[yzfrj]

I've been searching around, reading, chatting, sms, calling, PM'g basically bugging a lot of nice folks out there. Yet I'm still confused.

There are couple of threads on tbhp which says AD07 are excellent. I believe them. Again at a price of 5.5k for 14", 7.5k for 15 and so on these are for the "hard core" enthusiast.

For 15" and higher these things costs as much as an aftermarket damper per wheel. So you might be better of getting the dampers or springs upgraded.

But for a 14" the plot kind of thickens.

A decent set of 14" 195's will cost 3.7k to 4.3k (17k for 4)
AD07 will set you back around 5.5k ( 22k for set of 4) That means 5k more overall

The car in question is an OHC Vtec - Stock (No mods, nothing, nada.)

+ and - I can think of for AD07

+ Grip (Apparently the best)
+ Wet weather performance

- Price
- Average life (apparently)
- Noise (again this depends upon person)

So the question remains are they worth it (at least in 14") ?
Or am I better off saving and getting something else with the "savings" ?

[Nikhilb2008]

YES YES YES YES!! A thousand times over.

I've said it before, I'll say it again. AD07s are not as overkill as people make them out to be. I've tried them on a stock NHC Vtec. An OHC Vtec is even better! And when you consider the fact tht you will be driving a few times on track, it makes even more sense for you!

Life isnt that bad. With a track day, our tyres have done 25k kms and look good for another 10k at the very least.

Noise: Not too much. It has become much much noisier after the trackday though.

[krish3]

I expected only this reply from Nikhil. YZFRJ-: The answer is right for your kind of usage.

If the requirement was different, I would have given a different answer

[The Wolf]

Brilliant tyres. The outperform most tyres in dry as well as wet. If you are the frequent aggressive and spirited kinda driver these tyres willdefinitely add a lotta confidence, especially in the braking division- its got an extremely potent bite, goes well with the over assisted OHC assembly.

Tyre life is good, they will comfortably last 20-25k kms if not driven on track.

My experience with 205/50/R14 has been extremely good, pls ensure you get the made in Japan ones if possible.

[Nikhilb2008]

All AD07s are made in Japan as of now. Especially the ones we get here in India

[revtech]

whats the cost for 195/60R14 ? i need to change the rubber on my baleno and was thinking about going in for these.

[binz]

No doubt they are amazing tyres, but they are definitely an overkill for a stock car.

By a set of decent set of tyres 14/15" and use the amount you save to get your car's suspension stiffened/lowered. Raj charges 6k for stiffening if I'm not mistaken.

Do THAT and see the difference.

[pranavt]

Originally Posted by binz

No doubt they are amazing tyres, but they are definitely an overkill for a stock car.

By a set of decent set of tyres 14/15" and use the amount you save to get your car's suspension stiffened/lowered. Raj charges 6k for stiffening if I'm not mistaken.

Do THAT and see the difference.

^^ What he said. A stiffer suspension on the OHC will be loads more fun on a track.

[yzfrj]

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

YES YES YES YES!! A thousand times over.

Thanks bud.

Originally Posted by krish3

I expected only this reply from Nikhil. YZFRJ-: The answer is right for your kind of usage.

If the requirement was different, I would have given a different answer

Thanks a lot krish

Originally Posted by The Wolf

Brilliant tyres. pls ensure you get the made in Japan ones if possible.

Thanks Wolf.

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

All AD07s are made in Japan as of now. Especially the ones we get here in India

So "all" we get here are ? or should I check ? If so how ?

Originally Posted by binz

No doubt they are amazing tyres, but they are definitely an overkill for a stock car.

By a set of decent set of tyres 14/15" and use the amount you save to get your car's suspension stiffened/lowered. Raj charges 6k for stiffening if I'm not mistaken.

Do THAT and see the difference.

Originally Posted by pranavt

^^ What he said. A stiffer suspension on the OHC will be loads more fun on a track.

Binz / Pranav,

The simple matter of the fact is this is the same car I'll be taking my wife and my lil 7 month old. So mods of any kind are out of the question at this time.Maybe when wife gets her own car I'll be "freed" (or rather the car).

PS : I'm still pondering... my heart wants them but my bank account does't agree (stupid grin)

[Nikhilb2008]

Riju, The AD07s in India are Made in Japan. You can check them by reading the stuff written on sidewall. It would very clearly be written, "Made in Japan" or "Made in xxxx"

[yzfrj]

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

Riju, The AD07s in India are Made in Japan. You can check them by reading the stuff written on sidewall. It would very clearly be written, "Made in Japan" or "Made in xxxx"

Ok. That simple eh ? I feel kinda stupid now. I thought it would be some "hi-funda" tyre guru marking/code thingy.

Thanks Nikhil.

[binz]

Could you give us a breakup on your usage .. Track/highway/street

[Invinsible]

Originally Posted by revtech

whats the cost for 195/60R14 ? i need to change the rubber on my baleno and was thinking about going in for these.

I paid about 5100 for these to be fitted on the fabia. Have done 15000kms since fitted them in Jan. The grip is phenomenal. The steering response is great and car behaves well when changing lanes and overtaking. I din't find the ride bumpy at all may be due to higher sidewall.
It's worth the price for this size. the tyres have increased a bit after 10000kms on it. If no issues with spending then these seems the ultimate choice.

[yzfrj]

Originally Posted by binz

Could you give us a breakup on your usage .. Track/highway/street

My office trip is 10km (round trip). I prefer my Rx as its faster.
So its safe to say my use will be around 300-350Kms (this includes small "shopping" trips, beach, eatouts and what not) a month on OMR (4 lane toll road with couple of huge potholes on the "small" road towards office and home)

Highway as of now I'm not even thinking of driving on the Highway (maybe in another 1yr as the lil one grows a bit)

Track - every trackday probably 150-200Kms / session.

Best estimate will be around 5000Kms a year (break-up below)

• 4100Kms on good roads (read toll road - The OMR)
• 500Kms on track (assumption 2-3 trackdays/year)
• 400kms on Sub-standard roads (inevitable as everyone would agree)

• 0 Kms (highway usage.)

But there is one 1500kms trip I'm thinking about in August but... chances are slim.

[bottle]

If you have money to blow go ahead. If not I would evaluate it on other driving habbits, for city driving the stiff sidewalls compromise on ride so on pot holed and grainy road surfaces they wont be too comfortable compared to some other tyres. Track day 2 per year is a miracle IMO, so I think spending so much for 1 event a year is something you should think about.. Do you do highway trips ? They are brilliant there and totally worth it.

My personal opinion is that on our cars these tyres take away the fun factor I prefer something with less grip for a bit of thrills