I love the S-02's! Also keep in mind that these are the same OEM tires as the Ferrari 360 Coupes, and the Porsche 993 Twin Turbos.

I've never really had a problem with the S-02's. If the road is wet, I wouldn't even think of driving fast anyways. On the dry roads, these tires are incredible. Once you get a feel of the limits of the tires which is quite high, the S-02's will reward you by keeping it glued to the road.

With the amazing rigidity of the s2000 combined with the stiffness of the S-02's sidewall and a 50/50 weight distrubution, finding the limits is quite a task. I have however did find it controllable when just at or slightly past the capabilities of the tires.

I'm very satisfied with the Potenza S-02's. I'll probably never change them for anything else.

Everyone will have mixed emotions about these tires, but I myself am very satisfied with the Potenza S-02's. I'll probably never change them for anything else.

 

Not quite So Spanky - check out the Ferrari and Porsche tyres - they have different tread patterns and different speed ratings. The OEM S02 for the S2k is NOT an S02 - what it is a a special tyre designed by Honda and Bridgestone uniquely for the S2000. It was labelled as an S02 solely because S02 was (at the time of release) Bridgestone's highest performing road tyre designation.

P.S. Same applies for the Porsche - don't know about the Ferrari. The Porsche tyre is an OEM specifically for that car and different to "generic" S02s.

How do I know this - my trusty "Bridgestone Australia" catalogue tells me so.

 

The variety of responses here should tell you all something,....it is not the tires but rather the individual driving style (or lack of) that is the problem.

Smooth drivers will not have problems driving the S2000 on the S02s. "Pedal Snappers" as my Skip Barber instructor would call them will find themselves "Spinning without any warning at all".

Learn some skills people before you blame the tires, the car, the road, the phase of the moon, etc... etc....

 

While Honda makes certain compromises on its higher production cars, it is noteworthy how well the tires and the cars are matched in cars like the NSX, S2K and ITR. Sure they are not the absolute best tires, but they are right up next to the-hypothetical-best for the average owner.

 

I don't agree. I run my S2000 and my M coupe at Second Creek with some regularity -- as well as at least a dozen other events on the West coast, many of them with private instructors.

The S is very unforgiving and will snap around with very little warning to the driver beforehand -- and it also has way too much bumpsteer. My M on the other hand -- with a few grand in suspension mods -- can be setup for initial understeer, mid-corner balance and power on oversteer with lots of feedback thruought.

I would imagine some suspension tweaks would cure the S's problems as well -- but until then I run 1:12's with ease in the M and struggle to run 1:19's in the S.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steve c
[B]

I don't agree. I run my S2000 and my M coupe at Second Creek with some regularity -- as well as at least a dozen other events on the West coast, many of them with private instructors.

 

A dealer told me the S02's are no longer made and you can only get the S03's.

Is this confirmed?

 

NO Jason - definitely NOT. Read my post above - generic S02s may no longer be available but the OEM S2000 S02s will continue being manufactured for at least the period the car is still in production and I would suggest another decade or so beyond that.

 

Err no, the M coupe accelerates faster (multiple races with members of this board), stops quicker, turns faster etc. It should be and is faster on a road course. Of course it costs more money....

 

About 1 month ago I raced with a SL55 AMG, he was faster (twice the HP of the S)and could stop quicker but for some reason the guy could not shake me, oh and buy the way his car cost 5x as much. So what! The guy did not know how to drive his new car, do you see my point? It is not the car that matters (so much) it is the driver.





If you still do not get it maybe this will help. I know it's a roadster and not a coupe but it's only for illustration purposes. I'm only trying to help you realize that you can drive your S faster with out dumping a ton of money into it. The S is going to require more from you as a driver, that's what makes it so much fun. Change what you are doing behind the wheel and it will make a world of difference.