Tyres: Alternatives to KU31s

[BadBong]

It's that time of the year again.

I have a set of KU31s for about 25,000kms (10k in a NB8A, 15k in a SP) and they will need replacing before the end of the year.

I've rotated them around quite often and with 30,000kms on the clock, they've lasted a fair amount of time (but it's no where near what the Toyo Proxy4 gave me in a NB8A... 47,000kms).

I know that it has been talked to death that KU31s are the best bang-for-the-buck in this price range but I'm just wondering what other alternatives are there that I can try in 2012? I go through a set every year on average as I do 30-45,000kms a year.

Facts & Wants:
- I use 16*7 rims, which means that I'm looking for 205/45/16 or 215/45/16 tyres;
- I would like at least 25,000kms out of the set of tyres;
- My budget is around the $120 mark, which is what I paid for the KU31s, balanced and fitted. I'm happy to go up to $150 a corner if there are good reasons;
- I would like something comparable to the KU31s in terms of grip (wet&dry) and noise. Comparable doesn't always mean better though and I think that it's fun to explore the characteristics of different tyres;

Thanks!

P.S. I've just noticed that KU33s are out. Are they replacing the KU31s? Can't seem to find a review on them.

[BadBong]

Thanks Dave.

Any other suggestions guys?

[Hjt]

three times now i went to post but stopped myself...


Vic, get some real tyres ie SEMIS and come join me on the 4th! you know you wannnnt tooooo

[KRM]

If you are going to do some track work stay away from the 595's. The 595 RSR are a very good tyre but I don't know what their life would be.

The 595's are not progressive and can let go without warning.

Try Hankook RS2's from Tempe Tyres.

[BadBong]

The 595's are not progressive and can let go without warning.

Try Hankook RS2's from Tempe Tyres.

The 595s are probably not for me then as I do miss the progressiveness of the Proxy4.

How do the RS2s compare with KU31s?

Hjt - go back to study!

[Hjt]

Victor call me tomorrow regarding tyres - i have some specs you MAY be interested in.

[hks_kansei]

any reason you don't want Proxes4 again?

[and1]

I have Hankook Ventus RS-2s in 205/45/R16 size like you're after. I find them great. Very very grippy in the dry and wet is pretty decent too. I was a little disappointed on how they performed at the RAC track though. On the first flying lap they would feel awesome but on the second lap they felt a bit skittish in the rear with throttle application. Could just be my driving plus alignment (it's unknown) . I will say they won't last as long as you are after though.

I really want to sell my wheels with the tyres but I don't have any wheels to sit my car on .

I feel the market in 16s is just too limited and way overpriced so I want to move down to 15s when the tyres die or I have enough cash to get new wheels

[hamx5ter]

any reason you don't want Proxes4 again?

+1

[BadBong]

I quite like the Proxy4 as they are very progressive in the dry and gives great feedback. Although they don't grip as well as the KU31s, I think they're more fun to drive.

My only concern is their apalling wet grip. I think my almost worn KU31s will have better grip in the wet than a new set of Proxy4. They are the total opposite in the wet and breaks traction without any warning, even at quite pedestrian speed. Given that my car is a daily drive, i think it'll be a dumb move to just disregard wet weather performance.

*I also want to try as many types of tyres as possible... It's part of the journey with my 5

[hamx5ter]

Well, if you're going to be trying different Tyres for the fun of it, why not give the Star Specs a go? They're apparently THE benchmark all purpose tyre and that way, you'll know exactly what you are getting on your travels.

Obviously more expensive, but heck, a lot cheaper than a new stereo.

[BadBong]

Well, if you're going to be trying different Tyres for the fun of it, why not give the Star Specs a go? They're apparently THE benchmark all purpose tyre and that way, you'll know exactly what you are getting on your travels.

Obviously more expensive, but heck, a lot cheaper than a new stereo.

Star Specs = Dunlop Z1??? They seem to be only available in 205/50/16... do you think that'll be a problem? (Fatter tyres).

Stereo is a permanent mod, tyres wear out, especially the number of kms I drive... (Not everyone drives a mini-bus to terrorise the neighbourhood every day you know! )

[BadBong]

Just got a quote... $250+ per corner???!!!... ok Deen, thanks for the suggestion

Sounds like the only way I'll get these babies would be a GB from TyreRack.

But before I go there, anything else other than the 595 that I should have a try first?

[Guran]

Victor, I recommend you price up a set of Kumho KU39s. I have had them on my 135i for the last year and they've been excellent. Wet grip is great and they stick nicely in the dry too. Only "complaint" is that they're slightly noisier than the OEM Bridgestones (RE050A). Not sure if you can get them in 16" sizing though (website says no) ... it's worth a phone call to check.

Some light reading for you if you're interested in "S spec" tyres ...
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=42910
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=42619

Left field option ... Hankook Ventus V12 Evo? They're available in 205/45R16.

[BadBong]

Thanks Guran.

Would I be wrong to assume that the KU39s will last alot less than KU31s?

I do understand that I'll be kidding myself if I'm triyng to find tyres that will last longer AND has better grip than the KU31s since that's against the laws of physics. So what I'm really trying to do is try all the comepetitors of KU31s and see what they're all like (minus the duds that people have already mentioned).