Tyre help - no RE001s!

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

My 1998 MX5 (205/45/16) is currently fitted with some mismatched Chinese crap, and things have to change.

This forum seems in love with the RE001 - but I can't find a supplier (Canberra). Apparently the RE001 is on back-order from the factory until the end of September(!?!).

My local tyre shop (Kmart Tyre and Auto Manuka) thinks the options are the Dunlop SP Maxx and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS DR. Both $220 a corner.

I'm keen to try some basic track driving and I'm not too concerned about road noise.

I can't find much in the way of reviews which is helpful. Do you have any thoughts? Should I keep looking for the RE001?

Thanks in advance.

[BadBong]

I do find them to be an excellent tyre - road and track. Low noise and good grip in the wet and dry. Personally, I'd wait for the RE001's.

I heard they had mixed reviews about their wet performance though... (no contest in the dry for that price range and durability)

[simon_mx5]

HI There,

There becomming discontinued and replaced with the RE002's.

I had dramas trying to find them in stock aswell

You can try - 98 Maryborough St, Fyshwick Australian Capital Territory - (02) 6280 5454 if that helps.
I believe you get $5 off a tyre if your a NRMA member.

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

Thanks for your prompt replies!

Jax quickfit think that it can get the RE002. Is the RE002 similar to the RE001?

[deviant]

No 45 profile listed on the Bridgestone website though.

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

No 45 profile listed on the Bridgestone website though.

This is a very good point. Jax hasn't phoned back yet. Perhaps it has realised the problem.

Does anyone have views on the Dunlop SP Maxx or the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS DR?

[jerrah]

RE002 is supposed to be an upgrade on the RE001.

I've done 20,000km on the RE001 and many many track events on my 195/50/15 and they've surprised me with their performance. They cope fine in the wet. I found them very pressure sensitive. i.e. around 30psi they were all over the shop in the wet but at 36 they were excellent wet or dry.

If you get the RE002's I'm interested to see how you go.

[jerrah]

My 1998 MX5 (205/45/16)
I'm keen to try some basic track driving and I'm not too concerned about road noise.

How about the Kumho KU36 in 215/45/16. It's only 1.5% off your current tyre size and only $144 per tyre from Option1 in Brisbane.


http://www.option1garage.com.au/NewTyres.htm
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+XS

I found the 16" rims quite difficult to get tyres for in 205/45/16 and ended up with 15" rims.

[Guran]

KU36 would be an excellent choice for you. Cheap and decent grip on the track. They are also eligible for the standard classes at MX-5 Club of NSW trackdays, if that's a consideration. However those 16" rims might not be.

For the record, I just phoned my local Bridgestone Select and they still have plentiful stock of RE001s in 185/60R14. RE002s don't come in this size (yet).

[de Bounce]

Latest info I was told is that the 205/45x16 RE002's wont be available in Australia until early October 2011

I do find them to be an excellent tyre - road and track. Low noise and good grip in the wet and dry. Personally, I'd wait for the RE001's.

I heard they had mixed reviews about their wet performance though... (no contest in the dry for that price range and durability)

Reason for the conflicting reports was dependant on where the tyres were manufactured.
Australian version (no longer available) were not good in the wet.
Japanese version were good in the wet

Could try the Toyo R1R which are softer than the RE001's with slightly better performance both wet and dry.
Don't expect them to last beyond 15K

[jerrah]

Australian version (no longer available) were not good in the wet.
Japanese version were good in the wet

I keep hearing this but I've always had Australian RE001's without issue. A friend (same model MX5 - same sized tyres) has the Japanese version and I'm unable to detect any noticeable difference in wet and dry performance between the tyres.

[Jeo]

Australian version (no longer available) were not good in the wet.
Japanese version were good in the wet

I keep hearing this but I've always had Australian RE001's without issue.

Ditto. I've got Australian RE001's and they are easily the best wet performance street tyre I've had.

I'm surprised the dealers you've spoken with didn't suggest the RE002.

[Entice]

i think the wet issue was with teh Thailand made Re001's.

BTW re002's are all coming from there I hear...

[manga_blue]

Beware of Goodyear Eagle F1 GSs. The good reviews are for German made ones sold in Europe and USA. The ones we get are more often made in Thailand. Unlike Bridgestones, where there was a small difference between sources, the difference between German and other Goodyears is absolutely huge. I had Thai Eagles which were unsafe at any speed.

Kumho KU36 are a much better choice.

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

Beware of Goodyear Eagle F1 GSs. The good reviews are for German made ones sold in Europe and USA. The ones we get are more often made in Thailand. Unlike Bridgestones, where there was a small difference between sources, the difference between German and other Goodyears is absolutely huge. I had Thai Eagles which were unsafe at any speed.

Kumho KU36 are a much better choice.

Thankyou, this information is really useful.