Falken FK 452 Tyres. Good buy?

[Jez-]

bigdods said:

Jez- said:

Thinking about purchasing a set of these based on these reviews, at £580 (mytyres, 2*275/35/19,2*245/40/19) they come in at almost half the price of a set of RE050's as i currently have fitted.

Total for all 4 Falken FK452 tyres £496.20 inc shipping from camskill. That doesnt include fitting, do mytyres include that in the price ? could explain the difference.

Cant say wear rates seem worse than any other tyre. The 452's on the rear of my omega (rear wheel drive) are down to 4mm after about 18k motorway/A road miles which is about the same as I had from the Falken 512s before and the Michelins before them. Should get 25k out of them before replacing. Fronts have about 5mm left (same mileage obviously!) but are being replaced next week due to my knackered geometry eating the inside of the tyres.

They also seem to be wearing at least as well as the previous bridgestones on the Golf and TVR but thats a subjective view, I'm not sure how many miles I've covered since they were fitted.

That was ex fitting, looks like i will have to ignore mytyres then. I will do the usual of trying to get a local place to price match but that camskill price looks hard to beat. Less than £500 for a whole set of tyres is absolutely stonking value, and those wear rates look to be spot on (although my car will probably be slightly heavier on tyres than yours).

[LocoBlade]

If you're in the Surrey/Hants/Berks vicinity try Bracknell Tyre and Battery, they were only about a fiver per tyre more expensive than Camskill and thats obviously a fitted price. The only reason I didnt go there was they couldnt get stock for a few days so I went to Micheldever instead who had them in stock and did a price-match.

[teabagger]

i have just recently worn a set out over two years. not too high a mileage out of them but i got 3 nurburgring trips (about 45 laps), cadwell and a donnington trackday and abit of a,b road and motorway driving.

they proved to wear very slowly and evenly

[Jez-]

LocoBlade said:

If you're in the Surrey/Hants/Berks vicinity try Bracknell Tyre and Battery, they were only about a fiver per tyre more expensive than Camskill and thats obviously a fitted price. The only reason I didnt go there was they couldnt get stock for a few days so I went to Micheldever instead who had them in stock and did a price-match.

Cool will do, i am henley-on-thames

[MGJohn]

Jez- said:

Thinking about purchasing a set of these based on these reviews, at £580 (mytyres, 2*275/35/19,2*245/40/19) they come in at almost half the price of a set of RE050's as i currently have fitted.

The one thing which no-one seems to have commented on though, which is important to me, is the wear rates of these. Has anyone actually wore a set out yet?

Fitted a pair of 205/45/ZR17 Falkens to my wife's MGZS only yesterday. My son has them fitted to his Rover Metro track plaything ( 1.8 k-series ) and his Rover 620ti and is obviously a fan of this brand as are some of his motor mad friends.

Over the past few years, have fitted FALKENS to both my Rover 620ti and MG Montego turbos.

WEAR RATES:

Compared to higher premium tyres such as Michelin Primacy/Goodyears/Bridgestones fitted as original equipment to my cars, they tend to lose adhesion on front wheel drive cars rather quicker in slippery conditions than those other tyres. Nothing serious, but noticeable in greasy conditions. In dry conditions, they behave much the same as premium brands but do wear more rapidly than the premium brands when subjected to the same level of use. I do not think the tread depths on the new tyres is as deep as the premium brands ~ have not actually measured it so that observation could be an illusion.

Even so, as they cost only around 60% of those premium brand equivalents, there is still a saving overall but, it is not as great as one might at first believe when you check on wear rates over a longer period.

Last year I bought a set of four 225/45/17s for my 620ti ~ discounted and delivered to my door from a well known internet supplier ~ direct from Germany within 48 hours. I had them fitted to a set of spare 17" rims and bunged the local speedy fitters a few quid to fit and balance them with new valves which they were able to do during a quiet period.

Another new set of four and the pair I bought for the MG ZS yesterday I did not get via the internet as before ~ there was no real saving ~ the price to supply and fit by my local FALKEN supplier, [ PROTYRE ] was about the same as the internet prices BEFORE fitting. I did ask if they could improve on their initial quote which they were able to do when I mentioned internet prices.

Always shop around if you want to save a few quid.... i have never paid full list for my new cars # no point.

[Mr Whippy]

Hmmm, tis swings and roundabouts.

Buy new cheaper tyres more often, and have more protection from punctures costing too much, but pay a fitting cost premium as you swap more often, or buy more expensive ones less often, saving on fitting costs, but potentially being more upset when they fail/puncture.

I'm currently pondering FK452's or Goodyear Asymmetrics for my Z4. Can't really decide, but I've seen the Asymmetrics are very good on wear rate, and they are not THAT much more, so in the event of puncture I won't be too upset.

Hmmm

Dave

[Apache]

Replaced the Marshalls (ok but crap in the wet) on the B3 with the Falken 452s. 255/40 x 17 for £97 ea fitted will report on findings

Edited by Apache on Wednesday 28th January 11:26

[monthefish]

BigLepton said:

Apache said:

They seem to have been superceded by the 912....anyone got any experience of them?

FK452 is still Falkens top tyre, the 912 has been introduced as a less performance orientated tyre for MPV's and family saloons.

912 replaces the 512.

MYTRES Website said:

Introducing Falken's newest and most technically advanced all-season performance tyre! Designed to replace and outperform, its predecessor (ZE-512). The ZE-912 improves upon the ZE-512's already great qualities to make an even better performing and riding tyre.

Anyone used the 912 yet?

[jon-]

monthefish said:

BigLepton said:

Apache said:

They seem to have been superceded by the 912....anyone got any experience of them?

FK452 is still Falkens top tyre, the 912 has been introduced as a less performance orientated tyre for MPV's and family saloons.

912 replaces the 512.

MYTRES Website said:

Introducing Falken's newest and most technically advanced all-season performance tyre! Designed to replace and outperform, its predecessor (ZE-512). The ZE-912 improves upon the ZE-512's already great qualities to make an even better performing and riding tyre.

Anyone used the 912 yet?

They're meant to be a fairly good step better than the 512's, where are regarded as pretty average. Some reviews here if you want to read more: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/ZE912.htm

[monthefish]

jon- said:

monthefish said:

BigLepton said:

Apache said:

They seem to have been superceded by the 912....anyone got any experience of them?

FK452 is still Falkens top tyre, the 912 has been introduced as a less performance orientated tyre for MPV's and family saloons.

912 replaces the 512.

MYTRES Website said:

Introducing Falken's newest and most technically advanced all-season performance tyre! Designed to replace and outperform, its predecessor (ZE-512). The ZE-912 improves upon the ZE-512's already great qualities to make an even better performing and riding tyre.

Anyone used the 912 yet?

They're meant to be a fairly good step better than the 512's, where are regarded as pretty average. Some reviews here if you want to read more: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/ZE912.htm

Thanks Jon - I'd had a look at that site already (and have now bought 2 as a result!!)

Just wondered if anyone on here had had any experience with them...

[rsstman]

MGJohn said:

Jez- said:

Thinking about purchasing a set of these based on these reviews, at £580 (mytyres, 2*275/35/19,2*245/40/19) they come in at almost half the price of a set of RE050's as i currently have fitted.

The one thing which no-one seems to have commented on though, which is important to me, is the wear rates of these. Has anyone actually wore a set out yet?

Fitted a pair of 205/45/ZR17 Falkens to my wife's MGZS only yesterday. My son has them fitted to his Rover Metro track plaything ( 1.8 k-series ) and his Rover 620ti and is obviously a fan of this brand as are some of his motor mad friends.

Over the past few years, have fitted FALKENS to both my Rover 620ti and MG Montego turbos.

WEAR RATES:

Compared to higher premium tyres such as Michelin Primacy/Goodyears/Bridgestones fitted as original equipment to my cars, they tend to lose adhesion on front wheel drive cars rather quicker in slippery conditions than those other tyres. Nothing serious, but noticeable in greasy conditions. In dry conditions, they behave much the same as premium brands but do wear more rapidly than the premium brands when subjected to the same level of use. I do not think the tread depths on the new tyres is as deep as the premium brands ~ have not actually measured it so that observation could be an illusion.

Even so, as they cost only around 60% of those premium brand equivalents, there is still a saving overall but, it is not as great as one might at first believe when you check on wear rates over a longer period.

Last year I bought a set of four 225/45/17s for my 620ti ~ discounted and delivered to my door from a well known internet supplier ~ direct from Germany within 48 hours. I had them fitted to a set of spare 17" rims and bunged the local speedy fitters a few quid to fit and balance them with new valves which they were able to do during a quiet period.

Another new set of four and the pair I bought for the MG ZS yesterday I did not get via the internet as before ~ there was no real saving ~ the price to supply and fit by my local FALKEN supplier, [ PROTYRE ] was about the same as the internet prices BEFORE fitting. I did ask if they could improve on their initial quote which they were able to do when I mentioned internet prices.

Always shop around if you want to save a few quid.... i have never paid full list for my new cars # no point.

aah protyre in slough. always willing to match or beat a price, shame they always try to hard sell tracking too though.

[LocoBlade]

Mr Whippy said:

I'm currently pondering FK452's or Goodyear Asymmetrics for my Z4. Can't really decide, but I've seen the Asymmetrics are very good on wear rate, and they are not THAT much more, so in the event of puncture I won't be too upset.

Hmmm

Dave

I replaced a set of Eagle GSD3s on my Leon Cupra with FK452s and the Falkens definitely wear better. A friend of mine also has Eagle Asymmetricals on his 130i BMW, and although he raves about the grip, it doesn't look like they're going to last much more than 10-12k miles on the rear, so I wouldnt necessarily rely too much on higher priced tyres lasting any longer.

Edited by LocoBlade on Wednesday 28th January 12:51

[jon-]

LocoBlade said:

Mr Whippy said:

I'm currently pondering FK452's or Goodyear Asymmetrics for my Z4. Can't really decide, but I've seen the Asymmetrics are very good on wear rate, and they are not THAT much more, so in the event of puncture I won't be too upset.

Hmmm

Dave

I replaced a set of Eagle GSD3s on my Leon Cupra with FK452s and the Falkens definitely wear better. A friend of mine also has Eagle Asymmetricals on his 130i BMW, and although he raves about the grip, it doesn't look like they're going to last much more than 10-12k miles on the rear, so I wouldnt necessarily rely too much on higher priced tyres lasting any longer.

Edited by LocoBlade on Wednesday 28th January 12:51

The Eagle F1 will be more consistent throughout the life of the tyre, especially lower tread wet weather performance. That's where the extra value lies compared to the initial purchase price.

[LocoBlade]

Yeh possibly (although from experience I'm not personally convinced that part worn performance is any worse), but Dave was weighing Asymmetricals up on the assumption they'd do more miles which may or may not be an accurate assumption to make.

Edited by LocoBlade on Wednesday 28th January 13:08

[jon-]

LocoBlade said:

Yeh possibly (although from experience I'm not personally convinced that part worn performance is any worse)

How far into your FK452's are you? I found around half tread life they starting to drop off, especially in the cold/wet.

[LocoBlade]

I can't remember to be perfectly honest. I do around 12k a year and they were fitted early last spring IIRC so they've done about 8-10k, but TBH they have a good amount of life left still, so I'll accept they could deteriorate more when they get within a couple of mm of the wear indicators.

Edited by LocoBlade on Wednesday 28th January 13:55

[MGJohn]

rsstman said:

MGJohn said:

Another new set of four and the pair I bought for the MG ZS yesterday I did not get via the internet as before ~ there was no real saving ~ the price to supply and fit by my local FALKEN supplier, [ [b] PROTYRE [/b ] was about the same as the internet prices BEFORE fitting. I did ask if they could improve on their initial quote which they were able to do when I mentioned internet prices.

Always shop around if you want to save a few quid.... i have never paid full list for my new cars # no point.

aah protyre in slough. always willing to match or beat a price, shame they always try to hard sell tracking too though.

Actually PROTYRE in Bristol Road, Goucester who appear to be a friendly and helpful bunch. No hard sell tracking there. Competitive with some brands but, when I asked for Michelin Primacy for my MG, they could not or did not want to compete which is a shame..... those Primacy Pilot tyres I liked on that nicely handling car and lasted twice as long [ mileage ] as the less expensive FALKENs, always performed well particularly in adverse conditions ( wet greasy or icy roads ) but, were/are twice the cost.

Same old story ... you pays yer money ...etc.
.

[steebo888]

Getting rears done tomorrow on golf gt tdi 150. will report back on results

[Jaguar steve]

monthefish said:

jon- said:

monthefish said:

BigLepton said:

Apache said:

They seem to have been superceded by the 912....anyone got any experience of them?

FK452 is still Falkens top tyre, the 912 has been introduced as a less performance orientated tyre for MPV's and family saloons.

912 replaces the 512.

MYTRES Website said:

Introducing Falken's newest and most technically advanced all-season performance tyre! Designed to replace and outperform, its predecessor (ZE-512). The ZE-912 improves upon the ZE-512's already great qualities to make an even better performing and riding tyre.

Anyone used the 912 yet?

They're meant to be a fairly good step better than the 512's, where are regarded as pretty average. Some reviews here if you want to read more: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/ZE912.htm

Thanks Jon - I'd had a look at that site already (and have now bought 2 as a result!!)

Just wondered if anyone on here had had any experience with them...

Just ordered Falken 912's for the barge from Camskill. 4 x 225/60/16W £265 inc delivery. A bargain. Thanks for all replies and feedback - I'll post again once they are fitted.

[monthefish]

Jaguar steve said:

monthefish said:

jon- said:

monthefish said:

BigLepton said:

Apache said:

They seem to have been superceded by the 912....anyone got any experience of them?

FK452 is still Falkens top tyre, the 912 has been introduced as a less performance orientated tyre for MPV's and family saloons.

912 replaces the 512.

MYTRES Website said:

Introducing Falken's newest and most technically advanced all-season performance tyre! Designed to replace and outperform, its predecessor (ZE-512). The ZE-912 improves upon the ZE-512's already great qualities to make an even better performing and riding tyre.

Anyone used the 912 yet?

They're meant to be a fairly good step better than the 512's, where are regarded as pretty average. Some reviews here if you want to read more: http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Falken/ZE912.htm

Thanks Jon - I'd had a look at that site already (and have now bought 2 as a result!!)

Just wondered if anyone on here had had any experience with them...

Just ordered Falken 912's for the barge from Camskill. 4 x 225/60/16W £265 inc delivery. A bargain. Thanks for all replies and feedback - I'll post again once they are fitted.

Had some fitted to the rears of an AWD 3.0 X-Type on Monday. Not driven it yet though....