another tire question

[treva]

Does anyone know if the Bridgestone Potenza 175/55R 15 will fit the 2017 F3-S without any serious mods. Shortening bolts & the like is ok. Finding performance tires to fit the F3-S in Australia is quite difficult as the range of 15'' tires is very limited. Thanks.

 

[KX5062]

Have you searched around the different sub-forums? Not to be unhelpful, but this has been asked and answered by several of your Auzzie brethren.

I know what's available in your country is not the same as elsewhere, but I recall it was specifically addressed.

 

[treva]

Have you searched around the different sub-forums? Not to be unhelpful, but this has been asked and answered by several of your Auzzie brethren.

I know what's available in your country is not the same as elsewhere, but I recall it was specifically addressed.

Thanks KX5062, I've looked at some sub-forums & couldn't find the answer. I'll search deeper.

 

[Peteoz]

Have you searched around the different sub-forums? Not to be unhelpful, but this has been asked and answered by several of your Auzzie brethren.

I know what's available in your country is not the same as elsewhere, but I recall it was specifically addressed.

That was predominantly in relation to the Kuhmo KH17 in a 175/60, KX. A Bridgestone Potenza in 175 may have a different “actual” width to a Kuhmo 175. Unless someone comes back with a specific answer, Treva, you might have to try searching for an actual width for the Bridgestone. The 175 Kuhmo is as wide as you can go. I did shorten the bolts, even for the Kuhmo, just in case, but it would have been fine (just) without that mod

Pete

 

[UtahPete]

Does this help? https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/tire-talk/tire-specs

 

[Peteoz]

Does this help? https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/tire-talk/tire-specs

That’s interesting, Pete. Thanks. It looks like not averyone uses The Tire and Rim Association specs though. Some tyres labelled as 205 can be up to an inch different in actual width dependent on manufacturer. That’s why this question is so hard to answer definitively.

Pete.

 

[treva]

That was predominantly in relation to the Kuhmo KH17 in a 175/60, KX. A Bridgestone Potenza in 175 may have a different “actual” width to a Kuhmo 175. Unless someone comes back with a specific answer, Treva, you might have to try searching for an actual width for the Bridgestone. The 175 Kuhmo is as wide as you can go. I did shorten the bolts, even for the Kuhmo, just in case, but it would have been fine (just) without that mod

Pete

Thanks Pete, I rang Bob Jane about the width/profile of the potenza & was informed it was 175mm wide & 10mm higher IE 5mm at bottom of tire & 5mm at top. I'm sure the profile will be ok. Is the Kuhmo 175/60 width actually 175mm? By the way is the kuhmo called Solus & what do you think of them regarding grip dry/wet, stability, comfort & all round performance? Look forward to your reply.
Treva.

 

[treva]

Does this help? https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/tire-talk/tire-specs

Thanks UP, really good info.

 

[Peteoz]

Thanks Pete, I rang Bob Jane about the width/profile of the potenza & was informed it was 175mm wide & 10mm higher IE 5mm at bottom of tire & 5mm at top. I'm sure the profile will be ok. Is the Kuhmo 175/60 width actually 175mm? By the way is the kuhmo called Solus & what do you think of them regarding grip dry/wet, stability, comfort & all round performance? Look forward to your reply.
Treva.

It’s the Kuhmo Solus KH17, Treva. Mounted, my best actual measurement for the 175 is 165 (but I don’t have an accurate gauge that measures that wide). Did someone at Bob Jane duck out the back and measure the real width of the Potenza, or just quote the specs? It was this sort of labelling differential that persuaded me to go with a brand/size that was already proven on the Spyder.

I really like the Kuhmo, as I find it good in all the categories you mention above. So do many Aussies (some of them really quick Aussies), but many Americans don’t like them so much as some find them slippery in the wet. No one has yet found out why there appears to be a difference as nearly all Aussies running them don’t have issues in the wet. Another thing to consider is that I am 6’7” and 140kgs, so I may be putting different loads on the tyre to many solo riders

Have you had a look on OzSpyderRiders forum? There are a lot of discussions on available tyres in Aus, and their fit and performance.:thumbup:

Pete

 

[treva]

It’s the Kuhmo Solus KH17, Treva. Mounted, my best actual measurement for the 175 is 165 (but I don’t have an accurate gauge that measures that wide). Did someone at Bob Jane duck out the back and measure the real width of the Potenza, or just quote the specs? It was this sort of labelling differential that persuaded me to go with a brand/size that was already proven on the Spyder.

I really like the Kuhmo, as I find it good in all the categories you mention above. So do many Aussies (some of them really quick Aussies), but many Americans don’t like them so much as some find them slippery in the wet. No one has yet found out why there appears to be a difference as nearly all Aussies running them don’t have issues in the wet. Another thing to consider is that I am 6’7” and 140kgs, so I may be putting different loads on the tyre to many solo riders

Have you had a look on OzSpyderRiders forum? There are a lot of discussions on available tyres in Aus, and their fit and performance.:thumbup:

Pete

Thanks for the reply Pete. I think they quoted from the spec. I'll visit BJ tomorrow & check out the widths etc personally.

I have just joined the OzSpyderRiders forum which i'll sus out. I may end up purchasing Kuhmos.

Treva.

 

[PW2013STL]

I ran the Solus in 175R55-15 on the RT for 40,000 miles and I thought they could have been better in the rain, but never had an issue.
I am currently running Vredestine Quatric 5's on my F3s in the 175R55-15. These have been even better than the Kuhmo.

No problem as long as I space them out by putting a washer between the fender mount and the fender. Only needed to do this for very aggressive cornering as the tire would then rub the lower inside fender.

 

[Bruce B]

I am using the Kumho Ecowing 175/50 R15 75H runing at 19-20 PSI and have done so far 49000 Kl on them and still Ks left on them and I'm not a slow rider and now on my 3rd rear since fitting them.:yes::yes:
And you do NOT have to cut bolts / screws alter or change any thing before fitting them they go straight on.

I have now done over 68,400 Kl on my 2015 F3

 

[Peteoz]

Just to clarify......I used the term “shorten the bolts”, which is not actually correct. I just went to the local “nuts and bolts” shop and bought cup head screws to replace the OEM screws whose heads protrude 4mm or so into the wheel well. I don’t believe it was necessary, but simply for added piece of mind.

Pete

 

[treva]

I ran the Solus in 175R55-15 on the RT for 40,000 miles and I thought they could have been better in the rain, but never had an issue.
I am currently running Vredestine Quatric 5's on my F3s in the 175R55-15. These have been even better than the Kuhmo.

No problem as long as I space them out by putting a washer between the fender mount and the fender. Only needed to do this for very aggressive cornering as the tire would then rub the lower inside fender.

Thank you PW2013STL.
Treva

 

[treva]

I am using the Kumho Ecowing 175/50 R15 75H runing at 19-20 PSI and have done so far 49000 Kl on them and still Ks left on them and I'm not a slow rider and now on my 3rd rear since fitting them.:yes::yes:
And you do NOT have to cut bolts / screws alter or change any thing before fitting them they go straight on.

I have now done over 68,400 Kl on my 2015 F3

Thanks Bruce B. You are certainly racking up the k's.

 

[Bruce B]

Thanks Bruce B. You are certainly racking up the k's.

Yep Treva, its there to ride not site in its shed but the weather has been a bit of a hold up but summers is on its way :2thumbs: so hopefully less rain, I ride all year round here but don't leave home in the rain.

 

[treva]

It’s the Kuhmo Solus KH17, Treva. Mounted, my best actual measurement for the 175 is 165 (but I don’t have an accurate gauge that measures that wide). Did someone at Bob Jane duck out the back and measure the real width of the Potenza, or just quote the specs? It was this sort of labelling differential that persuaded me to go with a brand/size that was already proven on the Spyder.

I really like the Kuhmo, as I find it good in all the categories you mention above. So do many Aussies (some of them really quick Aussies), but many Americans don’t like them so much as some find them slippery in the wet. No one has yet found out why there appears to be a difference as nearly all Aussies running them don’t have issues in the wet. Another thing to consider is that I am 6’7” and 140kgs, so I may be putting different loads on the tyre to many solo riders

Have you had a look on OzSpyderRiders forum? There are a lot of discussions on available tyres in Aus, and their fit and performance.:thumbup:

Pete

With your height & weight [ bloody giant ] i'd say you are right regarding putting different loads on the tyres.

 

[treva]

I've just fitted the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 175/55R 15 with no clearance issues at all. Fitted the Bridgestone Adrenalin RE003 205/55R 15 on the rear. Could have physically fitted a 215/55, but the aspect ratio/profile versus the front tires may have thrown the nanny into confusion.

I'm running 18/20 psi front/rear to start with but that may change. I cannot believe the difference in grip which is staggering compared to the kendras, along with straight line stability & braking. So good is the difference, i'm about to fit the same tires to my RT.

Anyone who hasn't fitted good car tires don't know what there missing. My only regret is not fitting them sooner.

 

[Peteoz]

Great to hear, Treva...... I just put Bridgestone Potenza on my AWD and love them. I too, could not believe the difference in the general handling and comfort that the Kumhos gave me.

Pete

 

[rays hell]

Thanks UP, really good info.

https://tiresize.com/calculator/
I think this may be a better way to compare tire sizes.