REVIEW: Bridgestone RE002.

[bennjamin]

Hello all , let me introduce alittle about my car - 2003 EP3 civic type R.
Nice and all for a daily - no real modifications - perfect point to point FWD. Rated up there as one of the best hot hatches of all time. I really do agree.

Anyway. I purchased the car a good 6 months ago harnessed with the power of nankang NS2's. While these do great to drive your car from here to right over there - one track day at Wakefield park taught me that 1. heat effects tyres quick smart and 2.track work teaches you the limits of your tyres long before the limits of your car.

I stumbled upon these Bridgestone RE002 in OEM size. I have had their predecessors - RE001 on a past EG hatchback running basically the guts of a DC2R and liked them quite abit. I had them for approx. 2 years which included daily driving mixed up with occasional spirited spurts through the hills of North Hornsby and Southern Sydney.
A few WSID drag nights and a handful of Wakefield race days and i handed the car over to a friend who tells me the tyres still are holding strong to this day.

Enough about them - it does make you think though. New tyre , so much to hold up high. Can it last ? Can it give the driver into more feedback more confidence in both the daily commute and a good old fashioned thrash ? Thats the point of this review.

I cant tell you more than an initial response as its literally been less than 500kms on these tyres. First few days of driving I noticed a steady grip level on any surface and any condition up to "pushing" point. These tyres feel sturdy and planted and I was impressed with dry performance and wet driving. At a guess this is to do with the slightly softer compound that i recall of the old RE001 (great in the dry but iffy in the wet) and the slightly wider water dispersing grooves in the tread.
I do worry as to the real wear rates as they are definitely softer than the older RE001s - in my case this wont be a major issue as i dont have a massive drop on coilovers but this is something to consider for people in slammed rides. Camber and toe WILL kill tyres !

Generally speaking I wouldnt push them for atleast 1000kms but I have a feeling they will shine with alittle heat in them - heading down to wakefield raceway next week (16/8/11) and hope to put a full day of hooning in. Before i could hold 2-3 hot laps without any major sliding and had to provoke the car into major over or under steer.

So , lets see how it goes !

[bennjamin]

http://www.ispeedegazine.com/admin/html/Adrenalin_RE002e.jpg

[anzai]

i never knew tyres could look that sexy... nice photo lol :P

[aaronng]

What is the wear rating for the RE002? Is it still 220 as for the RE001 or lower?

[i-vtec]

bridgestone site states its the same wear rating as RE001

[TheSaint]

hrm i have the RE001 and im really happy with them =)

[bennjamin]

hrm i have the RE001 and im really happy with them =)

think of these as an updated version.

One thing to note is - there was differences between the same tyre but manufactured in differing places. For example my old RE001 were made in Japan , and i liked them - but a mate had them made in OZ or somewhere else and they werent really the same tyre. These RE002 are made in indonesia - lets see if they are any good !

[TheSaint]

yeah i put the same tyres on my 98 Liberty Rx (05 WRX wheels) and they seemed to be a tad lower quality than the ones on my 93 Civic Sedan (94 Dc2 fat fives)

the liberty came with 18" chromies when we first bought it with average tyres and it was a tank to drive - hated it, very bumpy, lots of understeer and hard to park
i sold off the chromies and the stock wheels and bought some 2005 WRX alloys than sent it into my local bridgestone to get the RE001 put on and the difference was amazing
the car actually drove properly, alot less understeer, waaaaay easier to park, no bumps and less sound at 110km/h, and got better fuel economy

the civic just had an average set of tyres on the fat fives - i did try to get some Yokohama/Advan tyres for it but the only ones they made in the fitment of the fat fives received not as high reviews as the bridgestones and were going to cost more and be installed by a less reputable shop - so i opted to go with the RE001's again and went to the same place - who gave me a discount for being a loyal customer and did a good job with the fitting - the difference was like night and day on the civic - braking was AMAZING, acceleration was improved ALOT, handling and grip was a million times better - but didnt really notice a difference in fuel economy

one thing i also like about the RE001s from my local bridgestone dealer is that they have never had a drop in tyre pressure even tho i check them all the time and the wheel alignment did not slowly go out either - had both sets for well over 12months and almost no problems or maintenance required on them

they took about 2 months to fade/wear in a bit

i would be keen to see how much better the RE002 is for my next tyre purchase - but i dont think ill need any for another 12months or so =p

[gumus89]

I just bought 2 RE001's at a very cheap price because the RE002's are out.
They are magnificent compared to the SP sport fastresponse and OLD toyo teo plus combo. Now its RE001 at the front and dunlop at the back.

The only downside so far is that I used to get around 8.5L/100kms no matter how I drove. Now I get 9.5 and I do nothing different. A bit sad.

[zco]

Tyre pressure. Bump it up

[bennjamin]

Tyre pressure. Bump it up

Also remember to make the pressure at COLD , and follow the manufactures settings located on the tyre placard (located in the door well)- NOT what it says "as maximum" on the sidewalls.

[Foxx]

Nice - Had re001 before and now looking at getting the re002's tomorrow.. Those living in Sydney - Brigstone liverpool are doing a great deal on RE002's for $137 each and that includes, wheel balance & wheel alignment on all four.

[bennjamin]

Nice - Had re001 before and now looking at getting the re002's tomorrow.. Those living in Sydney - Brigstone liverpool are doing a great deal on RE002's for $137 each and that includes, wheel balance & wheel alignment on all four.

what size is that ?

[Foxx]

I am getting them in 195/50/15's for $137 each. And if you have NRMA - you get $5 discount per tyre - Not bad.

Then again - I've confirmed with them and other sizes are way cheaper than other Bridgestone Dealers. I got quoted some ridicilous prices then hunged up the phone (example $147, $145, & $140). Liverpool are the best dealers by far.

If anyone is interested, call & speak to Bob or Scott - Nice guys in person and over the phone - They're all about customer service.

BRIDGESTONE LIVERPOOL
88/96 Terminus Street
Liverpool NSW 2170
(02) 9602 9333

Open Mon-Sat

[gumus89]

Tyre pressure. Bump it up

Have some faith. They sit at 36-38 psi cold. Same as with old tyres.

[mugen_ctr]

any dealers in Vic yet? and pricing of them? Im wanting em in atleast 205/40R16 size hopefully....

these look the goods, but yes camber is a major issue... why cant they make a tire for ppl who run lowered cars lol....

BTW anyone know what rim that is, SEXY AS!!!!!

[GSi_PSi]

i know they are in different class but how would these go against falken azenis rt615 ?
as $137 is pretty good

[Foxx]

Fitted the RE002's today and all i will say is OMG.... The enjoyment you feel once driving on these tyres are insane. I've had the 001's and the T1R's, but i must say - Bridgestone has taken the RE002's to a new level and I must thank Liverpool Bridgestone for such a wonderful deal.

[aaronng]

Damn, I need to go through my spare set of RE001 before I can get RE002 on the Euro. I might put them on the company car instead. heheheehehee

[xiang]

Hey guys, was doing some shopping this morning, just thought i'd share my findings.

Called a few bridgestone tyre centres for the RE002 in 205/55/16. They also have a promotion on until this saturday the 27th, you receive a $50 gift card to spend at woolies, caltex, etc etc.

Campsie: $190
Liverpool: $193
Five dock: $199
Silverwater: $215
Mascot: $183

[mugen_ctr]

went to jaxquick fit tires, got quoted $260 for 205/45R16

over priced you think?

[Foxx]

Waaaaaay over priced.

[Perry]

Got a qutoe from K-mart tyre fitters at Ashfield (ashfield Mall) 225/45/17 was $163 per corner.

[bennjamin]

Got a qutoe from K-mart tyre fitters at Ashfield (ashfield Mall) 225/45/17 was $163 per corner.


great price ! Sofar can strongly recommend these tyres for everything short of track use. Grip in pretty much all situations. Remember guys that places will charge more for OEM sizes.

[jeffreymui]

tyres are very good in wet!

[Peachy]

For those in Vic, I had two of the re002's fitted in Derrimut Bridgestone for $186 (per corner) for 205/55/r16 - as for a review, took a few hundred k's before these tyres really woke up, and when they did, they stick like shit to a blanket.
Grip in the dry in sensational, however haven't had a chance to test them out in the wet.
Good tyre :)

[Son Gokou]

any dealers in Vic yet? and pricing of them? Im wanting em in atleast 205/40R16 size hopefully....

Contact Advance Tyres and they are in Richmond Vic.

http://www.advancetyres.com.au/

Got quoted for these sizes:

215/45/17 re002 $200 each
225/45/17 re002 $229 each

[p3akin]

Contact Advance Tyres and they are in Richmond Vic.

http://www.advancetyres.com.au/

Got quoted for these sizes:

215/45/17 re002 $200 each
225/45/17 re002 $229 each

Ricky has some seriously good deals. he is the "bridgestone superdealer"

[ep3rsteve]

great price ! Sofar can strongly recommend these tyres for everything short of track use. Grip in pretty much all situations. Remember guys that places will charge more for OEM sizes.


I take it you've tested them on the track? If so, how did they hold up?

I'm looking for a spare set of new tyres for street/"back-up" track use.

[Son Gokou]

Ricky has some seriously good deals. he is the "bridgestone superdealer"

who is Ricky?

Is he a member on this forum?

[p3akin]

who is Ricky?

Is he a member on this forum?

Ricky is the owner of advancetyres.

[bennjamin]

I take it you've tested them on the track? If so, how did they hold up?

I'm looking for a spare set of new tyres for street/"back-up" track use.

Provided you drop the psi , they will hold up for a good 5-6 laps of hard driving without much change. Once they heat up you simply slide - the same applies to ALL road tyres....I was doing consistent 1.15s in the R on these and if you dive in alittle too hard or break too late these break traction easily. I feel i can find another 1.5-2.5 seconds per lap on these tyres but no more- loosing too much speed in the final corner (in understeer).

These are NOT track tyres. These are great street tyres thats all.

[aaronng]

Provided you drop the psi , they will hold up for a good 5-6 laps of hard driving without much change. Once they heat up you simply slide - the same applies to ALL road tyres....I was doing consistent 1.15s in the R on these and if you dive in alittle too hard or break too late these break traction easily. I feel i can find another 1.5-2.5 seconds per lap on these tyres but no more- loosing too much speed in the final corner (in understeer).

These are NOT track tyres. These are great street tyres thats all.
I found that with the RE001, I had to really up the cold tyre pressure, up to about 40psi. When you ran the RE002 on the track, did you have to drop the psi significantly to get good lap times? Was the sidewall stiff enough with the reduced pressure?

[bennjamin]

I found that with the RE001, I had to really up the cold tyre pressure, up to about 40psi. When you ran the RE002 on the track, did you have to drop the psi significantly to get good lap times? Was the sidewall stiff enough with the reduced pressure?

Ditto with the RE001's - i went on with standard psi and didnt touch it. These RE002s are noteably softer than the RE001's. Yes I dropped the psi alittle to get the best times - you really noticed it at the fish hook and final turn (where most speed is lost in the civic) As for the sidewall , I think it will take abit more experimentation to get the best pressure combo. Not as stiff as the RE001's.

[EG52NV]

Costco prices!

http://tapatalk.com/mu/3aa3afb5-7952-9995.jpg

[mugen_ctr]

Costco prices!

http://tapatalk.com/mu/3aa3afb5-7952-9995.jpg

CHEAP!!!!!!! any more sizes?

[EG52NV]

CHEAP!!!!!!! any more sizes?

Yeah they got 195/55/15 civic EK size for $138!!

[tripleuse]

:S whose got cheap prices on these apart from eg52nv.. ive been getting ****ed around with prices.!

[khanguskhan]

getting a set soon they are pretty expensive hey

[bennjamin]

An update for those interested -

Taken the car down south to Bulli - a mixed drive which covers most elements short of sleet/snow :)
The tyres themselves , are sharp in all situations from 0-legal speed , zipping around town to highway use. Ive noticed they are fairly sharp turn in in all low to medium speed handling regards too.
In light rain/post rain the tyres feel just on the limit of adhesion but JUST stick in legal limits and normal light pushing situation , but id bet they would slide the instant a touch too much speed is taken into a turn.

[DreadAngel]

Ben chan, is that in the Civic-R or Fit-R? XD

[bennjamin]

Ben chan, is that in the Civic-R or Fit-R? XD

The fit type la is on shitty toyos !

This is on the CTR :0)

[GSi_PSi]

So guys falken azenis rt615 vs re002 . Anyone please ?

[slingsy]

Had these tyre's for a month so far and they are sick. In dry, definitely user friendly.. no aggressive loss in traction nice smooth grip delivery.

[DreadAngel]

The fit type la is on shitty toyos !

This is on the CTR :0)

OOOOoooo, hot chilli on wheels =P

[Son Gokou]

Whats the tread wear rating for the RE002?

[tiksie]

How would you guys compare these to KU31's ?

[JDM-EGG]

How would you guys compare these to KU31's ?

ku31 is one if there shitter tyres , its got nothing on re002

[tiksie]

Just wondered because theres only a $20~ price difference between them.

[Mikecivic78]

Maybe u can compare KU36, but not the 31. Apples and oranges yo

[GSi_PSi]

how do they go against the KU36? ive found the KU36 to be better and softer than the Falken RT615 azenis. But will switch to RE002 if its better

[d15z1SUX]

re002 is a level below ku36 and rt615. re002 is a street performance tyre while ku36 and rt615 are marketed as a street/track tyre?

[bennjamin]

Ku36 is not a street tyre - too loud doesn't reach temp. Normal driving , not safe in wet etc. It's a tyre
For people that want to drive to light events and use the same tyres and drive them home again. Same with rt215/615's

Bridgestone re002 , are very good performance STREET tyres. Great in dry good wet no noise. But same as any other street tyre at the track - when heated up they slide like crazy.

[TGW92]

I've been using the RE002 on my DC2R for the past few weeks now and they seem quite good, they get better as they heat up but I am yet to see how they go at the track...

As a street tire they have so far been great in the dry and the wet with little road noise and excellent grip and response... At $40 a corner cheaper than the KU36 they are a great tire for the money.....

[Lukezen27]

Ku36 is not a street tyre - too loud doesn't reach temp. Normal driving , not safe in wet etc. It's a tyre
For people that want to drive to light events and use the same tyres and drive them home again. Same with rt215/615's

Bridgestone re002 , are very good performance STREET tyres. Great in dry good wet no noise. But same as any other street tyre at the track - when heated up they slide like crazy.

So Benny...

Worth getting the Bridgestone re002 Yeah?

[6-SpeedManual]

re002 is a street tire also. it's no more superior than ku36. they are all on pare with each other. just the price difference. most soft compound tires are poor in the wet anyway ;)

[GSi_PSi]

Not really ku36 has way better traction than re002. I've tested all three now. KU36>RT615>RE002

[Troy]

Bump it up guys:

Bridgestone have a special on - buy 3 tyres, 4th is free.

http://www.bridgestoneselect.com.au/SpecialOffers/Potenza/

[Mikecivic78]

Bump it up guys:

Bridgestone have a special on - buy 3 tyres, 4th is free.

http://www.bridgestoneselect.com.au/SpecialOffers/Potenza/

thank you , Bridgestone representative :-P

[Troy]

Haha I wish. Got mine installed this afternoon. Had a flat this morning and they were worn down to the indicator anyway so instead of getting it repaired I just went for a new set.

Right there on the invoice "4 for 3 Potenza Promotion" -$149

I probably could have got them cheaper if I shopped around but I work full time as it is. He discounted the 4-wheel alignment though so all good.

[Mikecivic78]

wow, excellent price for re002 Troy. what size did u get?

[Troy]

195/60 15 it's just the standard size for my stock rims

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk165/fpvdrif6/photo1Copy.jpg

[Mikecivic78]

sick mate! bargain price too

[Troy]

I would give you a run for your money now. Accord vs WRX.

Maybe not.

[Mikecivic78]

I would give you a run for your money now. Accord vs WRX.

Maybe not.

actually the rex has the quietest tyres - Federal FD2, great 4 ride comfort but crap for performance. Spent all my $$ on car, too broke for better tyres

[Troy]

Bad timing too with such a good deal going down

[chingaling]

Had these sets of RE002 for nearly a year now ~ drove down from cairns to Brisbane 2 Times and still has 40-50% meat left (with Coilover lowered) , plus lots of Touge work on it , to be honest these are definitely one of the best set of street shoes i had in years after AD07s , one minor thing this is lack of is WET, gotta say RE002 arent really designed for WET in my opinion, lots of under steering occurred especially when i speed up in BIG ROUND ABOUTS or downhill U corners

[Troy]

Just giving an update as it is related to the thread (review). I have had these tyres on for a while now (21/05). My car is old (1995) but ever since putting the RE002's on it feels so much smoother on the road, like highly noticeable when compared to the old tyres (which were Turanza ER300 and I thought they were very good). Handling is incredible in comparison, the dry grips really well on tight mountain corners. I haven't taken it for a full mountain run yet, just a small section of backroad near where I live. Also in the wet it grips much better, roundabouts are effortless to take at a decent speed rather than having to slow down to a crawl.

[Bludger]

Just giving an update as it is related to the thread (review). I have had these tyres on for a while now (21/05). My car is old (1995) but ever since putting the RE002's on it feels so much smoother on the road, like highly noticeable when compared to the old tyres (which were Turanza ER300 and I thought they were very good). Handling is incredible in comparison, the dry grips really well on tight mountain corners. I haven't taken it for a full mountain run yet, just a small section of backroad near where I live. Also in the wet it grips much better, roundabouts are effortless to take at a decent speed rather than having to slow down to a crawl.
inb4mikecivic78

[Mikecivic78]

lol..

[DarkAgent]

Getting some RE002 fitted today. $190 per tyre with the Bridgestone buy four pay for three deal. So it will be $570 plus $89 for alignment/balancing etc. All up $659. Is this about normal?

Will let you all know if it makes a big difference from the TOYO Eco crap I've got on there at the moment.

[Mikecivic78]

Getting some RE002 fitted today. $190 per tyre with the Bridgestone buy four pay for three deal. So it will be $570 plus $89 for alignment/balancing etc. All up $659. Is this about normal?

Will let you all know if it makes a big difference from the TOYO Eco crap I've got on there at the moment.

It all depends on what size it is. The lower the profile + more wider, the more they will cost.

But I guess it sounds cheap if you are rocking 205/45/16 for example

[DarkAgent]

They're 195/55/r15. Called up another Bridgestone store and they quoted $528. Called the original guy back up and told him what they quoted. He said he would do it for $570 with wheel alignment. I thought wheel alignment would have been standard with any fitment. I think $570 with alignment doesn't sound too bad.

[Troy]

I paid $500 for the lot with 4 wheel alignment. Wheel alignment is recommended but usually not included by the stores when purchasing new tyres, however this will vary from store to store.

Personally I would make a few phone calls around, sounds a little overpriced considering they're pretty much the same tyre as mine. Either way it's still a very good deal when you consider you're getting one free... Although offer ends very soon.

[4age8u]

Any more updates on these

[Ðerp]

I would really avoid getting these in 205/45/17 i had to sell a kidney to get mine :/

[Troy]

I would really avoid getting these in 25/45/17 i had to sell a kidney to get mine :/

Might want to check your size again buddy... you mean 225/45/17?

[Mikecivic78]

Any more updates on these

yea m8, they're good, go out an' get em :P

[fitme]

got quoted for 225/40/18 - $390/corner bridgestone select at hornsby

[Mikecivic78]

got quoted for 225/40/18 - $390/corner bridgestone select at hornsby

ouch

I've never bought that size, but the price seems to be excessive

keep shoppin' around i say

[fitme]

ouch

I've never bought that size, but the price seems to be excessive

keep shoppin' around i say

that the cheapest i can find...jax priced it around $430

[JDM-derek]

best place and cheapest to get these in south west ? any one =)