I put on the 712's a month ago. Wet traction is far superior than the S02's. If you want decent street tires for low cost, these may be the way to go. I autocrossed them this past weekend and was dissappointed (as expected). They just don't have the grip of the S02's, plain and simple. Since the plan is to get extra set of rims and tires for autox, i'll live with these for a while.

 

i've got the kumhos from tire rack on my Maxima, and i have to say after 10k miles i'm completely sold as a kumho customer. i don't race my S or Max, but the tires work really well on the street and in the wet (in the rare occassion that it does rain in LA). for the price i'd go for the kumhos.

has anyone had experience with federal, falken, and other smaller brands?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ray
[B]Avoid AVS-Intermediate, it doesn't have anywhere the grip of stock SO-2 and it will throw the ABS into frenzy, long before SO-2 let go.

 

I wouldn't suggest using OEM S-02s on front with non-OEM S-02s on the rear. The OEM S-02s are just so sticky compared to most all other tires. Using OEM S-02s on the front with some other tire on the rear (that is a lot less grippy) might make the car tail-happy with for most people could leave to very bad things.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by STL
[B]So you have had AVS-Intermediates on your S2000 (or driven a S2000 that had them)?

 

Moderator: Found this via search--> please move to Tire Forum

Here's a "long term report" on Kumho 712's: Since mid-Oct'01 to mid-Oct'02, I've put 14,539 miles on the rears=245/45 and they are about shot. My experience has been EXACTLY as stated by CG back in March'02. Snows go on my daily driver soon, but I expect to order a new pair of the 712's for the Spring (assuming still avail @ tirerack)

Btw, my OEM S-02s on the front are also shot, but with about 30,800 mi logged I don't track my S but that probably includes about 5,000 miles driving to/from/dry run/during about a dozen s2000 events incl FC01,OBX,Md-PaBorder,FC02

Others with updates on their experience.

 

I have the 712s on my S4 as a replacement for the piece of crap stock Pirelli P7000s. After the 2nd sidewall bubble on the P7000s I just chucked them and looked for an inexpensive alternative. For what it's worth, the 712s are quieter at high speeds but pushed at the limit they howl like a bitch. They don't seem to stick as well also and definitely not as well as S02s. However, for the price I am happy with them. Got them early spring and have not driven in the rain yet but have heard they are great in the wet.

 

Anyone tried the new yoko es100's? They are the AVSi replacements. Full set for the S is about $380 shipped! I would try them, but S-02's have been good to me. My tire philosophy is if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

I love my Kumhos. I know that I drive a bit more aggressive than the average driver, and with my torque steering car, the Kumhos have held up pretty well. So far, it's been 1 year of hard driving, 2 track days (Willow Springs and LV Speedway), 1 drag day (Carlsbad), and the Kumhos still have a bit of tread left.

They are noisy though, and definitely not as sticky as S02s. 712s are definitely good for the price and great in the rain.

 

two words... they suck