Kumhos vs. Falkens!

[cousteau77]

I just got a new set of Kumho 712s. I figured I'd take this time to post my first pics. I'm switching from a set of Falken Ziex 502s z-rated 245/45/17s to the Kumho Supra 712s w-rated 245/45/17s. I haven't noticed a difference in handling between the two, but the ride is far superior with the Kumhos. Much smoother road feel and a lot quieter ride than with the Falkens. Although the Falkens had a slightly more attractive appearance (sidewall & tread pattern).

I only ride my 17s in the Spring & Summer. I ride my factory 15" BBS in the Winter & Fall. It was Derby week here in Louisville so you know that had to make a good showing on the streets, the whole world was watching!

[Q45tech]

For a $90 [cheapest tire at tirerack] in 245/45/17" tire they are decent in the dry - good value.

I'm thinking about the KH-11 @$49 in 225/60/15 if they last 12,000 miles or until Dec 2004 money well spent.

[911/Q45]

I've got Kumhos on my other car, serious bang for the buck!

[greg_atlanta]

I'm thinking about the KH-11 @$49 in 225/60/15

I might try them too... looking for a tire with a softer sidewall next time since the roads are getting worse in-town with little hope of improving....

I guess a "grand touring" tire is a softer ride than a "ultra high performance" tire, right?

[1qckser]

I love my Kumhos, by the way great looking car love the color combo.

[MetaOrbit]

I have the KH11's. For the price they can't be beat. They actually ride a little rougher than what my car came with, however, (stiffer sidewall, I think) those deathtrap Bridgestone Potenza RE92s.

[QShip]

I'm thinking about the KH-11 @$49 in 225/60/15 if they last 12,000 miles or until Dec 2004 money well spent.

I have those tires in that exact size. Excellent in the rain.

[Q45tech]

Well not excellant but comparable to the Pilot H4, they are one of the few cheap tires with a two ply sidewall and full nylon cap......one of the reasons they are not suitable in cold weather.

Correlate all the numbers in Track tire tests.

Kudos for the fact they implictly WARN YOU in their adds ----Spring, Summer, Fall Tire ONLY! Cold [below 50F] need not apply

Worth experimenting with, as I used to dump my AVS Intermediates at 8,000 miles...........if these last 10k you'll be money ahead as long as you don't have to rebalance every 1,000 miles.

Anyway I only plan on using them on the rear.

[MetaOrbit]

Kudos for the fact they implictly WARN YOU in their adds ----Spring, Summer, Fall Tire ONLY! Cold [below 50F] need not apply

Too true - I bought these thinking, "I live in the south, it doesn't get that cold that often." -

Let's just say I had a NASTY surprise driving home one weekend through the mountains on I-40. Freak snowstorm dumped 3-4 inches. I never wanted a good set of snow tires so much before in my life.

[greg_atlanta]

Hmmm.... Yoko AVS dB are $70 each for the same size. Those might be a better value if they last longer. I think I got about 30K miles out of my last set of those.

I have about 13K miles on my last set of Yoko AVS Int and they have a few months of life left. They did great in the winter, no lumpy spots when cold (no snow either, that helps).

[maxnix]

Hmmm.... Yoko AVS dB are $70 each for the same size. Those might be a better value if they last longer. I think I got about 30K miles out of my last set of those.

Yeah, mine (not S2) are wearing and performing like champions at 22k miles. Well over 50% tread left.

No SZ50-EP for me yet.

[dougs98Q45]

I had the prev. model of Kumhos (711?)in 215 on there when I got the car. Wasn't unhappy with the way the tires held up wear-wise and ride was okay. Thought about staying w/ them but a couple things caused me to switch to the Falkens: One of the fronts wouldn't hold air pressure. In monthly pressure checks it was consistently 2 PSI lower than the rest and this after it was re-mounted. Also, the rain traction stank! Not usually too much of a worry where I'm at but I've already been thankful for the much better wet grip of the Falkens a few times this year. The Falkens are in 255 so other comparisons are far from scientific but dry grip seems like it would be close (in an equal width) and the Falkens probably ride a bit better / quieter.

Edit: the Falkens are the 512's.

Nice ride BTW!:)

[Q45tech]

Study the test results for the NEW KH11..........as a very useful 3 season dry wettish performance tire.

Monthly pressure checks? How about weekly pressure checks at the minimum to compensate for changes in rising ambient.

In the 225/60/15 size this is the only tire that makes an effort [to show you it's well built] by having a higher than normal load index [96 vs 95] unfortunately it is a max 51 psi tire [with 2 ply sidewalls very unusual]. Must have been build to sell in Europe [with their higher standards] for safety.