Opinions on the Kumho ECSTA ASX? - LotusTalk

Allan Gibbs · 10-26-2005, 01:53 PM

I was looking at Tire Rack's replacement tires and these seem decently priced. Anyone have them on their Elise? How do they grip? How long do they last.

Quote:

Kumho ECSTA ASX
Front: 195/50WR16
Serv. Desc: 84W
Price: $67.00
Estimated Availability: In Stock

Rear: 225/45WR17
Price: $92.00
Estimated Availability: In Stock

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....lace=0&index=0

FlyLo · 10-26-2005, 02:09 PM

Interesting. I like the Ecsta MX. The ASX are asymmetric which allows you to swap left and right. However, you do realize this is an all-season tire, right? Seems an odd choice for an LSS in Arizona.

Allan Gibbs · 10-26-2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyLo

However, you do realize this is an all-season tire, right? Seems an odd choice for an LSS in Arizona.

Only until you mentioned it.

Scott · 10-26-2005, 04:56 PM

I would have to agree. You will go from "Supermaneuverability baby" to "mediocremaneuverability baby"

Crudson · 10-26-2005, 05:01 PM

I need new tires for winter. I suppose I will get some of these unless others have a good reason not to

peck555 · 10-26-2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crudson

I need new tires for winter. I suppose I will get some of these unless others have a good reason not to

Doug,if you need winter tires,buy winter(snow)tires,not "allseason"

and summer(performance) tires for the warm weather.
just my opinion
Greg

JnC · 10-26-2005, 05:17 PM

FWIW, it looks like TR has Snowsports and Graspics in the Sport wheel sizes. But considering the clam, I wouldn't drive the Elise in snow.

rbullett · 10-26-2005, 06:20 PM

I had the Kumho tire on my BMW. I was impressed by the ride quality which was as good as the Michlien. The Kumho lasted longer. I would try the Kumho tire again.

MyElise · 10-26-2005, 06:39 PM

Lotus recommends not putting tires on the Elise that cost under $150.

Seriously, try Azenis.

Otherwise, a nice '67 le Mans convertible is a nice car to have in Arizona in the winter.

Allan Gibbs · 10-26-2005, 08:09 PM

I'm open to other tires than the A048s but I'd need to get more than 8,000 miles from them.

Ara · 10-27-2005, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan Gibbs

I'm open to other tires than the A048s but I'd need to get more than 8,000 miles from them.

We use the Toyo T1-R with great success in our shop. It is sticky, comfortable, has good rain performance and lasts reasonably well. Most drivers should double their A048 life if not more.

Robert Puertas · 10-27-2005, 08:01 AM

I have the ASX on the wife's Saab.

NOT A PERFORMANCE TIRE!!!!!!

They're fine for the Saab, but I wouldn't put them on a sportscar.

delliott00 · 10-27-2005, 08:09 AM

I will probably use either Falken Azenis RT615 or the Toyo T1Rs when I replace my OEM Yokos. But both are summer only tires. I like the Kumhos and had them on some other cars, but they really don't fit the Elise.

I have the new Falkens on my Evo and I have to say they are the best tire I've ever had on any car. I can't comment yet on the wear (but at 5K miles they still look new) but they have a very stiff sidewall and that gives them outstanding steering response (at the cost of some noise/stiffness). Keep in mind the Evo also runs Advan R-Comps as the OEM tire, and I believe the Azenis are even better. Plus they are much cheaper!

FWIW, I have owned some good tires, such as S03s, PS2s, Goodyear F1s, etc. The Falkens are better for pure performance (and should be since they are really a streetable R-comp).

Unfortunately, if I run the Azenis on the Elise I'll have to match diameters but they aren't ideal sizes up front (205/40/16?). So I'm leaning towards the T1R unless Falken comes out with closer 16" sizing.

-Dave

FlyLo · 10-27-2005, 09:40 AM

I've heard mixed reviews on the RT615. I have no personal experience. I really like the Kumho MX on the track with my TT. They are loud now, but that's with lots of rubber gumballs stuck to them. I don't remember how they were out of the box.

RevLimiter · 10-27-2005, 10:02 AM

A buddy has a set of these (the ASX) on a 2nd set of wheels on his S2000. They're suprisingly decent tires. I was expecting something like the Kumho 712, which are a bit below "decent" in my opinion. The ASX are pretty nice. They don't reward a quick turn-in. If you turn in gently at first and then more quickly, the tires stick very nicely. Decent ultimate grip, crappy turn-in. All said, I'd call them a great winter tire.

If you're considering this for 4 seasons, look elsewhere. But on a 2nd set of wheels for putting around during the cold months, I'd buy them. In fact, I'm considering a set for one of my Miatas...

10-26-2005, 04:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scott Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Rocky Hill, CT Posts: 354	I would have to agree. You will go from "Supermaneuverability baby" to "mediocremaneuverability baby" __________________ 05 Saffrron Yellow, Sport, Touring, Star Shield, Larini w/ sport cat, Katana with 3.2" pulley.

10-26-2005, 06:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
MyElise Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,224 Images: 28	Lotus recommends not putting tires on the Elise that cost under $150. Seriously, try Azenis. Otherwise, a nice '67 le Mans convertible is a nice car to have in Arizona in the winter. __________________ "It's hard to drive at your limit, but it's harder to know where it is." Stirling Moss We're all here because we're not all there.

10-27-2005, 08:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Robert Puertas #0518 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 2,425 Images: 14	I have the ASX on the wife's Saab. NOT A PERFORMANCE TIRE!!!!!! They're fine for the Saab, but I wouldn't put them on a sportscar. __________________ Robert Puertas Evolution Performance Driving School

10-27-2005, 10:02 AM	#15 (permalink)
RevLimiter Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5	A buddy has a set of these (the ASX) on a 2nd set of wheels on his S2000. They're suprisingly decent tires. I was expecting something like the Kumho 712, which are a bit below "decent" in my opinion. The ASX are pretty nice. They don't reward a quick turn-in. If you turn in gently at first and then more quickly, the tires stick very nicely. Decent ultimate grip, crappy turn-in. All said, I'd call them a great winter tire. If you're considering this for 4 seasons, look elsewhere. But on a 2nd set of wheels for putting around during the cold months, I'd buy them. In fact, I'm considering a set for one of my Miatas... __________________ www.revlimiter.net '97 Miata - 15 sets of tires in 5 years, lots of cone marks '01 Miata - wife's car, only a few cone marks

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10-26-2005, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
FlyLo Laughin' Easy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,863	Interesting. I like the Ecsta MX. The ASX are asymmetric which allows you to swap left and right. However, you do realize this is an all-season tire, right? Seems an odd choice for an LSS in Arizona.

10-26-2005, 05:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Crudson / Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 2,485	I need new tires for winter. I suppose I will get some of these unless others have a good reason not to

10-26-2005, 05:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
JnC Thread unraveler Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,728	FWIW, it looks like TR has Snowsports and Graspics in the Sport wheel sizes. But considering the clam, I wouldn't drive the Elise in snow.

10-26-2005, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
rbullett Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 498	I had the Kumho tire on my BMW. I was impressed by the ride quality which was as good as the Michlien. The Kumho lasted longer. I would try the Kumho tire again.

10-26-2005, 08:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Allan Gibbs Evora Waiter (2010/2011) Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glendale, CA (formerly Gilbert, AZ) Posts: 5,064	I'm open to other tires than the A048s but I'd need to get more than 8,000 miles from them.

10-27-2005, 08:09 AM	#13 (permalink)
delliott00 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Austin TX Posts: 338	I will probably use either Falken Azenis RT615 or the Toyo T1Rs when I replace my OEM Yokos. But both are summer only tires. I like the Kumhos and had them on some other cars, but they really don't fit the Elise. I have the new Falkens on my Evo and I have to say they are the best tire I've ever had on any car. I can't comment yet on the wear (but at 5K miles they still look new) but they have a very stiff sidewall and that gives them outstanding steering response (at the cost of some noise/stiffness). Keep in mind the Evo also runs Advan R-Comps as the OEM tire, and I believe the Azenis are even better. Plus they are much cheaper! FWIW, I have owned some good tires, such as S03s, PS2s, Goodyear F1s, etc. The Falkens are better for pure performance (and should be since they are really a streetable R-comp). Unfortunately, if I run the Azenis on the Elise I'll have to match diameters but they aren't ideal sizes up front (205/40/16?). So I'm leaning towards the T1R unless Falken comes out with closer 16" sizing. -Dave

10-27-2005, 09:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
FlyLo Laughin' Easy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,863	I've heard mixed reviews on the RT615. I have no personal experience. I really like the Kumho MX on the track with my TT. They are loud now, but that's with lots of rubber gumballs stuck to them. I don't remember how they were out of the box.

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