could not find this discussed before, but i was at the honda dealer over the weekend and saw the 2004... noticed that the tires are not s02s and not s03s either... could not identify the tires-
anyone know what these are?
any comparos to the s02s?
will they fit on older models?
thx

 

They are Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires. A variant of these is used on the Ferrari Enzo. the stock sizing will not fit older models because of the difference in diameter, but i am unsure of other sizes in the line. my instinct is that they are probably available in the same sizes as the MY00-03 SO2's.

Quick2K

 

The new tires are Bridgestone RE050 . The word on vtec.net is that these new tires are a variation of the Ferrari Enzo tire .

 

guess we havent heard any reviews of these new tires since not many 2004s are broken in yet (so we dont know the handling characteristics yet)?
seems like we might be able to use them on older cars if we can figure out which wheels would fit them and the car-

 

uhm, they pretty much suck as a performance tire but have a bit better wet grip - Honda's compromise, probably due to a lot of whining about the S02's wearing so quick.

 

Wow, it is refreshing to read a '04 owner giving honest opinons.

But they are definately better all-season tires that are more forgiving at the limits, albeit a slightly lower one.

 

Anyone noted the treadwear number on these tires?

 

I believe someone posted that it was 140.

 

So chances are they will wear as quickly as our SO2's?

 

I really don't know what everyone's complaint is about the S02's. Progressive at a very high limit of adhesion, they don't roll over like other stock tires do, and I think they're pretty darn good in the rain. Can't go plowing through puddles and heavy downpour at 65 but oh well. Nevermind the fact that turn in and steering response is wicked sharp.

Sorry I just went autocrossing for the first time in my S2k and had to rave about the tires. I am very happy with Honda's attitude making the no frills uncompromising 00-01. I love my car, just hoping I can be as good a driver as the car demands.