I just installed a full set of Kumho ASXs last night. Since I have coilovers and a stiffer front sway bar, I decided to go with the OEM sizes (205/55 front and 225/50 rear). My reason for getting these tires is because I am so friggin' tired of replacing them every 6-7 thousand miles. I wanted a cheap tire that would last a long time, and perform well in the rain. I am not too concerned about "Ultimate" dry performance, since I have R compounds for that.

Anyway, I don't have any miles on them, and it hasn't rained yet, so I can only comment on their dry performance. Considering the HUGE tread depth and small blocks (see below), I expected that they would be really "squishy" and "squeaky" around corners, but they really aren't. They also seem to be pretty predictable at the limit. I'll update further on this when I get more miles on them.

 

We will be testing them in the spring here as well. I am interested in what you feel.

Jim

 

Jim,

Do you know what the tread depth specs are on these? I haven't ever seen a tire before these that could roll over small children without squishing them.

 

After more driving, I am really liking the feel of the ASX. They seem to be more smooth and quiet without noticeably reducing response. However, it rained today, and the wet traction SUCKS! I spun the rear tires numerous times in 1st and 2nd gear at light throttle on a casual drive. The roads were just wet, not puddled so I still don't know how resistant they are to hydroplaning.

 

subscribing.

 

How many miles do you have on the tires when you drove them in the rain. I wonder if the compound has been broken in yet. Whenever I drive off the service bay w/ a new set of tires, it feels as if the pavement was jell-coated... for at least the first 50 miles on the tires.

 

I probably only had about 50 miles on them when I was slipping / sliding around on the wet surface.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gernby
I decided to go with the OEM sizes (205/55 front and 225/50 rear).

 

There are 2 reasons why I didn't go with 245s in the rear. First, I think the 245s wear out too quickly on a 7.5 inch wheel (they cord in the middle of the tire). Second, I have a stiffer front sway bar, so the 225s handle fine. If anything, the 205 / 225 combo seems to give me a bit of understeer with my current suspension setup.

 

Gotch ya.