Elise S2 - Anyone tried Dunlops ?
Discussion
Previously posted a topic regarding tyres on for my S2 Elise and note most seem to opt for either Yoko AD07/08s or Toyo TR1's.
Looking at the TR1's I note they don't appear to be that highly rated for wet weather performance ( According to the label system ) which gives me slight doubts regarding
suitability for all weather road use. ( I'm not looking for track tyres ).
Looking at various reviews I see the new Dunlop Sportmaxx RT,s seem to be very highly rated both as a performance and wet weather tyre.
With this in mind I just wondered if anyone has tried the either the Dunlop Sportmaxx RT's or the SP9000's - if so I'd appreciate any feedback on these.
Looking at the TR1's I note they don't appear to be that highly rated for wet weather performance ( According to the label system ) which gives me slight doubts regarding
suitability for all weather road use. ( I'm not looking for track tyres ).
Looking at various reviews I see the new Dunlop Sportmaxx RT,s seem to be very highly rated both as a performance and wet weather tyre.
With this in mind I just wondered if anyone has tried the either the Dunlop Sportmaxx RT's or the SP9000's - if so I'd appreciate any feedback on these.
I've got them on the rears while I wait for my front Michelins to wear down. They seem better than the Michelins but new tyres v. old tyres, etc. They've also only been used through the winter although that included 1200 miles in the highlands over a weekend.
For the price/performance I'm happy enough with them.
ETA: I'm talking about the Sportmaxx
For the price/performance I'm happy enough with them.
ETA: I'm talking about the Sportmaxx
Well your certainly right concerning the fronts which appear to be a problem although I think Toyo TR1's currently cater for this.
The only concern I have concerning the Toyo's however is that if you check the EU labeling system on them the wet weather performance is rated quite poor.
Depending on use etc this may not be an issue for some people but for road use in all weathers I'm not so sure.
A lot of people seem to favour the Yoko AD07/08's but once again the fronts are an issue if wanting to keep the tyre size std.
The Dunlop Sportmaxx RT's are rated quite highly as a performance tyre both in the dry and wet although as you state are only available for the rear.
For the fronts I'm currently considering the Dunlop SP9000's which are available without re-sizing the tyres and also have respectable reviews.
I would imagine these would work quite well with the RT's but I was obviously trying to gauge feedback or opinion before making a final decision.
Ideally I'd like the RT's all round but as you already mention the options for the front are somewhat limited hence all the debate and questions on them I guess.
The only concern I have concerning the Toyo's however is that if you check the EU labeling system on them the wet weather performance is rated quite poor.
Depending on use etc this may not be an issue for some people but for road use in all weathers I'm not so sure.
A lot of people seem to favour the Yoko AD07/08's but once again the fronts are an issue if wanting to keep the tyre size std.
The Dunlop Sportmaxx RT's are rated quite highly as a performance tyre both in the dry and wet although as you state are only available for the rear.
For the fronts I'm currently considering the Dunlop SP9000's which are available without re-sizing the tyres and also have respectable reviews.
I would imagine these would work quite well with the RT's but I was obviously trying to gauge feedback or opinion before making a final decision.
Ideally I'd like the RT's all round but as you already mention the options for the front are somewhat limited hence all the debate and questions on them I guess.
Tiger Tim said:
What tyre sizes would you run up front with dunlops.
I think the hardest thing had been finding 175-195 front width rather than the rear which are relatively easy to get hold of.
I think the hardest thing had been finding 175-195 front width rather than the rear which are relatively easy to get hold of.
I too pondered over tyre selection for my Exige. Finally went for Yoko's after much deliberating. I think it would have been a big mistake to have bought anything else. It transformed my car. I'd like to have perhaps tested other tyres. Its nevertheless comforting not to be regretting my tyre choice. Bad tyre choice is more expensive than buying the right tyres in the first place. Each to their own, just be careful.
Not entirely sure about the exact tyre sizes on the Exige but the the Yokohama's seem to to present the usual issue in that the sizes for the front are not easily available (if keeping the 185 width standard).
I can get Yoko AD08R's for the rear no problem but they do not cater for front tyre width which still raises the question what on the fronts ?
I can get Yoko AD08R's for the rear no problem but they do not cater for front tyre width which still raises the question what on the fronts ?
simpo555 said:
I too pondered over tyre selection for my Exige. Finally went for Yoko's after much deliberating. I think it would have been a big mistake to have bought anything else. It transformed my car. I'd like to have perhaps tested other tyres. Its nevertheless comforting not to be regretting my tyre choice. Bad tyre choice is more expensive than buying the right tyres in the first place. Each to their own, just be careful.
Eos, if you really are after an all weather standard road tyre that fits on standard Elise rims the the Falken 912's come in standard Exige sizes and they work fine, but if you want a summer grippy but not super track tire then its a bit more tricky. I would much rather run the Falkens in wet and cold conditions than the AD07s I had before. The only problem is that on a hot day, if you are working them hard, they can become a little squirmy. I live in Northern New Zealand and the roads become burning hot in summer.
exactly which sizes did you go for? Do you run standard ride heights?
The options seem to be AD08r or Toyo R1R in sizes
205/45R16 (10mm diameter smaller than standard) with 225/45/R17(standard) or 235/40/R17(10mm diameter smaller than standard)
or
205/50R16 with 235/45/R17's (10mm diameter bigger front and back)
And this does not even consider their rated load value.
I've now got a headache
need to go and find a beer.
simpo555 said:
I too pondered over tyre selection for my Exige. Finally went for Yoko's after much deliberating.
Hey Simpo, I'm getting some 240R wheels and I've spent far to much time thinking about this.exactly which sizes did you go for? Do you run standard ride heights?
The options seem to be AD08r or Toyo R1R in sizes
205/45R16 (10mm diameter smaller than standard) with 225/45/R17(standard) or 235/40/R17(10mm diameter smaller than standard)
or
205/50R16 with 235/45/R17's (10mm diameter bigger front and back)
And this does not even consider their rated load value.
I've now got a headache
need to go and find a beer.I ran SP9000's on my S2 years ago
185/50 R16 front and 225/45 R17 rear.
Superb in the wet and progressive in the dry. Criticisms would be they'd squeal on very hot days when cornering hard.
They lasted 25,000 on the rear and the fronts had 4mm left at this time.
I'd recommend them for a year round daily driver. Mines just a low miles fair weather weekend toy now so I'm on Yoko AD07's.
185/50 R16 front and 225/45 R17 rear.
Superb in the wet and progressive in the dry. Criticisms would be they'd squeal on very hot days when cornering hard.
They lasted 25,000 on the rear and the fronts had 4mm left at this time.
I'd recommend them for a year round daily driver. Mines just a low miles fair weather weekend toy now so I'm on Yoko AD07's.
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