Run flats or not?

[andysteele]

I've got a cooper s, first gen, convertible... And its due some new tyres. Currently its got a mixed bag of Dunlop and Hancook run flats.

Obviously there's is no spare (battery under boot floor), just like my other motors (Ford SMax that eats tyres in pot holes, the AA love us, and a Caterham with a can of tyre weld that I'd probably not use in the case of a puncture!).

So is not worth sticking with run flats on the Mini or not?

Andy

[mike9009]

Hi, I go against the grain a little when it comes to runflats. I have owned MINIs since 2002 and been through quite a few tire combinations over the years.

My preference now is to use runflats. The non-runflats gave what felt like superior grip and were more comfortable. However I felt they numbed the steering feel and darty characteristic of the MINI.

It is about personal preference and I prefer what the factory intended.

Mike

[curlyks2]

As Mike says, personal preference will be the decider in the end. I changed to non-runflats (Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's all round) at the last change and prefer them, and they are gripper, more comfortable and quieter, but also a smidge less "pointy". Whatever you choose, you can always change back next time.

[andysteele]

I'm 2 years into ownership, doing 5k miles a year. Don't think i'll experience another change in tyres. Might stick with run flats and keep pointyness....

[Miglia 888]

You can have superb pointiness & far more grip, without the horrible weight, ride & tramlining from the runflats, with decent tyres such as the Yokohama AD08R or Toyo R1R, for a similar / lower cost than runflats.

Both are great all round track & road tyres having significantly more grip than regular tyres, with the AD08R slightly bettering the R1R in the soaking wet, ime.

Having used the Toyo R1R and Yokohama AD08R extensively on my Cooper SD convertible on road & track in everything from hot & dry to soaking wet & cold conditions, the Yokos are now my tyre of choice for an all year round, all weather / all purpose road / track use tyre, and they cope superbly with anything the great British weather throws at you.

Normally, I switch back to "A" wet-rated Michelins over the winter months, but this winter, I've stayed on the "B" wet-rated Yokohama AD08R, and they are performing really well in cold & wet soaking conditions. HTH.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Yokohama/ADVAN-N...
https://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres/yokohama/ad...

[andysteele]

i used to run AD07's on my Elise, hadnt even thought of going that way for the Mini and its my daily, i just want tyres.... will check the AD08's out....

[dubbs]

I'll need some new boots on the R53 I've just bought so read this with interest.

I've heard good things about Kumho's (039s or something?!) - anyone else rate them?

[Leins]

I put SuperSports on mine, and wouldn't go back to RFTs

[CarsOrBikes]

Federal RSR595's for me, 215/45r17w careful in the wet, ace in the dry, and so much more comfortable, but that's just me.

[Brompty]

dubbs said:

I'll need some new boots on the R53 I've just bought so read this with interest.

I've heard good things about Kumho's (039s or something?!) - anyone else rate them?

Do not waste any more time tyre searching or spend more money - go and get the Kumho's Ecsta Le Sport from Black Circles. I had these fitted today. All the comments above about losing feel when the run flats are ditched are nonsense in my opinion. I had Pirelli run flat all round - so good quality tyres as run-flats go. These tyres were awful: the car tram-lined, pulled to the right on acceleration and the ride was just dreadful. I changed the tyres this afternoon and the car is transformed. Smoother, quicker and no pulling or falling off road cambers. I am sure the car would be even better with even more expensive non-run flats, but I could not justify the expense (especially when these are so good at £70 a corner fully fitted). And Black Circles were great too.