I did a search but couldn't find anyone that had a good write-up on them. So I'm going to ask. (hope this isn't a )
I was thinking the next time I get tires that I might get these http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...ECSTA+Supra+712 .
But I don't want the "W" rated ones. I want to get the "V" rated ones. They are only $78.00 at Tire Rack. The "V" rated ones have a 340 tread rateing verses the 280 for the "W" rated ones. I want some tires that won't compromise performance too much but will last at least 30+K miles. These are also not listed as "summer" tires like the S02's. Something that can handle some rain and snow is a +. These Kumho's really seem like they would fit the bill.
Any feedback?

 

There have been many discussions on these tires over the years. I have had 2 sets of them and I think they are great tires for the money. You will give up some performance, but for me they fit the bill perfectly. They are less expensive and have a little more linear release than the S02's do. They give more audible feedback when you approach the limits unlike the S02's that will stick forever then just let go suddenly in my experience.

I hope that helps.

 

Sorry, I can't answer your question yet. I just bought some slightly used 712s on a used set of S2000 wheels. My original wheels are going to become my track wheels. You might want to PM Airgate and ask him, he has 712 experience because these were his. And when you PM him, be SURE to tell him Triple-H sent you, and "I'm still excited!"

I was planning to give the 712s a try this year. Others have said they are good in the rain, and not as good as the S-02 for ultimate grip. Some have even said they don't wear much longer than the S-02s, but they are obviously less money.

 

ghetto superstar

 

The dealership has already ordered my two new S02's for the rear. We included that in the deal when I bought the car that they would have to throw in two new rear tires for free. Anyway, I went up there with the print out from Tire Rack about these Kumho's. I was just trying to save them some $$$ if it wasn't too late to cancel the order they placed for the S02's. Nothing doing though, it was too late. The S02's were already on their way.

 

Don't be sorry.
As soon as I use up these 712s I'm going right back to the S-02s. I happen to think they are great, too much money for sure, but the grip is great, and I even like them in the rain....

 

I had a set of 712s on my previous Acura EL (I had Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires prior to that). They were far and above a better handling tire in all conditions except snow. They suck in snow - you have nearly zero traction PLUS they tend to flat spot overnight in the cold (which means your car bumps for the first little while until the flat spot settles out).

Rain grip is quite good and predictable and dry grip is very good as well. Great tread wear, as well. I wouldn't expect them to grip like S-02s but they're way cheaper...

If you don't drive your car to the limits or you drive in the rain a lot, they're a good buy. If you race or drive really hard, I'd stick with the S-02s.

 

at half the cost of S02's... they have half the grip in the dry... twice it in the wet. I just bought my 3rd set of rears. Bought them since I had 712's on the front worn to about 50%. The last 2 rears are the 245/45's and with enough pressure, they are useable as high performance tires. Mine, are w rated... I think the V rated tires have much less grip than even the w rating 712's.

 

Thanks Triple-H!

I've run Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's with over 30k miles. Of course, three different sets, but they are great (for me) for the money. I like the S-02's in the dry but in the wet, I hate them. They also wore quickly and the "feel" of the S-02's don't give you any fair warning of their "breaking" point.

I've seen and read where lots of folks dislike the Kumho's. For me, they work well. I currently have them with my new rim set-up, the SSR GT1's in 17". Again, I am very pleased with their performance.

Also, take this from someone who has over 36k miles on an '02 and placed another 38k miles on an '00. I've had the opportunity to drive the Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles) with the Kumho's and they hold up well. A true test, IMO, of any performance tire. They hold up well and my money will stay with them as I am pleased and don't feel the need to impress anyone with the impressions of "Bridgestone" on my tires.

Also, you may want to get with w1ngman, he originally ordered his Kumho's first in our area and I drove his car to "test" them out, this is what helped me make the decision. Try to find someone in your area that may have a set on their car.

 

Ron...

You have here an excellent series of posts that offer what I would define as a good representation of the Kumho's. Only a couple other points I'd add (and again, the other things already mentioned are dead-on from my experience). Okay, here goes:

• $$$First off...I dig the Kumho's for the $$$.
  
• 30K miles??? On the fronts maybe...but not the rears. No one has exactly said this in a post...but the rear Kumho's won't give you 30K miles. Well...not unless you drive your S2K like its a VW or something. But even driving The Bruised Banana quite aggressively, I manage upwards of 15K miles before I trade 'em in. And please appreciate as well, I probably replace my tires a little quicker than the next guy...but I tell myself, "Its ~ $200 of rubber on the rear vs. a $30K car...I'll take the new rubber please"
  
• "snap-steer"One thing not addressed is that I've not experienced the "snap-steer" with the Kumho's. By that, I'm suggesting that (also running the sh!t outta The Dragon), I can slide the rear of The Bruised Banana out if I "want to play" without losing control of the car. When I first got the car it had S-02 shoes. At that time, I found that in hard turns...and with no advanced warning of squall, chirp or "BOO!" the rear end would snap out hard. Its like the S-02s have such a hard side wall that it holds...and holds...and holds...the g's and then "POW!!!" it lets go. Kumhos are more forgiving Now, that said, some will suggest that the Kumho's do not have as much grip (my "plus/pro" just described would be a "minus/con" perhaps to the next guy...knowwhuddamean?
  
• 245s in the rear! Don't order the rears in 225s like the stock S-02s are sized. To get the same footprint in the Kumhos that the S-02s offer, you'll want to order 245s...with no negative effect regarding too much tire on our rim. 245s work juuuuuuuust fine.
  
• Bad rap anywhere? Well, again, I don't have anything bad to say about the Kumhos...but before this thread is over, you'll get some h8ters writing in here. Not a problem. The really cool thing is that these tires just don't cost a lot of dinero to find out for yourself. Right?

Best of luck to you on your decision Ron.

- Dave