S2000: new OEM tyre vs. newer tyre
Discussion
Hi all, I'd like to tap the collective Pistonheads brain on this one. Any and all thoughts welcome!
I'm set to replace all 4 tyres on my unmodified 2009 Honda S2000. The tyres on the S2000 are model-specific Bridgestone Potenza RE050s.
My question is as follows: do I go for a new set of the OEM tyre OR a set of something else entirely?
On the one hand:
The Potenza was developed for/with the S2000. Handling characteristics were honed and finalised on this tyre. The OE Potenza is actually quite different from the normal "high-street" RE050, with a much sharper tread/sidewall angle and a very different tread pattern. Being an OE tyre in (relatively) little demand, this tyre comes at a premium, although this is a secondary concern.
On the other hand:
The OE Potenza was designed 10 years ago now - released with the 17" wheel on the facelifted S2000 in 2005. There have been huge strides in the industry regarding compound composition and tread design in the interim. Would a different tyre (e.g. the EVO tyre test winning Conti SportContact5) potentially offer a big leap in all-round performance on the car? I'm worried that a non-OE tyre will disturb the handling balance of the car and be something other than "as the factory intended".
What would the S2000's tyre engineer say today? "No, we developed a tyre for the car, use it"...or..."tyre tech has come a long way in a decade, go for the best, most modern tyre you can"
I'm set to replace all 4 tyres on my unmodified 2009 Honda S2000. The tyres on the S2000 are model-specific Bridgestone Potenza RE050s.
My question is as follows: do I go for a new set of the OEM tyre OR a set of something else entirely?
On the one hand:
The Potenza was developed for/with the S2000. Handling characteristics were honed and finalised on this tyre. The OE Potenza is actually quite different from the normal "high-street" RE050, with a much sharper tread/sidewall angle and a very different tread pattern. Being an OE tyre in (relatively) little demand, this tyre comes at a premium, although this is a secondary concern.
On the other hand:
The OE Potenza was designed 10 years ago now - released with the 17" wheel on the facelifted S2000 in 2005. There have been huge strides in the industry regarding compound composition and tread design in the interim. Would a different tyre (e.g. the EVO tyre test winning Conti SportContact5) potentially offer a big leap in all-round performance on the car? I'm worried that a non-OE tyre will disturb the handling balance of the car and be something other than "as the factory intended".
What would the S2000's tyre engineer say today? "No, we developed a tyre for the car, use it"...or..."tyre tech has come a long way in a decade, go for the best, most modern tyre you can"
johnS2000 said:
Well I have an 09 as well and when I got to the change all 4 tyres stage went for Goodyear assymetric 2's as the ride is a bit more complient (softer) but there again I'm old .
The very best option (so I'm told) is Yokohama A08's but a tad expensive .
I too drive in a spirited fashion but always, always get stuck behind someone .
I am indeed familiar with that problem!The very best option (so I'm told) is Yokohama A08's but a tad expensive .
I too drive in a spirited fashion but always, always get stuck behind someone .
Thanks, any idea why the Yokohama in particular? Is that in general or on the S2000?
I guess my question is not really "which tyre?" but whether sticking with the OE tyre is of any benefit considering its design age. It feels "right" to stay with it since that is the tyre the car left the factory with and I'm a stickler for originality...but I can't ignore a useful increase in grip/safety/wet weather performance just for the sake of staying OE.
If the consensus is that modern rubber is definitely better then which specific tyre to choose would be step two.
Thanks for all the input chaps - a lot of good thinking here!
Didn't get a chance to call my tyre guy today for options/availability/prices - would potentially make the situation clearer.
Sounds like OE RE050s might have some distinct, but not necessarily welcome, characteristics. I've been happy with their performance in general and, if no other options existed, would be happy to re-purchase a set.
Keep sending your thoughts guys! You've been a real help so far
)
Didn't get a chance to call my tyre guy today for options/availability/prices - would potentially make the situation clearer.
Sounds like OE RE050s might have some distinct, but not necessarily welcome, characteristics. I've been happy with their performance in general and, if no other options existed, would be happy to re-purchase a set.
Keep sending your thoughts guys! You've been a real help so far
)Lots of love for the Goodyear Assymetrics here it seems. Stiff sidewalls/higher load rating seem to be a desirable trait too.
I got contact details today for my local Bridgestone sales rep, so I'll try sound him out on this issue. Still need to get hold of my tyre guy too.
Will update as and when Thanks everyone!
I got contact details today for my local Bridgestone sales rep, so I'll try sound him out on this issue. Still need to get hold of my tyre guy too.
Will update as and when
Thanks everyone!Update:
Had a proper look at my front tyres yesterday and decided that this matter has become an emergency! We're still in the tail-end of the rainy season here and I'd prefer not to court any inurance controversy should the worst happen.
There is no stock of the MZ RE050 in this country, Bridgestone don't seem willing to source it. Honda would order them on my behalf from Japan but at GBP550 per tyre! Needless to
say, I declined their offer.
It's important to me to retain correct load ratings and that the front and rear tyres are matched. Not many tyres can provide that OE tyre combination, so the list seems quite short:
- Continental SportContact5
- Bridgestone S-001 (apparently replacement for RE050)
Similar pricing. The Contis won the EVO tyre group test last year, whilst the Bridgestone came last! (the margin wasn't great though...)
Thoughts welcome!
Had a proper look at my front tyres yesterday and decided that this matter has become an emergency!
We're still in the tail-end of the rainy season here and I'd prefer not to court any inurance controversy should the worst happen.There is no stock of the MZ RE050 in this country, Bridgestone don't seem willing to source it. Honda would order them on my behalf from Japan but at GBP550 per tyre! Needless to
say, I declined their offer.
It's important to me to retain correct load ratings and that the front and rear tyres are matched. Not many tyres can provide that OE tyre combination, so the list seems quite short:
- Continental SportContact5
- Bridgestone S-001 (apparently replacement for RE050)
Similar pricing. The Contis won the EVO tyre group test last year, whilst the Bridgestone came last! (the margin wasn't great though...)
Thoughts welcome!
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