Tyre suggestions for 14"s

[BRGNA8]

Hey guys

Just wanted to know what tyres people have on their 14" wheels. Ideally I'm looking for something in the 185/60/14 size

In Australia, tyres are limited for this size and those that do come in this size are usually considered 'eco' tyres, i.e fuel mileage and comfort the main thing and not performance. Wondering if anyone runs any performance tyres in this size for this size of wheel.

PS not looking for semis too

[MLambert19]

I just picked up a set of BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport's for my 14" Watanabe's in 185/60/14. I've historically had great luck with BFG stuff (albeit all truck tires) so I figured I'd give them a try. They get solid reviews on Tirerack and such, and while maybe not as sticky as a Dunlop Z1, they sound like a much better all-around tire with decent tread life. Price was reasonable, too.

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-selector/vehicle/1991/Mazda/Miata/SE/OE/BNW/g-force-super-sport-a-s-h-v/tire-details

[Grip Driver]

I use Azenis on mine

http://www.falken.com.au/tyre-range/azenis-rt615k/

[kung fu jesus]

Dunlop Direzza Star Spec.

[bogaut]

185/60 star spec

[fwdtamiya]

Yep, for good 185's there's really only the ZII Star Spec in the U.S.

[oldgrayleather]

My RFP's came with Falkens already mounted (195/60).. Sounds like the expert opinions above suggest they're replaced by Star Specs when it's time. Any side by side commentary on the differences from anyone who's had both?

[BRGNA8]

The Direzza Star Specs almost look like a semi slick to me. How do they perform in the wet? And are they a semi or just a high performance tyre?

[freedomgli]

Don't be afraid of 195/60R14 either. They fit fine even on stock 14x6 wheels. Japan seems to have more 14" tire choices than other markets. You're in Australia so it shouldn't be too bad to import some tires directly from Japan. One of these options from Yokohama Tire will probably be your best bet.

http://www.yokohamatire.jp/yrc/japan/tire/brand/advan/advan_neova_ad07.html
http://www.yokohamatire.jp/yrc/japan/tire/brand/advan/advan_a050.html

I once got a bad set of Star Specs that could not be balanced with a reasonable Road Force so I'm hesitant to recommend them. But if you can get Dunlop tires then check out the Direzza DZ102 or Direzza Z2★

http://tyre.dunlop.co.jp/tyre/lineup/sport/dz102/
http://tyre.dunlop.co.jp/tyre/lineup/sport/z2/

Bridgestone makes a good tire also
Potenza RE-71R
Potenza RE-11A

http://tire.bridgestone.co.jp/potenza/re71r/size.html
http://tire.bridgestone.co.jp/potenza/re11a/size.html

[kung fu jesus]

The Direzza Star Specs almost look like a semi slick to me. How do they perform in the wet? And are they a semi or just a high performance tyre?

I ran them on my e30 BMW. I thought they were terrific in the rain, even when worn. The day I drove it home, I drove 5 hours through medium to heavy rain (typical for the southeastern US) on the freeway, I only experienced hydroplaning when I was above 70mph in the heavy stuff, and I think that was fair because it was too fast for the conditions to the point when I also realized I was out driving the windshield wipers' ability to clear the water off on the highest setting. I consider those a high-performance summer tire. I tracked that car on those a few times, pushing them hard.

I ran Falken 615k in 195/60-14 on my 14x6.5 wheels a few times, those are more semi-slicks as you describe. Not great in the rain.

Decent testing results on the Direzza:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZII+Star+Spec&partnum=86HR4Z2SS&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Mazda&autoYear=1992&autoModel=Miata&autoModClar=

I don't know if BF Goodrich is available in Australia, but they are a subsidiary of Michelin. Good tires, long lasting, usually very good in the rain. I see a number of Kumho tires in that size, but nothing I consider a performance tire.