Well, it seems that it is all in the timing

Two days ago on a Saturday when setting of from home I noticed that the backend was a bit "loose" so I pulled into the local servo less than 1Km from home to check the tyres. The passenger side rear seemed almost, but not quiet, flat so I added some air and waited to see if it went down again with a fast leak. Seemed OK so then went on to the closest tyre palace to get it inspected and repaired if required.

One 2-inch self-tapping screw was embeded into the tread and had caused the leak, and inspecting the inside of the sidewall it was observed that the tyre was buggered. So 1Km at relatively low speed on one of these tyres while it is flat will destroy it. Even though, when flat, these tyres look as though they have about 20% air in them.

This is where the nightmare begins!

When dealer checks for available Bridgstone RE040 225/45R18 tyre, the answer comes up zero. So that means in Gosford, right? No, well in NSW, right? No, well where in Australia then? What!!! Bridgestone have none in Australia!!!!!

Well then talking today with Bridgestone the local Bob Jane dealer finds that there is one in SA, so when he trys to order it he is told sorry but it is sold and there aren't anymore, and the tyres are on backorder and will be in Aus in about "6 BLOODY WEEKS!!!!!!"

Bridgestone won't keep stock of these high performance low volume tyres even though they are the factory fitted standard for the growing number of RX8s in Aus.

Local Mazda dealer is trying hard through MA, but not looking good

So treat those rare tyres well for the next month or so. Check them for pressures every single day. Avoid sharp objects on the road. And pray that nobody decides to slash one. Because you will either have to drive around on the "Donkey Wheel" for many weeks, or park it in the garage and find another form of transport!

I will be persuing a replacement set of 4 suitable, and avialable tyres, from Bridgestone. For which I will gladly return the 3 slightly used (around 9K) OEM factory tyres that currently support my 8, for the price of one replacement standard tyre. Maybe they could front with say a 235/40R18 set, that would be nice. As long as they kept stock in Aus for replacements!

So beware and good luck to all!

 

I almost had a flat the other day. Scared the crap outta me.... thought there was a screw in there like yours tonym, but alas, it was just a stone that was easily removed.

Now hearing this story, am I glad I didn't have a flat.......

 

good time to plug my std tyres all 4 for $700 about 9k easy km's on them
pics posted on request.

 

This isn't a new issue Tony, I recall timbo reporting on it some time back. Doesn't help you though .

Someone needs a good kick up the Khyber...

 

Did you sell the rims? Whad'ya get for 'em?

 

there are a few sets being offered at the moment and std rims aren't in demand so I let my marked set go for $700; barely worth the sale.
same with the tyres they are a bargain buy but unfortunatly I can't use them on my 9" rims

so I don't steal the thread
tonym don't buy falken zeix tyres they are cheep for a reason. unfortunatly I did make the mistake and went with the tyre shops sugestion instead of ordering something in.

 

Rotaryenvy

Check your PM .

cheers
michael

 

if this is an on going issue, why dont you change all four with other brand and keep/sale the other 3 tyres.
this way you will always be able to get replacement tyres

 

Bugger!

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Guys in your opinions? What is the value of a second hand RX8 tyre with 9km on it .

cheers
michael

 

I reckon 400 sounds about right........

 

Noojoc

If a set of tyres /CAR goes missing from your lot i know someone interested :D

CHEERS
MICHAEL

 

If the originals are rare, I assume they are expensive. Maybe buying 2 non original quality tyres of the same size is a better option

 

I put 245/40 Yokohamas on for only a few dollars more then the Bridgestones. I found I got slightly ripped off for price, so they are available cheaper.

If you go to 235/40 they are much cheaper then the stock 225/45, as this is a common Commodore size. The only problem is the rolling diameter is too small IMHO.

Or for about 1/2 the price of the yoko's I put on, you can get the same size in a Nankang. I put a set of these "top shelf" directionals on my wifes Mazda '6, and wished I had given them a go on the '8. I would have saved about $850.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Hymee

If my offer is not accepted by rotarenvy by 7th march i will seriously look at the Nankang 245/40 /18 97w i can get into them for $200 a piece seems great value

cheers
michael

 

I got a 1cm bolt through my tyre took it to my mates goodyear shop and he mushroom plugged it Feels as good as new

Though I would say another 8k worth of MY driving on the tyres and I will need a replacement.

I wouild go with the Yokies

Regards
Phillip

 

If they're the NSII type, they'll certainly give you the best bang for your bucks....... I've got them in 19's on my rims......... not bad, but not the best either........ you get what you pay for I guess.

 

I found a set of Michellin Pilot sport PS2 mixed with Pilot sport up with the size 235/40-18. They are willing to be on my wheel for $160/tyre. I have to check their thread first.

I might be able to sell my front 2 for $300 a pair, they are about 70% thread cf my rear only about 30-40%

 

I don't think I could put Nankang tyres on my car....I'm still grappling with the idea that Kuhmo's may be acceptable. A tyre company needs a bit of history in this country before I'm prepared to part with my hard earned on them.

Maybe I'm a brand *****...

And second hand tyres I don't know the history of??? No thanks....

Gomez.

 

Besides the price and the fact that the tyre is owned by someone I know.... it is very tempting.

 

So far I am quite impressed with the Nankang's on the Mazda 6.

I guess it gets down to giving these a go at $200 a pop:



Or...

Spending up big on these at $400 a pop:



Part of the "old school" in my likes those 2 circumferential channels in the Nankangs that are missing from the Yoko's.

2nd hand rag tyres might be OK for track days or burn outs.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Yeah, they have a nice looking tread....something like the "G" Grids I had on a Magna once....

 

looks are looks not how they perform.
there are to many traps in finding a decent tyre.

I have found softer rubber doesn't necessarily mean more grip. my falkens feel softer when you prod them with your finger nail than the re40's yet the falkens seem to have less grip off the line and round corners and in the wet

 

Very true........ which Falkens do you have?

 

zeix-512's