shinko. When GT moved to China ( screw that) is when they went to the harder compound. If you want the original gummy fatty that made them popular to begin with, go with the Shinko.
When you click on the link posted by Jeff the Motoz looks like a different pattern to the one shown in the video , is this tyre in the video a new model from Motoz ?
It looks like they slightly changed the knob shape on the latest run. Thanks for the heads up, I am updating the photo on the site.
"no fatties are my favorite," LOL. Personally, I agree that fatties turn like garbage - specifically that Golden Tyre.
Jeff, are you sure that you've mounted that tyre the right way round on that 500?
it looks like a non directional , tread pattern
@@enduro-parts-aus I run that tyre on my Husqvarna TE 250i... According to the markings on the sidewall, it looks like Jeff had mounted the tyre incorrectly...
Got the same goldentyre fatty, on my fe501
How is the Mitas fatty compared to these?
Mitas C-19 90/100-21 is Fatty done right.
We just got these in stock, we will be testing... but snow is a flying in Colorado!
why is that ? (just out of interest)
I bought a Shinko Fatty tire, went on one ride and i don't like it. Turning is terrible. Single track in Kentucky is not the place for it. Might be better elsewhere in the U.S.
Golden tyre is DOT as well.
The Shinko 216 is DOT rated as well. It's pretty much the same tread pattern and compound as the Goldentyre, performance should be very similar. We will find out this weekend!
So is the Motoz
You can tell the Shinto is an exact copy of the Goldentire
Play with your inflation.
Joe is already doing that.
Not the best review I have seen. The reviewer keeps making it about him. We get it, you don't like it. That's ok, but you keep coming back to you. Be objective, not biased.
Dave Kramer I think he was very fair, objective and unbiased. The whole point of someone’s review is sharing their experience. Other wise it’s not an honest/very helpful review. He offered the pros/benefits of it and shared his experience/opinion based on pros/cons which is what people need for guidance on a product they aren’t familiar with. Good job Jeff.
Dave, how else can he describe it? This was perfect DA!
@@pandasman8657 , :36 seconds into the video he lets us know he doesn't like fatty's. He repeats that sentiment several times. Yes, he told us why he doesn't like them. Good for him!
Jeff Well done. Dave, He is talking about his experience and why he don't like fatty's but he does say if you live somewhere else that they work well. You sound like you are a Jerk and just want to complain. If you like them run them and stop Bitching.