Falken FK452

[DANZZT231]

Since my RE050A was a very old tyre and visible sign of cracking I decided it is time to change my tyre. Initially I wanted to get RT615 but there is none in 215/45/17 for Australian market, strangely.

So I figured I'll get something on par with RE050A premium ultra high performance tyre, and I decided to get FK452 since it comes with the size I am after. Way cheaper also. Plus, I have experienced this tyre previously on my mate's Alfa, so the FK452 isn't that strange to me. What impressed me at that time is its wet handling ability.

In summary, this tyre have adequate amount of stiffness needed for sporty driving and it is quiet and comfortable for long journey driving. I need about 400km more to fully bed-in the tyre, but so far its already impressive. On dry it is fantatic, on wet its even more impressive. Not keen to put myself into the next available tree as the tyre is not fully bedded in yet, I went easy moderate pace on Springbrook National Park and there's no sign of slip. I am talking about taking a corner with recommended speed limit of 30km/h at 60km/h speed limit on very wet conditions. I am sure if the tyre is fully bedded in, it can take it at higher speed.

Last night when I went back from Brisbane to Gold Coast, it was pouring heavily on the freeway and this tyre don't fail. When everyone else slowed down below 110km/h speed limit, I just easily cruise at 110km/h passing everyone as if I'm speeding. When there's aquaplaning the tyre keep the car straight and quickly get grip back. Accelerating on very wet condition is not a problem either, it just goes as if the road is dry. I even hit lift.

For all-season, day to day driving premium tyre this FK452 is hard to beat especially when the price is cheaper than similar contender. I am not saying this tyre gives you reason to be silly on wet condition, but it does gives you the confidence that regardless if its wet or dry the tyre will bring you home safely. So far the RE050A provides slightly more driver feedback, but I only clocked 100km with the FK452 so until its fully bedded in I can't comment too much about it. But I believe this tyre can and will perform as good as the RE050A which I found to be very impressive aswell.

For more information to add to the review above, my wheel alignment is:

Camber front: -2.0 degree

Total toe front: +2 mm

Camber rear: -1.8 degree

Total toe rear: +1 mm

[Guni]

That was 3 months ago Dan.

What's the status now?

[DANZZT231]

It's been great. Just like the above review, but with tyre now fully bedded in. I actualy look forward driving in the rain with this tyre. Sensational.

Tyre wear looks great, even though my alignment is aggressive there is no sign of excessive wear. Tyre wear is rated at 300.

I even think it is more comfortable now, and more feel of the road than when it was brand new.

Tyre noise is slightly reduced too.

I reccommend minimum 38psi (cold) with this tyre, but that depends on the rest of the suspension aswell I supposed.

Best value for money if you look for premium day to day tyre. I would buy this tyre again if I am not in the mood of choosing different brand. It can do spirited driving, it can serve you well for long journey drive, its got great tyre wear, its comfortable and quiet and it gives you the confidence and safety even on ridicilously wet conditions.

Dr. Danz fully recommended.

[-JC-]

I have to agree with you. I had these tyres on my SS ute years ago when I had it, and they were that sticky it even used to get axle tramp in the wet!!! Very nice tyre IMHO.

[DANZZT231]

That's right.

So for little torque cars like Celica and Sportivo, this tyre can do far more than one could think from the name Falken.

Buy with confidence.

[Guni]

Excellent!

Mate of mine is about to dive into these and swim .....

[jaderd]

sounds good...whats the hip pocket kicker on these...i'd want 215/45/17 new tyres needed before too much more rain...maybe before national meet

cheers

[DANZZT231]

I think I paid $1050 for a set of 4. I can't remember.

[Kenji]

Sweet I was looking at these tyres along with T1R and S drives, can't get Re001 for my profile.

And coz many people have said they're all similar I'm happy to say that these are my next set of tyres coz for 225/35r18

THEY ARE VERY PRICEY :(

[DANZZT231]

It is expensive, but when compared to the same class tyre such as RE050A (both are premium top end offering from each manufacturer) all of a sudden it's clear the price is very very good. I remembered RE050A cost almost double the FK452, my eye nearly popped out.

[Guni]

It is expensive, but when compared to the same class tyre such as RE050A (both are premium top end offering from each manufacturer) all of a sudden it's clear the price is very very good. I remembered RE050A cost almost double the FK452, my eye nearly popped out.

I think the RE050A is over rated.

Had them for a while at my rears. Wasn't quite impressed for the price I paid ......

:(

So in this case, FK452 is the clear winner ....

[Kenji]

Got new tyres today. Falken FK-452 to replace my old and worn Hankook Ventus Sport K104.

So much grippier. But it's so much noiser and due to being performance tyres the sidewalls are so stiff lol.

Running 18's 225/35r18 on cusco zero2's really make the ride so much harsher now. But the grip in the wet is making me love them.

Hey Dan, did you notice that the tyres are really noisy?

Are you hearing a woo woo woo noise from them at all?

Kenji

[Leroy]

Any updates from either Kenji or Dan?

I'm in the market for some new tyres, and my usual tyre place quoted me 245 per tyre for these.

I want to know how quiet these tyres are... You still getting a "woooo" noise, Kenji?

Edited June 22, 2009 by Leroy

[Kenji]

Any updates from either Kenji or Dan?

I'm in the market for some new tyres, and my usual tyre place quoted me 245 per tyre for these.

I want to know how quiet these tyres are... You still getting a "woooo" noise, Kenji?

Yeah they're just a very loud tyre lol

But they grip in the wet and dry. A really good tyre and well priced compared to S drives, T1R's etc

[STYLSH]

The tyres arent the quietest, but I found them a quieter than the nankangs that I had before. But the Adrenalines from B'stones that i have now is quieter still.

[Leroy]

Any updates from either Kenji or Dan?

I'm in the market for some new tyres, and my usual tyre place quoted me 245 per tyre for these.

I want to know how quiet these tyres are... You still getting a "woooo" noise, Kenji?

Yeah they're just a very loud tyre lol

But they grip in the wet and dry. A really good tyre and well priced compared to S drives, T1R's etc

Well I got a pretty decent quote on S drives today... $270. Starting to look more attractive.

[DANZZT231]

Any updates from either Kenji or Dan?

I'm in the market for some new tyres, and my usual tyre place quoted me 245 per tyre for these.

I want to know how quiet these tyres are... You still getting a "woooo" noise, Kenji?

Yeah they're just a very loud tyre lol

But they grip in the wet and dry. A really good tyre and well priced compared to S drives, T1R's etc

Is it loud for you? How many kms has it been?

I honestly find it to be quiet.

[Guni]

Is it loud for you? How many kms has it been?

I honestly find it to be quiet.

Try Eagle F1 Asy .......

Now that's quiet!

:P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P

[Kenji]

Only bout 1000km lol.

I'm on 18's lowered on cusco zero2 coilovers though

[DANZZT231]

Maybe it's quiet for me, but not you. Or maybe the Celica have better deadening than Corolla.

I did find the tyre gets quieter with more use, but let's just see how you go.

[Conquest]

Just replaced my tyres with a set of these the other day, $150 a tyre for 205/50/16

Personally I find them pretty quiet, can't hear them when travelling over 70k's/hour on the highway. It's only when i'm slowing down I get a weird woop woop sound, not sure if it's the tyres or wheel balance issues. Apart from that i've been looking forward to driving on wet roads, the amount of grip is amazing and they still aren't fully run in yet...

[Kenji]

Yeah that whoop noise when slowing down is the only noise i hear.

[DANZZT231]

I honestly didn't notice the noise you mentioned during deceleration. I'll pay more attention later when I go for a drive.

[Kenji]

Hey but I don't really care about the noise anymore. All I care about is that the tyres can't be faulted under performance criteria and i just

turn up the music :D

[DANZZT231]

No no, I am just curious about the noise that's all :)