General consensus of the usual suspects at various local bike-nights (and probably a majority of riders who contribute to this forum) are that Shinko (S. Korean) and Kenda (“mostly” Chinese from what I can gather) and IRC (Japanese) are low end, cheapo tires not to be taken seriously by the I-ride-hard crowd. Based on the many recommendations on this forum, I just replaced my OEM front with a Michelin Commander. Country of manufacture – Thailand . Am sure the significant, extra cost of the Michelin is due to the superior engineering, choice of components, and company’s manufacturing standards…Right??? I see more and more riders going with Shinko tires on some very expensive scoots and it makes me wonder if they know something I don’t. I experienced the most consistent tire wear with Dunlop Elite III’s on my Wing but the longest wearing tires I’ve ever had were IRC’s on my Boulevard. There’s an average price swing of $45 between the “comparable” Shinko and Michelin fronts. IF you do the math AND you get 20% LESS tread life with the Shinko, you’re still $$ ahead with the Shinko by the 3rd tire change. With the exception of the IRC’s, I’ve always used one of the Big 3 on my bikes – Dunlop, Bridgestone or Michelin (maybe with a Pirelli OEM thrown in for good measure). But I think the times they are a changing as Mr. Dylan observed.