Amidst the gravel roads, unpredictable weather, and remote landscapes, the choice of tires emerges as a crucial determinant of success. Enter the Shinko E805 tires which are 40/60 on/off-road, and the Shinko 705 which are 80/20 on/off-road setup. I would argue it’s one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, for a 2003 Suzuki Bandit sport touring bike, as not many adventure tires can fit the wheel size, 17′. Rob and Damian both had KLR 650’s and didn’t have an issue finding their tire size. However, as an odd duckling out with a sport bike, I needed a bit more research for my tire set and am quite pleased with my outcome of the selection.
Embarking on a journey along the Dempster Highway is an expedition that demands the utmost from both rider and machine. This legendary route, spanning over 900 kilometers (560 miles), one way, through the rugged Canadian wilderness, presents a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned adventurers. In this review, we uncover the unparalleled performance of these tires and their role in conquering one of the world’s most iconic highways on a 2003 Suzuki Band sport touring bike.
Can you ride a sport touring motorcycle on the Dempster Highway? – Yes.
Bottom Line Up Front
This is specifically for this tire set up of Shinko E805 at the rear and 705’s at the front, arguably the being the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway on a sports touring bike, and in consideration of pricing and wheel size. With the right tire setup, riders can maximize the effectiveness of traction control systems, allowing for safer and more controlled riding on the Dempster Highway.
Pros:
- Traction Control Compatibility: The aggressive tread pattern of the Shinko E805 rear tire provides superior traction on gravel roads, while the Shinko 705 front tire offers stability and control on a variety of surfaces. With this tire setup, riders can maximize the effectiveness of traction control systems, allowing for safer and more controlled riding on the Dempster Highway.
- Improved Handling: By pairing a specialized rear tire with a versatile front tire, riders can enjoy enhanced handling and manoeuvrability, especially when navigating challenging terrain.
- Durability: Both Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires are known for their durability, offering long-lasting performance even in the most demanding conditions, and boy did it deliver!
- Cost-Effective Solution: Opting for a combination of Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires provides riders with a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance.
- Limited Size Options: When it comes to adventure tire bikes on sport bikes, it’s a hard fit. Due to market limitations, riders may encounter difficulty finding the perfect tire size for their specific motorcycle model. However, by choosing a combination of Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires, riders can overcome this challenge and enjoy optimal performance on the Dempster Highway.
Cons:
- Road Noise: While designed for off-road performance, Shinko E805 tires may produce slightly more road noise on paved surfaces compared to traditional street tires.
- A little slick: The Shinko E805 on the rear, having such huge knobbies also does not push incredibly well in bitumen covered roads, more specific once you get into Tuktoyaktuk after the Dempster Highway, but that’s hardly a Con. On asphalt it still handles very well, all things considered.
- Shinko 705 is similar as a rear tire to be slick on wet asphalt. But only mildly.
The Dempster Highway: Understanding the Challenge
Understanding the Dempster Highway will provide ammo for selecting the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, your purposes, and your bike. Specifically, we’re looking at sport touring bikes where the wheel sets are typically around 17′ diameter with not a lot of adventure/dual sport tire that could fit this. Most adventure bikes have a 19′ wheel at the front to roll over terrain better. Thus presents a fitting issue when looking for an adventure tire for a sport touring bike, and making it difficult to choose the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.
The Highway itself, while it will be one of the best places you ride with breath taking scenery, do not take the road to be an easy road. The Dempster Highway is a test of endurance and equipment, where every mile presents a new challenge. From navigating gravel roads and encountering sudden weather changes to enduring isolation in remote locations, riders must equip themselves with gear that can withstand the rigors of the journey. Among the essential equipment, the choice of tires holds significant importance, as they are the only point of contact between the motorcycle and the terrain.
On good days, the Dempster Highway can offer motorcyclists a picturesque journey through vast expanses of pristine wilderness. The Highway can very quickly transform into a formidable obstacle course for motorcyclists. The road conditions deteriorate significantly, with loose gravel, mud, and potholes posing serious challenges to navigation and control. Heavy rain or snow can turn sections of the highway into slippery quagmires, testing the skills and endurance of even the most experienced riders. Moreover, the remoteness of the route adds an additional layer of complexity, as assistance are scarce in case of emergencies. For motorcyclists, the key to tackling the Dempster Highway on bad days lies in thorough preparation, including equipping the bike with suitable tires and gear, monitoring weather forecasts closely, and exercising caution and patience while navigating this type of terrain. This means also choosing the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.
For riders venturing onto the Dempster Highway, the Shinko E805 and 705 tires stand out as the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, for sport touring bikes venturing into this adventure, offering unmatched durability, traction, and reliability.
Mounting different tire setups
When it comes to selecting tires for your sport touring bike, size limitations in the market and wheel size compatibility play a crucial role. Owning a 2003 Suzuki Bandit, I was limited with the sizes of tires for selection. In many cases, finding the same tire size from a particular brand and model for a typical adventure tire both the front and rear wheels can be challenging on a sports touring bike.
Strategically researching the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, I wanted a tire at the front that could track and a tire at the rear that could push. This wheel combination proved to be a real phenomenal set up.
Shinko Dual Sport 705 Radial Tires Front Tire: 120/70R17
Rode this tire for the whole trip; crossing Canada and into the Arctic and back!
Shinko Dual Sport 705 Radial Tires Rear Tire: 170/60R17
Rode this tire for the majority of crossing Canada until Whitehorse.
Shinko E805 Rear Tire 170/60R17 TL:
Rode this specifically for the Dempster Highway.
How the Shinko 705 Tracks Well in Gravel and Sand:
Tracking refers to a tire’s ability to maintain a stable and predictable path over uneven or loose surfaces, such as gravel and sand. In these conditions, tires can easily lose traction and slip, making it challenging for riders to maintain control of their motorcycles. The key to effective tracking lies in the tire’s tread pattern, construction, and compound, all of which contribute to its performance on diverse terrains. With every twist and turn, these tires inspire confidence and exploration, turning obstacles into opportunities for excitement and discovery.
- Aggressive Tread Design: The Shinko 705 features deep grooves and large tread blocks, which dig into loose surfaces like gravel and sand, providing superior traction and preventing slippage.
- Wide Contact Patch: The tire’s wide contact patch distributes weight evenly, improving stability and reducing the risk of sinking into soft terrain. At the same time, it travels very well on the asphalt, with minimal noise and vibration.
- Self-Cleaning Design: The spaced-out tread blocks of the Shinko 705 allow debris to be easily expelled from the tire, preventing buildup and maintaining traction in challenging conditions.
- Flexible Sidewalls: The tire’s flexible sidewalls conform to the contours of the terrain, providing better surface contact and enhancing grip on uneven surfaces like gravel and sand.
Why the Shinko 705 Excels on the Dempster Highway:
Arguably one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway mounted on the front wheel of a sport touring bike, even as an 80/20 tire (on/off road).
- Adaptability: The Dempster Highway presents a diverse range of surfaces, from gravel to sand, requiring tires that can adapt to changing conditions. The Shinko 705’s versatile design allows it to perform consistently well across these varied terrains.
- Stability: The Shinko 705 tire features a versatile tread pattern with large, staggered tread blocks and deep grooves that are engineered to bite into loose surfaces like sand and gravel. The staggered blocks create multiple biting edges that improve traction and stability, while the deep grooves facilitate efficient debris evacuation, preventing buildup and maintaining a clean contact surface. Additionally, the tire’s reinforced carcass and dual-sport compound offer a balance between flexibility and rigidity, ensuring that the tire conforms to uneven terrain while providing the necessary durability for off-road conditions.
- Durability: Constructed with robust materials and engineered for long-lasting performance, the Shinko 705 is built to withstand the rigors of adventure riding, making it the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.
How the Shinko E805 Pushes Well in Gravel and Sand:
The Shinko E805: Engineered for Power and Performance Crafted with the demands of adventure riding in mind, the Shinko E805 is designed to excel in challenging off-road conditions, including gravel and sand. Its aggressive tread pattern and robust construction provide the necessary traction and durability to tackle even the most demanding terrain. Additionally, the tire’s bias-ply construction and specially formulated compound ensure reliability and control, allowing riders to push through gravel and sand with confidence. Designed to withstand the challenges of off-road exploration, the Shinko E805 tires have earned a reputation as the go-to choice for riders tackling tough off-road terrain. Their ability to offer maximum grip and durability in the face of adversity makes them the undisputed best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, on a sport touring bike.
- Aggressive Tread Design: The Shinko E805 features deep, angled tread blocks that bite into loose surfaces like gravel and sand, providing enhanced traction and preventing slippage.
- Wide Contact Patch: The tire’s wide contact patch distributes weight evenly, allowing for better surface contact and improved stability on uneven terrain.
- Reinforced Sidewalls: The Shinko E805’s reinforced sidewalls provide added strength and resistance to punctures, ensuring durability and reliability in rugged conditions.
- Self-Cleaning Design: The spaced-out tread blocks of the Shinko E805 allow debris to be easily expelled from the tire, preventing buildup and maintaining traction in challenging terrain.
Why the Shinko E805 Excels on the Dempster Highway:
Arguably one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway mounted on the rear of a sport touring bike, as a 40/60 tire (on/off road).
- Power and Control: With its aggressive tread design and robust construction, the Shinko E805 provides riders with the power and control needed to push through gravel and sand with confidence.
- Stability: The tire’s wide contact patch and reinforced sidewalls offer stability and resistance to sidewall flex, allowing for precise handling and control on loose surfaces.
- Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, the Shinko E805 is engineered for long-lasting performance, making it the ideal choice for extended journeys through gravel and sand.
More gear recommendations
For other motorcycle gear recommendations, check out our bespoke outdoor gear shop! There’s more stuff here than the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway!
Final Thoughts on the Best Motorcycle Tires for the Dempster Highway:
My thoughts on the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway is a combination set up of the E805 and 705’s tires mounted on a 2003 Suzuki Bandit. This tire set up proved their mettle on the demanding terrain of the Dempster Highway, making them arguably the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway on a sport touring bike. The Shinko E805 and 705 series tires and set up emerges as the ultimate adventure companion, offering unmatched durability, traction, and reliability. From the moment the journey began, these tires exhibited exceptional performance and reliability, instilling confidence in me with every mile travelled. Whether navigating loose gravel, encountering muddy stretches, or facing sudden weather changes, this tire set up maintained their grip and stability, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride throughout the expedition. Their ability to conquer the challenges of the this infamous route with ease reaffirmed their status as the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway. So, gear up, mount those Shinkos, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the rugged landscapes of the Dempster Highway, where every mile is a testament to the spirit of exploration and discovery.
Watch the video of our motorcycle ride to the arctic!
