posted 02-03-2012 07:03 PM                  

I've read all of the posts about swapping from the original run-flats, and there is a common thread in all of them - the new tires give a softer, gentler ride.

However, I don't want a better ride - I actually like the bone-jarring, tooth-rattling "original" ride, and would be VERY disappointed if new tires changed it in any way.

Is it still possible or advisable to find NOS Goodyear run-flats, or have they exceeded their shelf life?

posted 02-03-2012 08:43 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by beachcat:
These would work well

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I think the same guy used to own a bike shop:

posted 02-04-2012 08:26 AM                  

I think you are going to have a difficult time finding Goodyears. A search for both turned up nada.

Also if you find a set that was stored properly they will be good for an extended period of time. The tire companys want you to spend money on their product so they will tell you that they "deteriorate" after a couple of years. Nonsense.

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posted 02-04-2012 09:07 AM                  

There is an exit on I-95 here in Jacksonville that is long and curved. It is as rough as a cobb. When exiting the highway at 65 mph I would feel the car start 'floating' a little because of the rough road and the stiff runflats. Much like I remember country dirt roads after the spring rains in Michigan. They would get ruts across them from all the rain and thawing - the 'washboard' effect. If you went a little too fast on those roads you would feel the car 'float' all over the road. You could easily lose control if you were not very careful. That is the feeling I would get on the I-95 exit, and other rough roads as well, with the runflats.

After I converted to non-runflats and the Wonder Bar the whole driving experience became much better. I can take that same exit and not feel like I might be on the verge of floating into the next lane, as I often did with the runflats. I now have a comfortable and safer ride, and I don't have to give up that sports car, glued-to-the-road feel. In fact, it is enhanced.

Having said this, to each his own. If you convert to non-runflats out of necessity, I would put money on on it that you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Good luck!

Also, all of that bone-jarring, tooth-rattling takes a toll on the whole car over time.

(Note: Love the square tires. Too funny...)

posted 02-05-2012 04:57 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Y2KRedProwler:
If Tom bought some runflats that were manufactured in 2011, wouldn't there be more in the pipeline? I am sure Goodyear would mfg a "quantity" at a time. Nowhere I checked showed Goodyear RF as a possibility. Are there more out there and I am missing something??????

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