I checked with the local Bike tyre specialists and he had heard of Shinko's, infact he used to sell lots of them, but after a few people experienced "failures" their popularity dropped off.
Anyway he can do me a 'deal' on an M1 front for $199, which to me sounds pretty damn good.
The next hurdle though is getting the treasurers Duke a new chain and sproket set and a service. No change from $1000.00.
The other crappy thing is when we picked the youngest up from the babysitters Janice just happened to look at the rego label, due 1st April,
so the front tyre is going to have to last a bit longer yet. I suppose I'll just have to ride a bit slower round corners for a while.