I just read an article comparing tires on an '05 Cooper. The tires used were the the Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R, Yokohama S-Drive, and the BF Goodrich G-force KDW. This really indicates the RE-01R as the king. But, that was just the opinion at http://lacar.com/modules.php?name=Ne...ticle&sid=1062. Does anyone else have any firsthand experience with these sets of tires and did they have similar results? The article doesn't track test, but they do this over several months.

Cheers,

jboy

 

I would recommend the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2. I am on my third set. The only issue with them is availability. They can be hard to find at times. Currently the Tire Rack is out of stock until June.

 

I've got some S.drives on Tristan, in 16" though. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the RE-01R outdid them in the dry, the RE-01R is a couple of classes up on the S.drive. I am surprised where they think the S.drives are noisiest, they're the quietest tire I've ever had. I'd also agree with his comments about the feel of the S.drives, they seem to have plenty of grip if you push them, they just don't tell you this and feel like they're starting to slide early.

The S.drive's wet performance also seems to be changeable, some people love them, some people hate them. The first time I tried the S.drives in the damp I got nearly terminal understeer which really did not inspire confidence at all. However when it got really wet they resisted hydroplaning amazingly. You can drive through standing water on the freeway and not notice.

I could be pretty happy with S.drives.

However, for my next set I'm trying some Michelin PE2s, which were in stock at Tire rack briefly yesterday (i've been checking their stock daily). By all accounts they're quieter and gripier and much better in the wet.

 

Had these on my '05 MCS. They became really loud as time went on, and the tread wear wasn't much better than the run flats. But they were sticky and looked good.

 

Yes, they are very good in the wet, almost too good. I never slow down when its raining.

 

With all due respect the RE01R is the best performer of the 3 in dry and wet grip. your compairing totaly diffrent tire segments. KDW and S drive compete as UHP tires, but the Bridgestone Re01R is extreme performance. They do rock, but note have been replaced with Re11.

Our internal testing is available on all 3.

Gforce KDW

S drive

RE01R

Alex

 

I do believe the article mentions the RE-01Rs have been replaced by the RE-11. When available, the older 01s can can be had at a nice discount. Out in Southern California the rain hasn't been a real big deciding factor at all, but I think the RE-01s might be the hot ticket.

 

You might want to read the newest tire comparison of true extreme 'street' tires in the June 2009 issue of Grassroots Motorsports. Tested on the track...

Comparisons between:
- Falken Azenis RT-615
- Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec
- Toyo Proxes R1R
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
- Kumho ECSTA XS

The winner may surprise you. It didn't surprise me, but then again I've raced on their tires for the previous 3 years...

Enjoy!

 

Anyone know where one could pick up a set of RE-01R's in 215/45/17???

 

I have 2 left if you find 2 more.

 

So, don't hold us in suspense, who won?

 

PE-2's are great, rather quiet, predictable, very grippy (especially excellent in the wet at MOTD this year) and look good... but they also wear fairly quickly. I may get 15-18k on mine, and that'll be pushing it.

 

Here is the link to the clearance sale we offered on RE01R's. We're mostly sold out now.

Alex

 

Kumho Ecsta XS

Alex

 

RE-01Rs for the win... but sadly they're discontinued now.

Alex, any reports yet if the RE-11s are truely a same as/better replacement for them?

While Btwyx was at Laguna on his new rims and tires, I was there as well on mine.

All I can say is the Mini stuck like nothing I've felt before... plus they came highly recommended by someone who picked up 2-3 seconds per lap at the Redline Time Attack at Buttonwillow when she just switched tires on her Mini...

 

According to Bridgestone, improved in every catagory. We're just now getting into testing weather, so I hope to have 1st hand reports soon!

Alex

 

Alex is correct AND Tirerack has them at excellent prices!!!

 

I was just about to go to starbucks and read that GRM article, you ruined it for me, I did see the good prices on that same issue for the XS (and the RS2s) at Tire Rack, just wondering if 225/40-18 Kuhmo XS would fit. My 225/35-18s barley fit with 5mm H&R spacers.

 

My PE2's are still going strong at 36K on 80% city driving and rotation every 5K. They will probably hit the wear bars this summer.

 

I was just wondering the same about the 215/45-16 with the stock offset. Anyone know for sure?

 

225/40/18 are wide and tall, 8/10th taller in diameter than what you have on now. Agressive

Alex

 

215/45 is do-able on stock wheels!

Alex

 

I live in AZ and drive a lot (like 400 miles a week). Know of a tire that can stand up to AZ heat on the freeway, not leave "hot tire" marks in my garage and are quiet? Does one exist? Will I get a lot of miles out of it or will I need to get new ones every 6 months?

Thanks!

 

oops....forgot to mention (if it matters) I have an 03S and have Goodyear Eagles NCT5's. They were OK for a while (40k miles on them), now they are LOUD and leave a LOT of hot tire marks in my garage.

 

Check the ratings on the tire side-wall for added info. You can speak to your local tire dealer to find out what happens once the tires have that many miles (regarding leaving marks).

How much tire tread do you have left at 40K anyway? Maybe it's an indicator you need new rubber? With excessive heat it is even more important you take care to monitor the condition of your tires, as your life and those in your car and other motorists on the street depend on the ability of your car to operate safely. No one wants to spend more money than they need to in this economy, but don't skimp on safety. I'm sure your life is worth more than the cost of a new set of tires.