Anyone have experience with this tire? If so, good or bad?

 

I run them on my MR2 Spyder.

They utterly ROCK in the dry, on the track and in the canyons. Wear rates are very good too.

However they are a little interesting in the rain though.

However, the MR2 is super sensitive to tire choice.

I may try them next on the Mini

 

Been looking at what the Tire Rack has in std 17" size?
Now that the Kuhmo's have sold out I've been trying to decide between the Direzza's the Yokohama's and the BFG g-Force Sport

Oh, and the Tire Rack's $50 rebate on a set of 4 Dunlops doesn't hurt either

 

Ask Alex@tirerack.com about any feedback he's gotten.

Direzza DZ101 offers good value- Probably OK for street use with a MINI.
Some owners report they did OK with it at autocross.

Available sample sizes for the MINI:
195/55-15 for $66
300 treadwear A traction V speed rated 20 pounds
205/50-15 $57 20 pounds
205/55-15 $70 21 pounds
205/50-16 $77 21 pounds
205/55-16 $74 22 pounds
205/45-17 $90 20 pounds
215/40-17 $88 21 pounds
215/45-17 $85 22 pounds
215/35-18 $106 21 pounds

Tirerack.com test results
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=78
Tested on 2006 BMW E90s:

Avon Tech M500 Ultra High Performance Summer 225/45R17

What We Liked: Quiet and comfortable road manners along with good wet and dry traction
What We'd Improve: Sharpen dry road steering response somewhat
Conclusion: A well-rounded Ultra High Performance Summer tire that is easy to live with everyday
Latest Test Rank: 1st
Previous Test Rank: 2nd (April 2005), 1st (Fall 2004), 1st (May 2004)

BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Ultra High Performance Summer 225/45R17

What We Liked: Good dry traction and sporty handling
What We'd Improve: Increase wet traction and reduce tread noise
Conclusion: A responsive tire that performs well in dry conditions
Latest Test Rank: 3rd
Previous Test Rank: 2nd (Fall 2004)

Dunlop Direzza DZ101 Ultra High Performance Summer 225/45R17

What We Liked: Responsive road handling
What We'd Improve: Some more dry grip and much more wet traction
Conclusion: A responsive tire that needs improvement in wet and dry traction
Latest Test Rank: 4th
Previous Test Rank: Not previously tested

Fuzion ZRi Ultra High Performance Summer 225/45R17

What We Liked: Good wet and dry traction
What We'd Improve: Reduce tread noise, slight improvement in steering response
Conclusion: A good all-around Ultra High Performance Summer tire that really does perform well
Latest Test Rank: 2nd
Previous Test Rank: 2nd (Fall 2004)

 

The only issue, I have with Tire Rack and those results is that the "Avon" brand of tires is made just for Tire Rack. So, IMO it's not odd for "there" brand to finish first in this test.

 

For tirerack.com and any other source of tires whether your local shop or from any source over the internet you will find bias. Even with Road and track or other magazines there can be concern that with the influence of tire manufactorers and profit incentives there can be favor for certain tires to perform best on subjective tests.

There is also bias from each owner that writes a review on tirerack.com about the tires on their individual cars.

Everything you read including our opinions on NAM are to be taken with that in mind so you are correct in being careful.

It's helpful to form an opinion of your own from experience or from doing performance driving and seeing how difference tires do under different circumstances. There is great variety and many differences out there to appreciate. If you have the inclination, try to visit Tirerack in Indiana or spend some time talking to Alex@tirerack.com if you have tire questions.
They have excellent tire testing facilities and quite a well established program for comparitive testing.

I have always found Alex to be honest and knowledgable about tires well suited for the MINI. Realize that the MINI is a special car. Good for the street but with a very large performance envelope. You wouldn't really want to put your average touring tires on the MINI but you could if your driving needs were best suited for those tires.

Heck, I have stock Conti all season 175/65-15 tires on my modded autocross MCS for daily driving and it's working just fine but I don't push it too hard (they aren't Max Performance summer tires).

Good luck in your decision. Talk to owners in your area about their experiences.

 

not so at all. Avon is a UK brand and has been around for some time (search for Avon Tyre ). They might make these models for Tire Rack, but it's hardly a house brand.

I put 215/50/16 Direzza's on two weeks ago and have been happy so far. They seem to do as well as the Avon M550's we had on the Cabrio, but are sharper and more grip (to be expected from a summer tire). They are still perfectly acceptable for ride Q...smooth.

 

Kuhmos sold out? Ecsta spt? 205 55 15???

 

Just bought a set of 205/50-15 @$57 each with a $50.00 rebate.
They are going on 12.5 lb. Rota Circuit 8's. This combo will net 32.5 lb. per corner with a 23.1 diameter tire which is like adding a 05 transaxle and 20hp. Well maybe not 20hp, because I don't know the calculation for the weight loss to hp. Compared to the OEM run flats on S lites at 48 lbs. each that’s 15.5 lb. less weight per corner. I run those S lites in winter with the all season run flats. My other summer wheels are shod with Yokohama's AVS ES100 205/50-16 on Rota Slip Streams. This set-up is for fun.
Zoom, zoom.

I know there are better tires out there but not at this price.

 

Exactly, all tire purchases are a compromise of budget vs performance.

If you can get decent performance for your needs at that kind of price point then great.

What I like is if it wears fast or doesn't last quite as long then your investment will have paid for itself quickly.

I got some $200 a piece Bridgestone S-03s I'm trying to wear out a little more before I switch. Same with my $200 a piece Michelin Pilot sport Cups that are also old and need to be used a little more. Both sets are usable but close to retirement.

Makes me happy to think of new tires soon (someday). Not going to replace them with the same tires.