Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires First Impressions of my new KDWS

First Impressions of my new BFGoodrich G-Force KDWS 205/55ZR16's.

After cupping the inside edge of the original BFGoodrich G-Force KDW tires; I decided to try something different. My goal was to find a quieter tire that had similar manners of the KDW but in an all-season design. Plus the cost of the original KDW has increased 50% since the car has been out of production.

Anyways, after days of browsing the Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct websites, I narrowed my choice down to the G-Force KDWS. I opted for the 205/55ZR16 since I believe it will look better on the narrow 6.5? rim. It has the same height as the 225/50/ZR16, but is not as wide and the sidewall won?t look as bubbled on the rim.

Since I need tires real fast, I had the local tire shop order and install them last night. The very first thing I noticed is how QUIET they are. Compared to my "out of round" KDW it is a day and night difference. Highway speeds are still fairly noisy, but noise levels around town are definitely improved. So quiet it almost seems strange. They do look pretty nice on the stock rims as far as proportion goes, but do not appear near as aggressive looking as the old KDW.

These new tires are about 1/2" taller in diameter and increased the ride height ever so slightly. While 1/4" lift doesnt seem like much, I actually feel the car is a taller. Not something I?m real happy about, but noticeable to me.

Unfortunately, the thing that bothers me the most is the car seems to have lost some of its "Fun to Drive" feeling. That crisp feeling of responsiveness handling is why I bought the CSVT in the first place. Straight-line bumps are still transmitted with similar firmness, but the steering response is not the same. The sidewalls are stiff, but not as stiff as the KDW were.

Maybe part of what I'm saying is because they are still brand new and only have 40 miles on them. The noise improvement is definitely a bonus and I?m sure next winter will be better too. Overall, I?m happy with the new KDWS. The only downside is the car now rides like a perfectly normal car and not like a true CSVT. I guess I learned you just can't expect an all-season tire to match a performance minded one. There are always going to be compromises.

I hope BFGoodrich might find this feedback and consider two important changes for the G-Force lineup. 1). Make at KDWS in a 215/50ZR16 size and 2). Reduce the cost of the OEM KDW back to old $99 retail price.

Give them about 1000 miles and you will think differently about them. I just put on KDWS's on the SVT last Friday, took them on a 500 mile trip and have drive to and from work this week (150 more miles) and it has made a huge difference. I thought the same as you at first, but now my opinion has changed. These tires are great.

1. They are quite

2. They handle very well. Stick to the road nicely.

3. They are still "blocky" on rough pavement as the KDW's were, but that is OK.

4. Ahemmm, a "friend" of mine "said" he had the car well above the speed limit (3 digits) and the tires handled great.

5. Can you say 400 treadwear rating. :p

6. Wet traction is incredible!!!!

I love them!!!!!

I am going to have to disagee with the last post. They will seem better after 1000 miles because your recolection of the performance of the original KDW's will fade and your new KDWS will seem "normal". When I put on my Michelin Arctic Alpins for the winter I thought "Holy crap these handle like complete sh*&" Turn-in response felt like my 4x4 truck. Now as the winter wraps up and I have put some time on the Alpins I catch myself saying "these aren't that bad..". They still are, I have just got acustomed to less performance and handling. I will let you know when I put my KDW's back on this weekend.

I was actually referring to the break-in period. These babies handle good, but I will never believe they handle as well as the KDW's.

New tires have much more tread "squirm" than after they wear awhile. If you want great handling right away, have your treads shaved down 50%. Of course, you won't get as many miles out of them after that!

Karl

Yeah with the KDW you probably have a golden 5000 - 10000 miles after they are broken in and before they start to rumble and got "rough"

Yes, I agree with the golden 5000 - 10000 miles on the KDW. If only BFG could revise it slightly and it could be the perfect tire.

Anyways, I am starting to get used to the KDWS. It is kind of nice to hear the sound of the engine again.