Anyone here running Falken FK-451? Or Kuhmo?

[jbripps]

Hi there,

Need to get new tires for new wheels. 7 and 9's x 16 Fuchs. I'm very excited. Anyhow, I've been searching for new tires, right now I have Toyo Proxys FZ4's which are pretty good, but I want a bit more stick.

Anyhow, I've researched Pilots, s-03's and 750's from Bridgestone. I am now looking into Kuhmo and Falken too, not just because they are less expensive, but they seem to be fantastic too. It seems that the FK-451 would be the Falken's best Ultra tire, but if I were to go Kuhmo, which is the best? I'm looking for mainly dry tire, with good wet traction too.

Any advice and input appreciated.

thanks and regards,

[TigerTrash]

I run the Kuhmo Ecsta V-712, Very inexpensive and great grip. The also have an agressive look to them. For the best tire research go to Tirerack.com. There is alot of good information there including sizing information.

[jdowty3]

I can second the Kuhmo Ecsta 712's

[kslizzy]

I have and like both tires. I've got the 451's on my WRX and like them, grippy, fairly quite (for 40 series), and aggressive and seem to be decent wearing. I just got a set of the 712's for my Corrado. I seem to be impressed with them also, although I don't have many miles on them yet, but for the price seem to be a great tire.

[aseem]

I run the Falken tires on by 930. I have 225/50x16 and 245/45x16. I'm very happy with these tires so far. Got them last year, and have had three trackdays with PCN on them so far. They handle nicely and predictable on the track, at least in our 70-80 degree temps. They don't "melt" like the Dunlops I had. The Falken is dirt cheap compared to e.g. Bridgestones, and I figured I could buy two sets of Falkens for one set of S03. They are good and predictable in rain, even after one season of use.
I'm happy with the Falkens for combined street and track use.

[911ctS]

I will third the Kumho 712's. Good tire all around, even for DE's. I just tried the Yokohama ES 100's and thought they were great for the street, but when it came to doing laps around Streets of Willow in 100 degree heat they began to melt and get very loose (Where the Kumho's held up fine).

[brcorp]

I had the 712's on another car, they were OK, not great just OK. I have the 451's on the PCar 205x55x16 on 7's and 225x50x16 on 8's, I'm very happy with these. Excellent grip and very predictable.

[jbripps]

Thanks all,

I'm leaning toward the RE750's at this point. I will want a tire that will be decent in the colder temperatures as I do take the car out in the winter when it's "nice" out. Also, if I do get into the rainy weather, I'll want something semi-good in the wet. For the track, they are suppose to be pretty good too. Tirerack has advised me that there is not THAT much difference between the 750's and s-03's. What do you think?

Geez, this tire decision making process is absolutely ridiculous. It's my understanding that the Falken's need replacing after 10K miles, Kuhmo too, is this true based upon your experiences?

[brcorp]

I've put less than 1000 miles on my 451's, they still look new though. The 712's lasted well over 20000. I'm not a big fan of Bridgestone(Firestone), for the money I'd go with the 451's, you won't be sorry.

[jbripps]

OK,

Now I'm split. Falkens seem very attractive too. They should make that "decision, decisions, decisions" poster with tires in addition to exotic sports cars.

regards and keep the input coming.

[vash]

when i was shopping for tires, the dealer was really pushing the falkens over the kumhos. but to be honest, at my level of driving i probably couldnt even tell the diff.

[fred cook]

I put a set of Falken 451s on my 1980 SC about 18 months ago. Since then I have put approximately 16-17,000 miles on the tires. The thing that impressed me the most is the wet weather traction and handling. Also, at the above mentioned mileage, the rears are about 1/2 worn and the fronts are only about 1/4 worn. At this rate, I should get about 30,000 miles out of the rear tires and 40-50,000 on the fronts. The sizes, by the way, are 205-55-16 fronts and 225-50-16 rears. These tires were easy to balance, run fairly quietly and when mounted on the wheels extend slightly so that a curb will scuff the tire before it can damage the wheel. Last, but certainly not least, the price was "right". I think the set of 4 mounted (on Fuchs) and balanced was well under $500.00. When the time comes for another set of tires, I will look first at what Falken has to offer before considering any other brand!

Fred Cook
''80 911SC coupe

[Joe Bob]

Kumhos on all my rides....

[JP911]

I have Kumho Ecsta 712s on my Audi TT (daily driver) and on the rear of my 911. I have about 15,000 miles on the Kumhos on the Audi and they've held up and performed well.

[Victor]

Falken Azenis. Semi R rated tyre. Very very sticky you will like. This is my second set. Great compromise especially if you are going to track it occasionally. Nice curb protector to boot.

[rennch]

You want the Falken Azenis, or Kumho MX. The Azenis is wonderful...and I've been running them for 4 years. The MX is new, but supposed to be good for cars over 2400 lbs.

[ThePuf]

I ran the Falken FK451 on my MX5 and very recently on the Alfa 156. It really is a rather good tire, with fairly stunning wet weather performance.

I don't know how fast they wear on a heavier car, but judging from the wear on the Alfa, it should be no problem. There was hardly any wear on the MX5. In any case, for the price, just buy two sets.

The only reservation I would have it whether they can handle the heat from the engine bay. After all, that's the prime reason for N-rated tyres isn't it??

Victor, the Azenis is indeed awesome...until it rains

Puf

[JackT]

I ran Falken 451's on my car and after 1 drivers ed I could not get 2 tires to balance. The dealer traded and I put Toyo Proxys on which were pretty good on the track, very good on the street. I wore those out and bought Bridgestone SO3's. Great tire on track, street and in the rain. I have Kuhmo 712's on a BMW and they have performed well, but still not as well as the SO3's.
I really like the SO3's