We knew the second we put the wheels and tires on our super-long-term Miata that it was the right choice. Even if they made the car ride like a Delorean they were worth it for looks alone.
After putting some additional miles on it over the last week or so I don't think they're problematic at all. Sure, the ride is a bit firm, but that's as much the suspension changes as anything. I don't get the sense that they're too big or too heavy for this car and the grip is just nuts. I'm still looking for a good fast turn that will push them to their limits. I think it might take awhile.
Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
ptcdawg says:
02:47 PM, 08/24/10
I wouldn't put hankooks on my lawnmower.
fst1 says:
02:58 PM, 08/24/10
@ptcdawg: And why not? Had some bad experiences with them?
newt77 says:
03:25 PM, 08/24/10
@ptcdawg
Yeah why the knee jerk reaction to Hankook. I have the Evo 12's on my 2009 MS3 and they're pretty good. Not quite as stiff in the sidewall as the OEM tires but the grip is just as good, they're quieter and cost about 2/3's of the OEM Bridgestones which lasted less than 25,000 miles.
hybris says:
03:36 PM, 08/24/10
Its nice to see some sidewall on those tires.
theevildrsin says:
05:09 PM, 08/24/10
Ptcdawg...what size wheels are you running on your mower? I'm running 5" x 2" OEM plastics and was considering Hankooks when the solid rubber ones wear out.
yellowmiata says:
10:04 PM, 08/24/10
@ptcdawg
I'd love to know your opinion on the Hancooks - I've ready many reviews, with the majority of them being good. I'd consider them as my next purchase after the OEM rubber smooths over on my Z.
Kevin
lostboyz says:
04:10 AM, 08/25/10
I think you might actually need some power in order to push the grip in the miata. Any chance you guys are ever going to get to that engine swap?
alex38 says:
04:29 AM, 08/25/10
@ ptcdawg
"Ptcdawg...what size wheels are you running on your mower? I'm running 5" x 2" OEM plastics and was considering Hankooks when the solid rubber ones wear out."
I think the above comment is valid and was also looking for your thoughts. My John Deere has low profile 2" ZR 45's and the OEMs have served me well. I've heard great things about the Hankooks and a viable option
wizard8873 says:
05:51 AM, 08/25/10
@ptcdawg
As others said, any particular reason? I use Hankooks as my winter tires on my M and used them on my Altima and both of my parents do and they're phenominal tires. Considered going with them as summer tires but went to Vredestein just because they have stiffer sidwalls. Even a lot of magazines have praised Hankook tires and so have a lot of enthusiasts.
ptcdawg says:
07:53 AM, 08/25/10
I suppose if you're trying to save money for your mower tires, Hankooks may be the way to go. My Snapper is currently running Carlisle Turf Savers 16x6.5-8's on the rear. :)
Look, I've never been one to buy off brand cheaper tires. I've seen the reviews on Tire-Rack, when they start off by saying "for the money"...I look elsewhere. On an older Miata, not driven everyday, these are probably just fine.
wizard8873 says:
08:35 AM, 08/25/10
@ptcdawg - car and driver ranked it second amongst these tires: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the_michelin_ps2-comparison_tests
modified mag: http://www.modified.com/tech/modp-0904-hankook-ventus-v12-evo-k110-tire-review/index.html
search a bit more and you'll see Corvette, M3, M5, M45, etc owners all using this tire. Hankook isn't an off brand at all, they're very popular actually and perform great
smilespeed3 says:
10:27 AM, 08/25/10
@ptcdawg
FYI there are two choices for serious grip in this size. The Hankook RS-3 and the Toyo R1R.
These aren't exactly their economy tire, just the ones that grip like crazy. Not quite as good in the rain as the toyos, but better in the dry in my experience.
feloniousmonk says:
10:32 AM, 08/25/10
I think ptcdawg's confusing "Hankook" with "Nankang" or possibly "Kumho".
torrey151 says:
05:48 AM, 08/26/10
I need some new tires for my 94 miata, and I'm trying to figure out what to get (I've only had the car for about a month). I'm looking for a tire that can do the occasional track day and still be used for tooling around town. any suggestions? I've been looking at tirerack's reviews but wonder what some of you all think.
on an off note -- I have Kuhmo's on the family odyssey, and they have fine in all weather, including the 3 feet of dc snow last winter..
mmmmmmmm3 says:
02:15 PM, 08/27/10
Man those rotors look small
halmcgee says:
07:20 AM, 08/28/10
Lawnmower comments aside... I have the Dunlop Dizerra Star Spec on mine on the 14's. They have phenomenal grip. I would say take the car to an auto-x to find the grip limit and not on the street. I'm looking forward to taking my car to one after I get a few issues fixed.
Where is the lateral G follow up test? Did I miss it? I've been wanting those wheels for a while.