7 replies to this topic

[mini-mad-mark]

I see JBW are offering these - anyone used them yet? Any good (other than the competitive price)? 

 

Considering them for the 998 when the currently installed Falkens need replacing

 

I have 12 inch Nankangs on my kit car but I don't really push that very hard or use it in the wet, so it's difficult to comment on the tyres other than they seem to wear OK 

[Mr.greenPullover]

After debating if my driving style is sporty, spirited or aggressive we compromised to call it brisk. 

 

I had those Nankangs last year on my Mini. They was that good, we removed them after only a month and about 1.000 mls.

 

Here are our observations:

- on a 6x10 rim they look, feel and measure like 145s

- the wet grip is better than the Falken

- the dry grip is not

- they squeal earlier

 

But the biggest issue we had, was at 2 sets, one on 6x10 Revos, one on 4,5x10 steelies, we had on all 8 tyres highspots (the dictionary translate it to: radial run-out).

This resulted in massive vibrations above city speeds.

 

In my experience the Nankang only works for moving from a to b within city limits without having fun.

 

The Falken works better for a Mini and in my opinion looks the best.

 

But overall I still only recommend the Yokohama A008 as they are in my eyes the best 165x10 tyres.

 

As I drive about 16.000 mls a year with my Mini, I was not able to test the A032r yet.

This observations only are valid for the Nankang 165x10 Green Sport Eco ( no there is no sport in that tyre).

As we drove trough the alps a few weeks ago and had heavy rain - inches of water on the motorway and top speed below 30 mls/h - my friends Mini had the 175x13 NS-2R and was really impressed with how good they handled the aquaplaning...

Edited by Mr.greenPullover, 15 July 2023 - 01:35 PM.

[mini-mad-mark]

Thanks for the response - I will give them a miss then!

 

My tyre of choice would probably be the A008 (which I have on my 1300 mini) 

 

Falkens on the 998 currently, as I bought second hand wheels with two nearly new Falkens so got two more to match them up - they seem OK but not as grippy as the A008s and especially in the wet - guess the "blocky" tread pattern has something to do with that. Nankangs on the kit car because I bought a set of unused second hand wheels with new tyres for a great price - they don't seem that grippy but as mentioned I haven't really pushed the kit car much (not like the 1300...!)

 

Purely aesthetically, I just like the look of the A008.....(and not so keen on the A032s visually) but I know that shouldn't be a deciding factor

 

 

I am working on my next project and haven't decided on tyres yet - Maybe I will try A032s as I read they have more grip but they are much more expensive than an A008 and being softer likely to wear more although I don't do many miles so not a major issue. (Notwithstanding my aesthetic choice!)

 

Maybe I should go for Dunlop D7s as I believe they are better still but I suppose at the expense of higher wear rate - and the most expensive road tyre I 've seen was the Avon (not seen them advertised recently)  but no idea if they are/were any good?

 

 

You pays your money and takes your choice I suppose.

[Mr.greenPullover]

Of cause, at the end of the day, it's Your choice...

 

Just an idea: maybe find someone, who has Your desired tyre and kindly ask if they would let You do a test drive?

 

I don't know nothing about the Dunlop and Avon but as I already hesitated to give the A032r a shot, I would doubt they would be so much more better than the A032rs as they cost more - just a thought...

 

And maybe depending on the planed use the A008 are already enough and the A032rs are to good?

Edited by Mr.greenPullover, 16 July 2023 - 09:01 AM.

[mab01uk]

Some of the Mini tyres are tested in this old magazine article in link below.

 

Mini Tyre Test (Practical Classics - Dec 2006) :-

https://www.theminif...ssics-dec-2006/

Edited by mab01uk, 15 July 2023 - 03:33 PM.

[Mr.greenPullover]

Thank You for that link, even when the handling graph confused my at first, as the labels are the wrong way round...

 

Very informative...

[Midas Mk1]

Having a quick look on ebay at them they are branded eco on the sidewall - not like an NS 2R - I'd be avoiding and just getting a008's.

[Shooter63]

You might want to look at Blockley tyres, they seem to get a decent write up and are available in both 145 and 165, another option is the Yokohama 145 Y350, I know a guy with them on and he's pretty happy with them. Avon do 165's but those bad boys are really expensive.

Shooter