Have runflats come of age?

[msm]

Conclusion: A run-flat tire that doesn't have the traditional trade-off in ride comfort

Full link (Long article): Link

A rather interesting article. Seems that some of the issues around the harshness of runflats are being addressed. I guess the only thing left to see is if they've addressed the "harsh" prices.

 

[AshG108]

that sounds good!:thumbs:

 

[moranor@axis]

if runflats came down in price i would consider them having stiff sidewalls makes for good tires, but im guessing they will just up the price of normal tires till they the same price...

 

[Zane87]

That's true,

They will more likely increase the prices of the conventional tires to highlight the "cost effectiveness" of RFT's :nonono:

 

[Hellas]

The price of Bridgestone Turanza, and in particular the 205/55R16, have come down from R1800 to R890 in the couple of years that I've been driving BMW. The same Turanza runflats are now LESS than R1150 per tyre, which makes it a very attractive option to have then fitted as standard.

 

[moranor@axis]

The price of Bridgestone Turanza, and in particular the 205/55R16, have come down from R1800 to R890 in the couple of years that I've been driving BMW. The same Turanza runflats are now LESS than R1150 per tyre, which makes it a very attractive option to have then fitted as standard.

well then thats good news lest hope they drop in price even more...

 

[Jakkals_F30]

wish they would do that for 255/40/17 tyres.. lol... they are way way overpriced.

 

[KingSi]

I hate my run flats, everything I've read says standard road tyres improve ride quality and handling. If the technology is improving then great but still a performance tyre v.s. run flat --> performance has to win. Unless that't not what you're after.

 

[moranor@axis]

not really true... good tires have stiff sidewalls so runflats can also give you good performance if the right compounds are used...

 

[Philip Foglar]

RFT's do not need to be so over-priced!! The Hankook RFT's, in the albeit limit sizes available, are roughly the same price as regular Hankook tyres of the same sizes. And they are very good as far as I am concerned. The bigger brands need the Hankooks of the world to compete with them - pushes for better development and competition! But yes, RFT technology as far as I am concerned has a great future, provided we as consumers can choose which brands we want to fit!

 

[Seether]

not really true... good tires have stiff sidewalls so runflats can also give you good performance if the right compounds are used...

+1

The performance of the Bridgestone RFTs I have on at the moment is no less than perfect + I have the safety aspect.

 

[msm]

But yes, RFT technology as far as I am concerned has a great future, provided we as consumers can choose which brands we want to fit!

And provided there is enough competition at retail level. Right now it seems to be dominated by a few big players :thumbdo:

 

[Philip Foglar]

But yes, RFT technology as far as I am concerned has a great future, provided we as consumers can choose which brands we want to fit!

And provided there is enough competition at retail level. Right now it seems to be dominated by a few big players :thumbdo:

Precisely, and that is my main gripe at this stage! But, check this out: Hankook secures first BMW OE with Ventus Prime²

So, maybe some light at the end of the tunnel for up and coming brands like Hankook, and in particular, HRS-Hankook Runflat System!!