Ok I know that the tyre debate is never conclusive, as its subject to a lot of factors and its very subjective, plus its been done many times… But
Next week its time for the 4 original tyres to be replaced (Michelin Pilots) I’ve decided not to plump for Michelin Pilot Exalto 2’s, not because I don’t rate them - mine are its original tyres from factory, still haven’t completely worn out (at 11yrs and 31k miles) and have just gone through its MOT with an advisory for slight ageing / cracking, but that’s my reason for not getting another set. I just won’t wear them out before they age as I’m not going to have a garage anymore so they’ll be subject to more outside in all weathers type situations than the originals have been
As per title I’ve narrowed it down to Rainsport 2’s or T1R’s? any owners with experience of either or both preferrably would be great - price isn’t the issue, they are within £10 of each for a full set fitted. The 5 is our 2nd car, its a pristine mk2 1.8iS running its original 15" alloys so 195/50/15 tyres, we cover less than 4.5k a year, mainly good weather but with some inclement thrown in as it is the UK and I like to enjoy the car as often as time allows.
I had four uniroyal Rainsport 2’s fitted last week and have driven them in both dry and very wet conditions over the last few days. I was amazed at what a difference it has made, very very grippy in all conditions, you can still get the back out but it needs some real effort.
No doubt everyone will have their own opinion, but my two penny worth is that you will be happy on the rainsports.
I have been running TR 1s on my 2.0 ltr MK III, and although they seemed great in the dry, the rear has felt more slippy than the original Potenzas. Also I dont think I will get any where near the same mileage out of them, the original fronts got changed after 30k on them. The TR 1s are showing a lot more wear at 13k!
There was an article from Nick of MOT, and he had been testing Federals and reckoned they worked as well as the TR 1s, but at half the price. Possibly the general use road versions will be a good price with good grip as well.
I’m on my second set of Rainsports on my MX. I really like them. But you do need to have all four the same. The Rainsports don’t like being used with other tyres. I must add they are not to everyones taste. My wife had them on her MX but changed back to Bridgestone ER30s.
Had Rainsport 2 fitted a couple of weeks ago, been out tonight for the first time in the rain and was struggling to flick the back end out, I have found these to be worth every penny so far.
Ok, the last T1Rs I bought (2 months ago) were £35 each for 195/50/15, am more than happy to try the Federal equivalent @ £17.50 each??? kindly tell Nick at MOT I`ll take 40 of them off him tomorrow at that price
I am pretty sure that Nick was actually referring to the track-oriented R1R which is several times more expensive than the T1R. The Federals in question are also a dry weather/track-oriented tyre and are more expensive than the T1R.
Further to my last (many months ago) I have been running 215/40/17 Avon ZZ3’s on my MKIII 2.0 ltr for the last year after using ‘suggested TRI’s’ that had worn out after almost 11k.
These tyres have been most excellent, really good in the wet and dry, progressive and also look good. Best factors, 18k on them and still 4mm tread all round. All 4 fitted at £350.
If you havent tried them I can most certainly suggest them as a great alternative for a MkIII, especially if you want better wear and decent performance.
As my Welsh friend would know, we are talking about totally different tyres here.
T1R’s are not a great tyre, they are OK, however it is however hard to break down a quite religious following. When worn, or shaved, they will give very good grip in the warm and dry, but that is a specific condition.
It depends on your driving style but as you do so little miles and I doubt they are very aggressive miles, Rain Sport will do fine.
My recommendation is Kumho KH31 as a very reasonable all round tyre. They are not the quietest of tyre, if that is your thing, but not terrible either. I supplied a set today to someone to replace his T1R’s which had worn down on the shoulder for £168 delivered. You can have them next day and to save someone working it out it is cheaper than Camskill and they will also have come from the UK supplier and not via Latvia or Albania like some sources.
I have found these to be worth every penny so far.
, the last T1Rs I bought (2 months ago) were £35 each for 195/50/15, am more than happy to try the Federal equivalent @ £17.50 each??? kindly tell Nick at MOT I`ll take 40 of them off him tomorrow at that price
