Re: Kumho vs. BFG "KD" (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

In Reply to: Kumho vs. BFG "KD" posted by Conasab on March 03, 2000 at 21:35:58:

Personal opinion would be the track cornering and grip would be better on a V700. AJ

The Kumho V700 features an asymmetric tread design moulded at 5 to 6/32" of tread depth in its two major circumferential grooves. It can be run at full tread depth for autocross competition, or shaved to between 3 to 4/32" of tread depth for competitive road racing. Its tread design features extra wide tread blocks for its outer shoulder (which comprise about 1/3 of the tire's tread width) to maximize cornering grip while promoting tread life (when new, the shoulder blocks are interrupted only by shallow, 1/32" deep lateral grooves). The center and inner shoulder portions of the tread design are comprised of short, stable tread blocks to further enhance handling while providing some wet traction when new (or at near full tread depth). The V700 features a tread compound specifically developed to provide maximum grip, handling and treadlife. Internally the V700 has two steel belts reinforced with two nylon cap plies to help stabilize the tread area and provide V-speed rated (for 13" & 14" rim diameter sizes) or Z-speed rated (for 15", 16" and 17" diameter sizes) capability. Additionally, 3 rayon carcass plies with sidewall stiffeners provide high temperature durability and quick steering response. Attractively priced, the Kumho V700 is designed to provide the best traction and treadlife for your racing dollar. The Kumho V700 has a UTQG rating of 50 A A and will initially be available in both full and shaved tread depths.
__________________________________________________
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD - On the outside, specific tires have been developed for the left and right side of the vehicle. The g-Force T/A KD is the first BFGoodrich tire to feature an asymmetric tread pattern which features large, stable blocks to provide more outer shoulder contact area (fully 79% or the outer tread) which increases cornering traction and steering response, which is then combined with directional water evacuation channels to resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction. Internally under their "BlackTech" high grip tread compound, twin steel belts are reinforced by BFGoodrich's "ETEC System" (spirally wound nylon strips) that provides excellent strength, uniform ride quality, and Y-speed rated (186 mph) capability. And for handling control and feedback, "g-Control" sidewall inserts resist lateral deflection and allow the g-Force T/A KD tires to generate its cornering force.

(On the track), the g-Force T/A KD came into it's element by providing very responsive handling and superior cornering and braking traction in the dry. This allowed it to run faster laps than our previous "King Of The Dry", the Michelin Pilot SX MXX3, by over 1/10th of a second. For that matter, compared to the Pilot SX MXX3, the handling weakness the g-Force T/A KD exhibited was slightly less of steering feedback when pushed right to its limit. While expected to provide equivalent real world highway tread life, the g-Force T/A KD's superior performance on the track did come at a cost, as it was the fastest wearing of the three tires in our high stress test track test.

: How much difference on the track using the Kumho Victor 700 over the BFG "KD" for a M Coupe? Could ya drive the Kumhos on the street thru the summer months?
: TIA

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.