The Shinko Trail Master E 705 is an 80/20 dual sport tire built for riders who want affordability, street comfort, and off-road versatility without breaking the bank. Tested on a Suzuki DRZ400SM in Singapore, this tire offers a practical option for city, light adventure, and occasional gravel excursions. Here’s how it stacks up in real-world use.
Construction, Sizing & Fit
- Fitment: Review set used 120/70-17 front and 140/80-17 rear—raises ride height slightly, adds 1–2 inches to stance
- Profile: More neutral than aggressive ADV tires, reducing the “stand-up” effect mid-corner
- Price: Exceptionally affordable (roughly S$200+/pair, depending on size), making it one of the best bang-for-buck options for the dual sport and SM crowd in Singapore
Street Performance
- Dry Grip: Surprisingly good on clean pavement at regular street speeds, though not as sticky as top pure road tires (e.g., Battlax BT-090)
- Noise and Vibration: Little to no vibration noticeable at highway speeds; occasional low-speed rumble under 40 km/h
- Handling: Heavier steering vs. premium street tires, but easy to acclimate with time; extra height and weight can slightly blunt acceleration and fuel economy
Wet grip is the obvious limitation—slippery or rainy days are best left to experienced riders or avoided altogether if possible. Street use excels primarily in dry, warm climates.
Off-Road & Trail Capability
- Surface Suitability: Excellent for gravel roads, hardpack, shallow mud, and light trails
- Self-Cleaning: Wide tread spacing sheds debris easily, but low block depth limits performance in deep mud or soft soil
- Shallow Wet Traction: Struggles in heavy/wet mud and loses assurance due to the shallow, uniform blocks
Shinko 705s reward dual sport and SM owners who mostly commute or ride gently off-road, with enough competence for non-extreme trail fun or rural exploring.
Longevity & Value
- Expected Life: Conservative estimate is 12,000–15,000 km due to their hard rubber compound (pending full long-term results)
- All-Weather Use: Hard compound will prolong mileage but further sacrifices wet grip—ideal for dry seasons, track, or geometry changes (supermoto, ADV)
- Budget-Friendly: Delivers excellent value for money compared to premium brands and specialized adventure tires
Downsides & Limitations
- Wet Pavement: Slick feel; exercise caution or avoid riding in rain
- Heaviness: Affects acceleration and fuel use compared to lighter, sport-biased tires
Who Should Buy the Shinko Trail Master E 705?
- Budget-focused commuters and dual sport riders in Singapore/SEA
- Supermoto owners wanting versatile, affordable new shoes
- ADV and trail riders who prioritize durability and dry-road safety over pure performance
- Urban riders seeking a single tire for spirited street and mild off-road use
Final Thoughts
The Shinko E 705 is the top budget pick for value-conscious riders wanting an 80-20 tire that performs solidly in Singapore’s hot climate—on both street and mild offroad routes. Wet grip is its weak spot, but for the price and versatility, it’s the easiest recommendation for casual adventure and dual sport fans who want more miles for less.