Hey - I need some new tires. Mine are almost bald.

I'm trying to decide between the Yokohama ES100s or Proxes 4s. I believe they make them both in 16 inch sizes. Do my new tires have to be the exact size of my current RFs (195/55/R16)?

Anyone have a preference between these two?

Thanks.

 

I researched both tires and decided to go with the Proxes 4. Here's why:

I experienced great performance and wear with a set of T1S Proxes on my 02 MC. After almost 40K miles, wear was minimal but most of my driving is interstate.

Toyo gets great ratings for customer satisfaction and they are a good supporter of racing.

The Proxes 4 were designed to give almost the performance of the T1S tires but with a tread design that gives decent M&S performance.

The T1S tires are absolutely worthless in ice or snow. The Proxes 4 are available at Edge Racing at a very fair price. I bought them mounted on a set of Flik Artic wheels.

 

I have a similar question...

I will want want to replace the Goodyear runflats with non-runflats soon. What are my choices that anyone is aware of that are THE SAME size...195/55/16. I know about the Yoko's and Goodyear's that are 205/50/16, but I want the same size shoes. I have been researching other websites and I'm finding out that unless I go back to runflats, I can't seem to find any shoes that are the same size. Thanks...
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03 IB/W MC, 1&2, chrome, CVT, ALTA shorty antenna, Euro shelf, 20% tint

 

The 205/50 16 are almost the exact same diameter as the 195/55 16's. You can do a search and check it out. You don't need to stay with the original size. You will not believe the difference between the runflats versus a decent performance tire. The performance tire will not only handle better but it will also give you a better, somewhat softer ride. Good luck with your decision.

 

I was wondering about the tire size, too. I found Proxes 4 in the 205/50 size. I think I will go with that.

I got to get some new shoes before the Dragon!

 

Don't wait until your tires are bald to replace them. 2/32nd inch tread is low enough. Performance falls off dramatically when tread is low. Safety can be compromised.

Those with 16" runflats will find that 195/55-16 tires are mostly runflats and winter tires. If you really need runflats then to shop at tirerack.com and talk to alex.

Otherwise you'd be better off with non runflats. Pick a 50 or 55 series tire if you want smoother riding or a 45 series tire if you want a stiffer sidewall and better performance.

Here are some reasonably priced tires that will fit stock 16x6.5" rims:

195/55-16 24.4” outer diameter (stock size)
Mostly runflats and winter tires

205/50-16 24.1” outer diameter
Toyo Proxes 4 300 wear V rated $78 each All season Ultra HP
Falken Ziex ZE-512 360 wear V rated $70 each
Toyo Proxes Tpt 400 wear V rated $89 each All season Touring
Avon Tech M500 280 wear W rated $87 Ultra High Perf summer
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 280 wear W rated $81 Ultra HP summer
Yokohama AVS ES100 280 wear W rated $81 Ultra HP summer

205/55-16 24.9” outer diameter
Avon Tech M500 280 wear W rated $80 Ultra High Perf summer
Avon Tech M550 360 wear W rated $78 Ultra High Perf All season
Kumho Ecsta MX 220 wear W rated $98 Max Perf Summer 25.1” outer diameter
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 280 wear W rated $68 Ultra HP summer
Yokohama AVS ES100 280 wear W rated $83 Ultra HP summer

215/50-16 24.5” outer diameter
Avon Tech M500 280 wear W rated $91 Ultra High Perf summer
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 340 wear V rated $81 Ultra HP summer

215/55-16 25.3” outer diameter
Avon Tech M500 280 wear W rated $85 Ultra High Perf summer
Avon Tech M550 360 wear W rated $83 Ultra High Perf All season
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 340 wear V rated $68 Ultra HP summer

Tirerack.com sells all of these except for Toyos and Falkens (see edgeracing.com). All season tires can wear longer, provide enough performance and work well in rain and light snow.

Toyo Proxes 4 are all season, more likely to wear longer, but not offer as much wet/dry performance as the ES100 for about the same price. Tirerack.com shipping prices are quite reasonable.