For anyone that is interested the rumor on the street is that the Falken FK-451 has bascially the same compund and carcus as the Azenis but comes in a much larger selections of sizes.

Before people run out and expect the same results as purchasing the Azenis you have to keep in mind that to get the same results as the Azenis the tire must be shaved. Either way, thought it was good info to pass on.

Stuart

BTW - The winner of STX at the 2004 SCCA Solo Nationals was on this tire so I would say it's been proven to be fast or as fast as the Azenis or MX if shaved.

 

Do you mean the FK-451? I don't see an RK-451 on their web site. I have a set of FK-451 in 215-40-17. The sidewall is so stiff you can't tell when you have a flat. The ride however is... well... sporty. Be carefull with those loose fillings.

 

You're correct....I changed it in my original post..

Since you own a set of these tires. What's your opinion of the ride compared to the stock run flats? What about grip? Thanks,

Stuart

 

I ditched my stock runflats (16") the day I picked up my car so a comparison is difficult. My memory is that the Falkens (17") ride rougher. I imagine that they are about the same as the stock 17" run-flats. Quite frankly I am getting weary of the ride. I just bought some Cooper 5 star 16" wheels off ebay and mounted some Dunlaps left over from a Protege 5 I had owned. The ride is much improved. These are now my daily "city wheels".

As for grip, well I just autocrossed the Falkens today. I usually run Kuhmo V700's on the 16" v spokes. Turn in on the Falkens is good but the ultimate grip is lacking. The car was pushing with the rear sway bar in the middle position. This is usually a neutral setting with the Kuhmos. I had considered running these in a street tire class but I'm going back to race rubber at the next event.

 

Great information.....Thanks for the feedback.

Stuart

 

Stuart,
Thanks for the tip. Maybe shave it to 4/32"? Azenis Sport doesn't need shaving since the tread pattern is different-


Azenis Sport


FK-451

 

Stuart:
Interesting timing of your post. I was working at a subaru autox event this past weekend in Aberdeen, MD and both last years and this years STX national champions were there in their WRX's. I heard the same thing you did. Since most of them run 17" wheels, so they love the range of sizes in the FK-451 vs the Azenis. They agreed that they must be shaved to be effective.
David

 

Read this on SCCA Forums.

Falkentech
Junior Member
Member # 5802

- posted September 15, 2004 04:04 PM

Hi guys! I came across this thread and thought it might help if I clear up a few of these misconceptions about Falken Tires.

The GRBeta FK-451 in no way shares the same compound or carcass as the Azenis Sport.

For those of you unsure of the pronunciation of Azenis: (Uh-zeen-is)

We have found that the 451 in some cases is as fast on the track as the Azenis Sport. With the major difference being that the Azenis Sport is designed to hold up to the abuse you will put it through all weekend at the track and the 451 due to its street tire design is less tolerant.

I am sure you guys will all be glad to hear that we will be introducing a new line of Azenis Sport. It is slated to be debuted at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in Nov. and then will be available 1st quarter 2005. The designation will be Azenis Sport RT-615 and it will be a very aggressive maximum grip tire that is sure to make all you guys happy! Stay Tuned.

 

Oooooooooooh! Maybe a little more rain friendly tread pattern?!?

 

I hope it comes in some 17" MINI-friendly sizes!