Just ordered new tires: Hankook Ventus V12

[Zeya]

Am I the only one that bought these tires in the 5-minute window in which there wasn't a sale?

[PaPaSpeed]

Originally Posted by Zeya Am I the only one that bought these tires in the 5-minute window in which there wasn't a sale?

I'm thinking about ordering a set from OnLine Tires 502.47 delivered -50 rebate = 452.47. That's not too bad. Discount Tires would be 462.00 delivered.

[dannyboy1234]

I've been running 225/40s on my stock wheels for 6k with no probs... I would recommend it... its only a cm after all!

[Cheveyboy]

Have 225/45's on for 2 days now, quite a bit more squirmy. More then my wifes 3. There is a lot more sidewall flex. More then I was expecting, even considering the sidewall height increase.

After reading reviews with comments of flex, I was not expecting this much for a tire of this type.

[Fobio]

Originally Posted by Cheveyboy Have 225/45's on for 2 days now, quite a bit more squirmy. More then my wifes 3. There is a lot more sidewall flex. More then I was expecting, even considering the sidewall height increase. After reading reviews with comments of flex, I was not expecting this much for a tire of this type.

I've had some squirrely moments at hard braking even after 500km's...my friend who's had experience with 'kooks before said his RS-2's felt that way for awhile. I haven't had a chance to try them again, but will do so soon. He said it was due to the "release agent" in teh rubber? I don't know...

[Cheveyboy]

Could be, but I did the shake test from side to side with the stock 50's before I tossed them this weekend. And the kooks have alot of side to side motion. Even compared to my wifes all season Falkens .

Well see after the trip to the Mountains next month. If the Dragon cant break them in, nothing will.

[PaPaSpeed]

You guys are talking me out of ordering these. Maybe I'll just order the Yokohama's.

[Blackspeed]

Originally Posted by Cheveyboy Have 225/45's on for 2 days now, quite a bit more squirmy. More then my wifes 3. There is a lot more sidewall flex. More then I was expecting, even considering the sidewall height increase. After reading reviews with comments of flex, I was not expecting this much for a tire of this type.

why would you expect less flex from a bigger sidewall?

[dbrier]

Have you guys tried putting a little extra air in them?

[Cheveyboy]

Originally Posted by Blackspeed why would you expect less flex from a bigger sidewall?

Where did I say that I was expecting less flex?

Originally Posted by dbrier Have you guys tried putting a little extra air in them?

Yes


I've run all sorts of 225/45's over the last 7 years on my previous cars. Even some milder tires that did not exhibit this much reduction of turn in. Even comparing to my wifes mundane Falkens of similar sidewall height. Don't get me wrong I still like them. I'm just noting that its a little odd.

[Nazarite]

Well mine got delivered last night. I'll get them on the car in two months hopefully (next oil change in 2300 miles. We'll see.

And thanks for the warm fuzzies cheveyboy. I'll see you at the Dragon, squirmy sidewalls or no.

[Blackspeed]

Originally Posted by Cheveyboy There is a lot more sidewall flex. More then I was expecting, even considering the sidewall height increase.

I will quote you again. Maybe you didnt mean to say it that way, but you say you didnt expect flex with a sidewall increase.

[Cheveyboy]

haha

Actualy if you read it again it says "more then I was expecting." As in it was expected with adding more sidewall, but more then I had anticipated. As in, I knew it would flex more. But exceeded what I believed it was going to induce in reduction of feel.

I wrote it like that on purpose.

I was "expecting" extra flex because I had already driven on these tires in another car. And also from reading reviews. And it goes without saying adding more sidewall is also adding to that detriment.

No big deal though. I understand where I could be confusing.

[retrobmx63]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Ill take pix if I remember. Personally I wouldnt go 225 40 18 on stock wheels, for many reasons: 1) That size is outside of the rim width range specified by Hankook, could possibly lead to fitment or more likely handling issues. 2) I don't have or want a drop. I have the Koni FSD's and love them and wouldnt want the car lower than it is, the larger diameter tire will fill out the gap a little and give the impression of a drop without the down side. 3) My odometer will read less miles with the 45's = good for resale. 4) The car has plenty of torque, so any (very minor) change in gear ratio can be basically ignored. In fact, in my opinion (and Mazdas. they changed the gearing for 2010) the car is geared too low and will benefit from the larger tire. I would go larger but dont want to mess with new wheels or fender rolling

FreeFly, I tend to relate to a lot of your points. So I'm curious what size would you recommend if you were running 18x8 on stock suspension, while keeping the same reasons you listed intact.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by retrobmx63 FreeFly, I tend to relate to a lot of your points. So I'm curious what size would you recommend if you were running 18x8 on stock suspension, while keeping the same reasons you listed intact.

Would depend on the offset.

I have never run them, but have thought about running RX8 wheels.
I would go 235/40/18 to start, and then see how much clearance I had, and decide if I wanted to go all out and try 245/40/18 for the next set.
I know I have read of 235/40 having no problems at all rubbing wise.
I think the 245's require some fender work, but not sure.
Some one else might be able to fill you in on that.
If the 245/40's would fit no probs, I would get them........ but Im thinking its a tight squeeze, so I would play it safe till I knew for sure.

[Design]

Originally Posted by Cheveyboy Yes I've run all sorts of 225/45's over the last 7 years on my previous cars. Even some milder tires that did not exhibit this much reduction of turn in. Even comparing to my wifes mundane Falkens of similar sidewall height. Don't get me wrong I still like them. I'm just noting that its a little odd.

How much PSI did you add? I went to 38F and 36R on the 215's and they are behaving pretty good. Little numb but the sidewalls are compliant.

[retrobmx63]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Would depend on the offset. I have never run them, but have thought about running RX8 wheels. I would go 235/40/18 to start, and then see how much clearance I had, and decide if I wanted to go all out and try 245/40/18 for the next set. I know I have read of 235/40 having no problems at all rubbing wise. I think the 245's require some fender work, but not sure. Some one else might be able to fill you in on that. If the 245/40's would fit no probs, I would get them........ but Im thinking its a tight squeeze, so I would play it safe till I knew for sure.

I'm running a 48 offset (Rotas). So not quite where an RX-8 would be.

I was thinking 225/45 like a pussy (same as stock RX-8 rubber)

I'm just worried 235/40 would be too harsh with the that low of a profile.
Also, I'd rather not increase the wheel gap, since I am running on stock suspension just like one of your original points.

[dbrier]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Would depend on the offset. I think the 245's require some fender work, but not sure. Some one else might be able to fill you in on that. If the 245/40's would fit no probs, I would get them........ but Im thinking its a tight squeeze, so I would play it safe till I knew for sure.

This is the size I run on my RX8 wheels. Rear fenders are rolled and I have plenty of clearance for the 245/40/18 tires. RX8 wheels are +50 offset.
Cars that are lowered have more issues, but I'm at stock height. +48 offset wheels are so close to RX8 wheels it won't matter.

I run a little extra pressure in the V12, about 38 front and 35 rears and like them a lot. I do go much higher for autocross; 45F/40R to keep the tires from rolling over, but I've done that with all my tires over the years, not just the Hankooks.

They don't roll to bad with more air.

[8.5MS3]

I'm also on 245/40's on RX8s, but run starspecs, they require a bit more work to fit since they run fat

[Cheveyboy]

Originally Posted by Design How much PSI did you add? I went to 38F and 36R on the 215's and they are behaving pretty good. Little numb but the sidewalls are compliant.

I'm on 37f 35 rear, better. But Ill try 38f 36r next.

Originally Posted by retrobmx63 I'm running a 48 offset (Rotas). So not quite where an RX-8 would be. I was thinking 225/45 like a pussy (same as stock RX-8 rubber) I'm just worried 235/40 would be too harsh with the that low of a profile. Also, I'd rather not increase the wheel gap, since I am running on stock suspension just like one of your original points.

235/40 would be as close as you can get to the stock sidewall hight. So you should see no change other then a wider tire.

[Blackspeed]

I run +48 offset w/ 235/40. no problems at all on stock height. I use the stock 34f/32r psi and turn in seems fine, but i also live in a place that really has no bends, so my experience probably doesnt mean much.

[Design]

Originally Posted by dbrier This is the size I run on my RX8 wheels. Rear fenders are rolled and I have plenty of clearance for the 245/40/18 tires. RX8 wheels are +58 offset. Cars that are lowered have more issues, but I'm at stock height. +48 offset wheels are so close to RX8 wheels it won't matter.

I assume you mean +50? You have me convinced that I could run 235/40/18 with minimal rubbing issues. However, I am lowered with camber correction.

[Raider]

I have been checking this thread out some today, as I just got my tires rotated and balanced. 36K, almost 37K miles on my 235-40-18 Eagle F1 GS D3's. They informed me that this would be my last rotation for them, as they are getting worn out. When he found out how many miles I put on em, he was stunned. I think I top the charts.

I am looking for a replacement option, and I am torn from getting the same 235's, as I rub a little, even after rolling the fenders. Cannot get that tire in the 225 size.

I am curious of how many miles people have on these tires, and if anyone has played in heavy rain with them. I am in FL, 6 inches is not too crazy for a few hours. I read online reviews, the C&D article, but I am more interested in opinions of the owners of the same car I have...

[Blackspeed]

Im in florida also, and thats why i bought these tires. I think they are great in the rain and through puddles. The stockers sucked, and before this car I ran BF goodrich Gforce sports which were not bad.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by Blackspeed Im in florida also, and thats why i bought these tires. I think they are great in the rain and through puddles. The stockers sucked, and before this car I ran BF goodrich Gforce sports which were not bad.

Thats funny because I think the Hankooks are nowhere near as good as the stockers in rain, especially deeper puddles.

[Raider]

How Many miles do you guys have on the tires? They holding up well?

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by Raider How Many miles do you guys have on the tires? They holding up well?

Approx 12-13K on mine, getting down, but still good.
Stockers lasted 12-13K for me.
So these appear to be wearing better.

[kwsmithphoto]

I have been checking this thread out some today, as I just got my tires rotated and balanced. 36K, almost 37K miles on my 235-40-18 Eagle F1 GS D3's. They informed me that this would be my last rotation for them, as they are getting worn out. When he found out how many miles I put on em, he was stunned. I think I top the charts.

Man I wished they still made those tires! The Assym is the replacement but a lot of people say they aren't as good all around, and wear much faster.

My last GS-D3's were replaced at 30K. They still had plenty of tread on them, the compound just aged too much and went away! Nothing sticks better in the wet than those tires, they're like driving down the road with a squeege. Just amazing. The best all around hi po tire I've used, though my StarSpec's have more ultimate dry grip. And will maybe make it to 11-12K if I'm lucky...and don't burn 'em up on the track on Sunday.

I actually sent Goodyear an email asking for them to start making them again. No response. They obviously think the Asymm is better...and it's probably cheaper to make.

[superskaterxes]

stop ordering these tires, im still saving for my set and i dont want them to run out before the rebate expires haha

[aaronc7]

I am running these, 245/40 on RX8 wheels.. on bc coilovers. definitely had to roll the rear. 235/40 you should be OK.

They are a bit squirmy...soft sidewalls (I am coming from Bridgestone RE01R). But I will say that I took these tires thru the awesome roads in Texas and they gripped great. At first I was thinking these were going to suck and be no good for the drive...but at the end of it I got used to the softer sidewall feel and they worked great for what they are...price etc. If I had done it again I might have went 235/40 tho to avoid rolling the fenders...but now it's all done so I might as well keep getting 245s haha. straight line traction is great so far

[controlo]

i just got these installed last week in 235/40 and i love them! haven't gotten the tires to break loose yet during spirited driving. i could get used to this thing called traction.

[dbrier]

Originally Posted by Design I assume you mean +50? You have me convinced that I could run 235/40/18 with minimal rubbing issues. However, I am lowered with camber correction.

Yes, I fixed my typo.

Originally Posted by kwsmithphoto Man I wished they still made those tires! The Assym is the replacement but a lot of people say they aren't as good all around, and wear much faster. My last GS-D3's were replaced at 30K. They still had plenty of tread on them, the compound just aged too much and went away! Nothing sticks better in the wet than those tires, they're like driving down the road with a squeege. Just amazing. The best all around hi po tire I've used, though my StarSpec's have more ultimate dry grip. And will maybe make it to 11-12K if I'm lucky...and don't burn 'em up on the track on Sunday. I actually sent Goodyear an email asking for them to start making them again. No response. They obviously think the Asymm is better...and it's probably cheaper to make.

I loved my GS-D3s I had on my last car. The were the best wet tire ever and damn good in the dry.

Originally Posted by Cheveyboy 235/40 would be as close as you can get to the stock sidewall hight. So you should see no change other then a wider tire.

The 245/40/18 is closer to the stock height.

235/40/18 is -0.8% off
245/45/17 is 0.4% off

Both are fine, but the 245 is closer. My speedometer is dead on according to my GPS with the 245.

[Cheveyboy]

Originally Posted by dbrier 235/40/18 is -0.8% off 245/40/17 is 0.4% off Both are fine, but the 245 is closer. My speedometer is dead on according to my GPS with the 245.

You mean 245/45/17 right? Rev per mile is 785.
245/40/17 is 816
215/45/18 is 787

[Blackspeed]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Thats funny because I think the Hankooks are nowhere near as good as the stockers in rain, especially deeper puddles.

Maybe I'm just remembering them with low tread, which would obviously be a factor in water. I still like the hankooks in the rain though. It doesnt just rain here, it dumps water. The roads instantly fill with water and become one continuous puddle and I have no problems.

[Design]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak Thats funny because I think the Hankooks are nowhere near as good as the stockers in rain, especially deeper puddles.

I would agree. In fact, the stockers seem to be better in every category except tread life lol.

Originally Posted by Blackspeed Maybe I'm just remembering them with low tread, which would obviously be a factor in water. I still like the hankooks in the rain though. It doesnt just rain here, it dumps water. The roads instantly fill with water and become one continuous puddle and I have no problems.

There is no doubt the V12's are one of the best bangs for the buck in the market. I'd like to say I'm surprised on the sentiment of this community on the RE50's, but I'm not. It's very common for owners to relate their total ownership experience to the last few hundred miles on their previous tires.

For those following the owner reviews on Discount Tire and Tire Rack, you've probably noticed the total ratings starting to slip as more people are putting mileage on the V12's. Very, very common.

[FreeFlyFreak]

Originally Posted by Design I would agree. In fact, the stockers seem to be better in every category except tread life lol.

Fixed:

I would agree. In fact, the stockers seem to be better in every category except tread life, price, road noise, and comfort lol.

Personally I would buy them again over the stockers, just for the reduction in noise and price.
But will likely try another bargain type tire instead..... just to try.

[batou079]

Originally Posted by controlo i just got these installed last week in 235/40 and i love them! haven't gotten the tires to break loose yet during spirited driving. i could get used to this thing called traction.

aye, me too. bought these about a month ago. 225/40/18
then again, the comparison tires i had before this was ZERO comparison...

fact of the matter, so far these grip great in all situations so far.
tracking in June so i will see how they really do!

[Design]

Originally Posted by FreeFlyFreak road noise, and comfort

Ah, but you're on 225/45's right? Stock size it's the other way around...

[kwsmithphoto]

I was on a tight road course on Sunday and really wish I had a 4 point harness to hold me in place. Running Star Specs; once the track warmed up, I was really shifting around in my seat. Not much heavy braking on this circuit, you're almost always turning, but when I was driving it right, I was really getting tossed around, which surprised me.

That was never an issue with the stock tires. Which really aren't as bad as people make them out to be. I'm thinking of replacing the Dunlops with the Pole Position variant of the OEM tires, because they have a softer compound but the same tread design and similar construction which, in theory, should give the car a better feel since that's what the steering was tuned for. My Star Spec's have tremendous grip, but the feel through the wheel is a bit disconnected compared to the original 'stones.

Expensive, though, but if there's one thing I've learned over the years, is to never, ever go cheap with tires. Get the good stuff, it's worth it. It's the worst place to save money on - tires are the only thing that keep you on the road!

[batou079]

just rotated my v12s after their first 3500 miles.
had the wheels off for work, so i figured why not.