I need new tires and am wondering if anyone has gotten a set of the Yokohama S.Drives yet?

I'm currently up in the air between the S.Drives:



The Kumho Ecsta SPTs:



and the BFG KDW-2s:



I also want to stick with std size (205/45/17) so the Eagle F1s are out

Any input is appreciated, thanks

 

I am leaning on the S-drive too. Any experience feedback will be appreciated.

 

S drive is like the ES100 for handling, but quieter and not as good in deep water.

Personally from your list, imo

1st SPT
2nd S Drive
3rd KDW2


Alex

 

The S.Drive is far superior to the ES 100 in many ways...wet, dry, noise, wear, and ride comfort. I speak from personal experience on this tire as I have driven it in numerous AX and track events using a 2006 BMW 325i stock with Eibach Springs.

The S.Drive actually outperforms the ES100 in wet and dry conditions because of the new compound technology we use in the S. Drive.

Plus the S. Drive has feature in the tread called groove in groove which helps eliminate cupping and feathering issues. Also keeps the tread at a consistent temperature level. Heat is a killer of tires.

For example I spent 2 days at O' Fest at Motorsport Ranch in a DE program. Those of you familiar with the track it is made up mostly of heavy left handers. I thought by lunch on the first day I would need to rotate the tires and that was not the case. I actually never rotated them. They wore great and responded well to PSI adjustments.

The S.Drive's compound is made using a process called Nanotechnology which means basiclly that the tire is artificially designed at a molecular level 1 billionth. In other words the micro silica and carbon links are placed exaclty where the scientists want them...nothing by chance.

The nanotechnology helps the tread compound do several things:

1. Better wet performance and grip

2. Contact patch is 10% larger than the competition. For example, the S.Drive is wider than the competition even in the same sizes. Those of you who are looking for a little more rubber on the road this will help.

3. The compound has a feature called micro flexible compound which allows the tire to mold and adhere to the irregularities in the road better giving it better grip and traction.

You can't go wrong with the S.Drive, besides it comes with a 30 day trial. So if you don't like it for whatever reason except for a road hazard you can return it to a Yokohama Authorized Dealer.

My 2 pesos.

Colby

 

I have the S.drives and love em so far. They have done well for traction on wet and dry pavement. Had Falkens before and these are hands down superior. I have about 2000 miles on them so far.

 

KDW get loud with age/mileage

The Kumho SPTs are unfortunately going to be discontinued. I wanted to get that tire. :(

 

Tire Rack still has the SPT's and they've dropped the price to $99.

Currently I've got the SPT's and the s.Drive's about even with the BFG's bringing up the rear.

I've noticed that the SPT's and the s.Drive's both (appear to) have the "groove in groove" tread. Then again, the Yoko's are only $10 more and they're "new" so

Hey Alex, any idea when we can expect a Tire Rack test of the s.Drive's?

Thanks for the input, keep it coming

 

We've done it allready, were just waiting to publish it.
The test should be out on the site in the next few months.

Alex

 

Well, I bit the bullet and got the S.Drives (ext 294 ). I figured that the newer tires would at least give me the option of just replacing 2 down the line I'll be sure to post pics/impressions pnce I get them and run them for a little ways

Thanks for the advice

 

I just read this post for the first time. You wrote it the day after I got my S.Drives installed! My trusted tire man recommended them highly and so far I am happy with them. Pretty smooth, grippy, and great in the rain. Didn't break the bank either.

I replaced Nokian Zs which I liked, but I wanted to experience something different.

 

Thanks for the input dude Makes me feel better about my choice How are they wearing? I must have gotten a bad batch when I got the last set of Dunlops cause them puppies didn't last 10k miles