I , like many others, am serching for a great handiling, wearing, and riding, non run flat tire. I have found the BFG T/A KDW2 and the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 very attractive. The Michelin is lighter and has impressive test results. The BFG has a more radical(tread design) appeal, again, with impressive test results. I have always had a warm and fuzzy feeling about Michelin quality. Your thoughts please!

MOTOR LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

 

What size tires are you looking for? 15", 16" or 17" or other.
What are you using your MINI for primarily? Street use, track or autocross?

What suspension do you have? Stock right now?

Michelins are OK but not the best value for most of us.
You might try calling Alex@tirerack.com to find out more about your options.

For general use and street driving the Avon Tech M500 and M550 are worth a look. Others like the Falken or Toyo tires for their value (see edgeracing.com)

 

The Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is an Ultra High perf summer tire like the Avon Tech M500.

Both have good test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/avon_tech_m500.jsp
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...lot+Exalto+PE2

The Exalto is impressive but costs alot more.

Some comparisons in 215/45-17-
BFG T/A KDW2 $124 each 300 wear AA traction 24 pounds
Mich Pilot Exalto PE2 $159 each 240 wear A traction 22 pounds
Avon Tech M500 $104 each 280 wear AA traction 24 pounds
Bridgestone Potenza RE-750 $141 each 340 wear AA traction 22 pounds

From customer reviews the M500 has the highest ratings but the KDW2 is very close behind. The Pilot Exalto PE2 doesn't have a rating (low sales?) but has high tirerack test scores. Is the Exalto PE 2 worth 50% more cost with a lower wear rating (only a relative number)? You can decide.

Do you get any snow? If so an all season tire would be an option.
Avon Tech M550 and others.

 

Michelin over rated no, over priced yes..

I agree that's why I am going for BFG for my next set. The g-Force sport, great entry level price and good ratings on Tire Rack.

Tires are like cars everyone has an different idea of what's good..

 

>great handiling, wearing, and riding, non run flat tire


How about some Yok H4Avids? those are all of the above for the normal daily driver..and very economical.

Pirelli's P6FourSeasons would also be a candidate if you're using 50 or greater
profile. Those tires grip almost like GS-D3's with a softer sidewall. ironically
they grip better than ES100's, SpecII's, and very quiet... it was almost like
a joke when I tried them..I was amazed... but the quality and
craftsmanship of those P6's tell why it's a cheap tire. I think BMW
even offered those on their 3 series.

When you put great handling, wearing, riding, and even quiet together
you pretty much loose all the high perf tires. :smile: Pilots, S03's, GS-D3's,
SP9000's are all quiet until they wear to about 75%...unless you have a
luxury car, the howling gets pretty darn noisy.

 

I appreciate all of the recommendations. I am going to use a local tire fitter. The five brands that he carries I am interested in are , Michelin, Toyo, Fuzion, Bridgestone and BF Goodrich . Of those brands I tentatively, narrowed down to the BFG KDW2 and the Michelin Exalto PE2. If ther are tires in the orther brands that I mentioned, that you feel to be superior, I'm listening.

 

I cant wait for Michellin TWEELS! bwahaha

 

I just put the new Dunlop Direzza DZ101's in a 205/50/15 on my Miata and I am very impressed by these tires. I have had Sport A2's, ES-100's and Azenis on my past Miata's and for less than 60 ea/ these are a great tire.