Kumho KU31 tyres

[SteveW8975]

Anybody got much experience or opinion on these round rings?

I know Kumho does not have the same presence/image as say Pirelli or Goodyear, but they are being fitted as OE on some high spec Mercs. I've seen a set of ZR 17" at a very good price that would fit a spare set of alloys I have for the TVR - I'm not into hardcore driving or trackdays, but still wondering what they may be like on a tail happy motor.

Cheers for any input.

[nutsytvr]

My pal owns a tyre fitting company, and looks after my cars. He is Kumho agent, and takes me on the freebies ( Autosport International etc), but no way will he stick a Kumho on my Chimp. He does hillclimbs and other msport, so knows what he is talking about.

Nutsytvr

[Hoover.]

I'm running Kumho's albeit they are Kumho V70A Ectsa.... (medium coumpound front, hard compound rear).

I have nothing but praise for them.... so much better then my previous Toyo's. They are however marketed as a trackday tyre, but I've used in heavy rain and shine . I don't think I would use them in very cold weather though as there is the issue of grip/tyre warmth.

[Pupp]

KU31s on my Laguna 2.2 work shed here. Gets ragged pretty hard and they've been absolutely fine. I'd have no hesitation sticking them on my Chimp if they had the fitments and the price warranted it.

[TT Tim]

nutsytvr said:

My pal owns a tyre fitting company, and looks after my cars. He is Kumho agent, and takes me on the freebies ( Autosport International etc), but no way will he stick a Kumho on my Chimp. He does hillclimbs and other msport, so knows what he is talking about.

Nutsytvr

Now that's interesting, the 2007 TVR Speed Championship was won by Simon Cole in his Wedge with a 'perfect season' i.e. 200/200 points.

And, guess what, he was running Kumhos, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely.

Tim

[Billy_rfc]

I run this tyre on the front of one of my cars and they are shocking in the wet! I've switched back to toyo for the rear and am now in the process of ripping crap out the front ones so I can bin them!

[Chris71]

I know this has limited relevance to a TVR, but I've got KU31s on my daily shed (Focus) and so far I'm rather dissapointed. I'mtold they may improve after a few more miles, but currently I'd say - very good in the wet (excellent aquaplaning resistance), mediocre grip levels in the dry, too much sidewall deflection and distinctly poor steering feedback.

Other peoples' experiences do seem to be more positive on the whole (hence the fact I bought them) and it is a very different car, but seems you asked...

Coincidentally I've got Bridgestones on my tiv and they handle superbly and grip well in all conditions. Do seem to wear quite rapidly though.

[SteveW8975]

Pupp said:

KU31s on my Laguna 2.2 work shed here. Gets ragged pretty hard and they've been absolutely fine. I'd have no hesitation sticking them on my Chimp if they had the fitments and the price warranted it.

A friend in the trade can supply a pair for under £120, which is why I'm asking. As above, I'm not going to be trackday racing them, and the car is a weekend toy only, so I'm not keen on spending huge sums if I am not going to make the most of their ability.

I have a pair of Continentals on the rear at the moment on the the standard 16" rims, and they were just shy of £200 for the pair fitted, so the £120 + fitting for 17" is hard to dismiss completely.

[adavy]

get a quote for falken 452's

[Billy_rfc]

How many horses you putting through the rear tyres and you want budget tyres!

[Pupp]

Billy_rfc said:

How many horses you putting through the rear tyres and you want budget tyres!

How many horses does the average Ultima make? Many of them run Kumhos quite happily

[rigga]

adavy said:

get a quote for falken 452's

This is where i would be going..... and will be this week,camskill will do 2x 215/40/17 and 2x 245/40/17 for £261 delivered..... excellent value i think.

[jilap]

My the second hand E320 Mercedes I bought had Kumho Ecsta Sport tyres on it when I bought it. Previously I always used to stick to Tier 1 brands. But I have to admit the Kumhos are great. I cannot fault them at all on noise, handler, wear or price.

[Pesty]

I have used Khumo before not bad not good was my imprssion.

My favourite Budget tyre at the moment is the Federal SS595.

Absolutely fantastic on the mondeo ST not tried them on anything hot yet.

[BLUETHUNDER]

Just fitted Kumho,s to the Cerb.They have been good tyres so far.

[magpies]

I do think it is down to the actual tyre model and not just the manufacturer as most manufacturers do a decent tyre as well as those with more miles / less grip

[Billy_rfc]

magpies said:

I do think it is down to the actual tyre model and not just the manufacturer as most manufacturers do a decent tyre as well as those with more miles / less grip

Yip the KU31 is crap!