Tyres

[bugster70]

Okay, here I go again, I'm sounding like a broken record now!

When I was looking at rims, I stuck to 18" rather than 19" purely because of ongoing tyre costs. Whilst it can probably be argued than any tyre in these sorts of low profile configurations (ie. 17" and up, with 45 series or lower profiles) are going to be 'performance' oriented and therefore quite good, I still have a hang up about the really el cheapo tyres. The guys in the trade refer to them as 'cosmetic' tyres, now why do you think that might be?!

So yes, tyres like Nankangs are cheap, look good, and in 90% of situations will probably be just fine for normal use. But in those extreme cases, in the wet, emergencies, etc, a better tyre may be the difference between, well, you get the drift (pardon the pun). And a decent tyre in a 19" was, for me, prohibitively dear.

I ended up putting aside a set of 235/18/40 Goodyear F1s 'cos my local dealer had 'em on special for $339 a pop. Still quite expensive, but I think reasonably good value for the size. I could, of course, have saved a good amount by buying Nankangs (I've seen them on eBay VERY cheap). Likewise, I've heard that the Pilot Precedas are excellent too.

The other advantage for me in going with 18" rather than 19" is the improved rim protection. As for the 20"s, I can't imagine how careful you'd have to be with potholes, etc! And I agree with the comment above, my understanding is that you will need to make modifications to be able to fit this size rim to the T. Oh the things we do for vanity!!

Edited 04/07/05 01:42 AM by bugster70

[turbomuz]

I still have a hang up about the really el cheapo tyres. The guys in the trade refer to them as 'cosmetic' tyres, now why do you think that might be?!

These days I take most advice/recommendations from tyre dealers with a grain of salt. They will quickly criticise any brand that they don't readily stock or make a big enough profit margin on and fluff up the others.

"I even put them on my own car" - how many times have you heard that?

I remember a few years ago when I was buying a set of 215/60/15 tyres a particular dealer told me that Bridgestone tyres were over-rated and overpriced etc. Out of curiosity I asked what mileage I could expect out of some G-Grids. He said I would be pushing it to get 40000kms, I didn't have the heart to tell him that mine had just passed 70000kms.

So yes, tyres like Nankangs are cheap, look good, and in 90% of situations will probably be just fine for normal use. But in those extreme cases, in the wet, emergencies, etc, a better tyre may be the difference between, well, you get the drift (pardon the pun). And a decent tyre in a 19" was, for me, prohibitively dear.

Whilst I don't openly endorse the Nankangs that came with my 19" wheels they were a necessary cost requirement at the time and I think they would at least equal the performance of the SP3000's. I just didn't see 18" as a big enough upgrade to the standard 17" for me.

I would also argue that in the 10% of emergency situations you refer to it is quite possible that no tyre is going to save your backside.

Muz

Edited 04/07/05 05:05 AM by turbomuz

[Cro]

I would also argue that in the 10% of emergency situations you refer to it is quite possible that no tyre is going to save your backside.

Muz

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The other 90% should make it worthwhile, even 1% should make it worthwhile.

[bugster70]

Yeah, I'm not trying to knock those that chose Nankangs, or any other tyre for that matter. Everyone's got their reasons and limits, it just wasn't something I chose to do, that's all. Not saying I'm right or you're wrong, I totally respect the fact that your choices are entirely that, ie. your decision.

I do hear what you're saying about 17" to 18" being hardly worthwhile though, I thought about it for a long time and opted to go for 18's for a variety of reasons. Vive la difference!!

I'm just jealous, I wish I could afford to buy and maintain 19" wheels!!

[turbomuz]

I do hear what you're saying about 17" to 18" being hardly worthwhile though, I thought about it for a long time and opted to go for 18's for a variety of reasons.  Vive la difference!! 

I'm just jealous, I wish I could afford to buy and maintain 19" wheels!!   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good luck with the choice of your 18"s - there's a lot to choose from out there.

Admittedly, I have not priced replacement 19" tyres yet. I'm looking at Hankook K104's or Maxxis Victra - they have performed well in independent tyre tests I have read. Hopefully they won't dent the credit card too much.

Muz

[Flukey]

I do hear what you're saying about 17" to 18" being hardly worthwhile though, I thought about it for a long time and opted to go for 18's for a variety of reasons.  Vive la difference!! 

I agree with you 100% as I went 18" over 19". For the money I spent I could have had 19" but I didnt want the increased expense of tyres plus I needed something a little more conservative.

[RK2707]

Anyone tried the any Bridgestone tyres or Dunlop FM901 in 17 inch by any chance ???

[Flukey]

Anyone tried the any Bridgestone tyres or Dunlop FM901 in 17 inch by any chance ???

FM901's from memory were good. I had them in 17" on my AU.

[kramo]

Anyone tried the any Bridgestone tyres or Dunlop FM901 in 17 inch by any chance ???

The Dunlop FM901 won a tyre test in Jan 03 edition of Motor. They were tested in 235/45R17 on a BA XR6 NA.

Results were:

1. Dunlop FM901

2. Pirelli P Zero Nero

3. Bridgestone S-03

4. Goodyear F1 GS-D3

5. Firestone SZ50

6. Hankook K104

7. Michelin Pilot Preceda

8. BF Goodrich Profiler G

9. Avon ZZ3

10. Toyo TPG

11. Simex SM9300

12. Kumho Ecsta Supra 712

13. Federal 589

The Dunlop FM901 is no longer available. According to the Dunlop website it was replaced by the Direzza DZ101, which interestingly finished down in 8th position in the recent tyre test in the May 05 issue of Wheels.

[bugster70]

I'm never quite sure what to make of all these tyre tests, the margins are so damn small and some people take them so very much to heart, no matter how narrow a win a particular tyre has had. My local guy at Beaurepaires was saying the Dunlop Le Mans LM702 tyres were pretty good for normal use, but that the Direzza DZ101 was a far superior tyre. I reckon once you're getting up to that sort of quality, only the very best drivers will truly be able to tell the difference.

I guess it's a bit different on a car, where most drivers can quite safely find/reach the limits of their tyres, given the right circumstances, of course. On a bike it's a bit different - I for one have not yet found the limit of my Michelin Pilots!!