If anyone is looking to replace their 17 inchers Michelin is transitioning out the Sport Pilot A/S and current stock is reduced. I got mine for $180 ea. at my local tire dealer - that's cheaper than Tire Rack's close out price with delivery.

 

17 inch on an XK8?

 

Yep, the standard Lamina and Revolver wheels were 17" and, IMO, ugly

 

Yep, 17" chrome revolvers on my 1999 XK8.

 

What is going to take their place? I have Dunlops now and I'm getting ready to replace them. They don't last that long!

 

Not sure greenJ, but im getting new tires tomorrow, and will let you know what I think of them. They're new, affordable, and rated well against the Michelin man.

 

I'm currently running Riken Raptors which are apparently low end Michelins (I'm running the staggered width 18" sizes). They were on the car when I bought it and, so far, have worn well and gripped very well. (Granted I only have about 2500 miles on them) It seems they are great value from what I've heard from some Mercedes guys running them. I've heard some people using them on 911s for a budget, occasional track use tire.


"Michelin North America Inc. has introduced a new line of ultra-high performance tires -- the Riken Raptor ZR.The Riken Raptor ZR tire has a directional tread design and a "waved" center rib to help channel water away from the footprint; oversized swept-back lateral rib elements for maximum grip during cornering; and rubber compounds that help the tire maintain its shape."

Treadwear: 300
Traction: AA
Temperature: A

 

I have had the Riken Raptors on my car(01 XKR) for about a year now and they are great tires. They cost me $550/set mounted, forced balanced and on car spin sub-balanced at a local independent tire shop.

 

What is "on car spin sub-balanced"? They spin them on while on the car? I saw something like this when I was a kid (ha ha a few moons ago) when a Cooper Tire shop did it to my Dad's 56 Olds. I didn't know this was still being done.

 

GreenJewel,

going to show my age. I was not a kid when they still did this as regular practice.

The tire is spun on the car where all subtle differences in a rotor, (then drums), tire, etc. are taken in to account and if you make sure you put tire back on in original position this excellent balance is preserved (mark 1 lug when you remove and place back in same position). This will be lost when rotating tires but sisnce ours run different sizes front and rear and swapping right and left on radials is a no no, this is a good practice for these cars.

One of the other practices that is hard to watch as you see rubber you paid good money for hit the floor is tire shaving. This is done prior to balancing and involves spinning the wheel on a centered spindle and trimming off all out of round rubber.

Once you do this and spin balance on the car. Balance will often last life of tire and life is actually longer than if you dont. You may have to find a race shop or old fart tire guy but nice smooth ride results.

Regards,
Steven (1avguy)

 

I haven't heard this before, can you explain why? I've always been told this:

I've done it that way on my Cougar for years and haven't seen any ill effects. I wouldn't do it on the Jag due to staggered withs and can't even go side to side with directional tires. If you are not running directional tires, why can't you go side to side?

 

Bias ply tires are no problem switching side to side but radial tires have a bit of "memory" to them where direction of travel is important. Swapping direction of travel occurs if you simply switch left and right without reversing them on the rim.

When you change the direction of travel (leading edge to hit pavement) the cords within the tire start flexing a little different than if direction is preserved. Early delamination can result.

It can also contribute a little to "radial pull" where the car is in perfect alignment but still pulls to one side. Radial pull is probably not noticeable on ours as there is so much power assist between you and wheels. Bigger deal on older, light weight sports cars.

Steven (1avguy)

 

Just put my Michelins on today for $828.28 out the door.

 

That makes sense, thanks Steven.

 

What size did you buy? My 2000 came with chrome 17" Lamina.