24 replies to this topic

[mini-gti]

my fronts are a539's and my rears are falkens of matching profile

the falkens are a harder compound and dont have as much grip due to this. hence the reason why i run them on the back

they are a good tyre mind especially in the wet, but they have a tendancy to just ''snap'' you dont get much feed back from them on the limit so they all of a sudden just start to slide, this has happened a couple of times under different loadings

they are a good longer lasting tyre

so if you want longivity then the falkens but if you want more grip but slightly higher wear rates then go for the yoko 539's

gaz

[Artstu]

Thanks Gaz, it looks like I might be getting some Yoko's.

Stuart.

[Mini Mad James]

I have a full set of falkens on my 12x6's because i couldnt afford yokos at the time

Falkens are much harder, abit cheaper and last longer but dont grip as well as yokos in wet or dry

http://gallery.sc0ri...s)/DSCF2140.JPG

My next set will be yoko A048 R's the ultimate 12" tyre probably

Edited by Mini Mad James, 14 October 2006 - 04:53 PM.

[taffy1967]

So has anyone any experience with Falkens in this size?

I've had 165*60/12 Falkens fitted to my Mini for the past few years and I've found them okay. But I want to try Yoko's next as i've heard lots of good things said about them from most people.

[Artstu]

Thanks James and Taffy, A048R's are going to be my choice of tyre when I fit a Vauxhall engine to my other Midas, but the car I want the tyres for now is really just a practical run-around and I don't want to loose the lively agility you get with 12" wheels. I've had 13" been there and done that, but the cars are much more rounded on 12"


Yokohama it is, thanks guys P.S. this is the car

Stuart.

[fikus01]

i've had falken 165 60 r12's they were fine!! sidewalls were a bit softer than the yoki so seemed imo to give a smoother ride but for ultimate drivinf pleasure do the 539 yokis!! i hear folks saying they arent too good in the wet!! i found a tendancy for minis to understeer in general in the wet, whatever tyres i was running(believe me i've tried a fair few) just dont try going so fast in the wet!!

[Artstu]

Thanks Nick, I'd agree the sidewalls on the Yoko's do look stiff compared to the Falken's

I've tried a few tyres in my time too, but mainly in the 13" size, I upgraded to 13" when all that was available for 12" was a 155/70x12.

In the 13" the Pirelli P7F rated highly, in both wet and dry, but only when new and no more than half worn, mine went off when they got half worn.

The best tyres I had were Yoko A001's similar to the new A048's but with a full 8mm tread.

Here's a photo taken about 19 years ago with the rather fat A001's on.

Stuart.

[Ace-T]

Nobody mentioned Falkens, I wonder how these compare to the yokos? the Falkens seem a very popular tyre and I prefer the normal looks of them, yes I know looks is not the most important aspect to look for.

I had some A008's years ago and didn't like them at all, I believe some of the later ones used a softer compound to the ones I had. I guess this experience has put me off Yokohama tyres a bit, even though in reality the best tyres I've ever had were Yoko A001's, a brilliant tyre.

So has anyone any experience with Falkens in this size?

Not this size but I have 165/70-10 Falken FK-07E's and they took me off for an entertaining 4 wheel drift at about 20 mph round a roundabout the other day. Hence I am looking for wet weather replacements too.

Great in the dry but I am unconvinced in the wet.

Trace.

[Leonard]

i had falkens on the back and yokos on the front once. the back end lost grip on a slow corner once and the car span into a curb and caused a fair bit of suspension damage. falkens are ok in the dry, and usually ok in the wet, but as said, in the wet have a tendency to let go of the road with no warning whatsoever

[fikus01]

yokos on the front!! always a good idea but you will experience somewhat more of an interesting handling experience when you mix tyre makes and types on a mini front to back!!
the falkens are a very hard compound of rubber!! i have a set on my 10s that are honestly years old!! very good with hard use or if warm! my money is still with the yokos tho!! good all rounder!!

pirellis on 13's were ok in the wet but lacked the security and grip of the yoko in the dry!! i've heard this about them with all sizes!!