Non XL tyres

Technical Area Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: __ ND (sort of)
  2. I’m based near: __ Hull
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __ Tyres

Has anybody found non XL tyres for their cars. I’m running Yokohamas Advan Fleva 215/45 R17 XL tyres. They have a load rating of 91 and I am finding the ride quite harsh. I think they are to much for our lightweight cars. My car is lowered on Eibach springs and I thought it may be these causing the issue. However, the ride was great when the tyres first went on. Now, 1 year and 10,000 miles later it’s awful. So I started looking for tyres without an XL rating and they are as rare as hens teeth. Any thoughts from the collective would be most appreciated.

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I’d be interested for the same reasons although they’d be for an NC for me.

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Just last week I had fitted to my NC2 Mk3.5 Sport Tech 2.0 PRHT Goodyear Asymmetric 6 215x45x17 87Y. Not been very far in it since to give them a good test. But didn’t want 91XL for the reasons you have stated. Paul.

2 Likes
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Have you searched a few suppliers? I was curious about this so had a look. Black circles have the Conti Premium Contact 6 that size in 87Y, and a good price too. In 205/45/R17 which from memory is the homologated tyre size for a 2.0 ND, they have Bridgestone Potenza S001 in 84W.

I suggest a trawl of Camskill if you don’t like those. Or perhaps get in touch with NickD on this forum.

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I have the same Yoko tyres in 205/45R17 on.my NC, and they are softer (more comfortable) than the OEM Bridgestones were.

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I have done some research and it was suggested I lower the tyre pressure by a couple of psi. I’ll give it try and see what effect it has.

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Further to my previous post about having Goodyear Asymmetric 6 fitted to my NC2 Sport having now done about 50 miles on A roads I thought I would report my findings. Firstly it’s not a fair test at all because the old tyres - Bridgestones and they had been on the car 7+ years, so gone bit hard. I know Bridgestones get a bad rap for grip a being noisy, possibly noisy but I never had a prob with grip. Anyway, back to the unfair test and now it’s like I’m back driving my Old Ford Mondeo Ghia, well almost, I mean regarding big difference now in (lack of) road noise. Didn’t really get the chance to push them in the corners but they felt very reassuring. Glad I choose the Goodyear 215 x 45 x 17 87Y. Like I’ve said not a fair test because of the age of the tyres replaced and this is just my opinion and I’m no professional driver. Paul