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.
