mkh
A couple of months ago, I replaced the original Bridgestone RE040 tires of my ZHP with the Toyo T1-S for $680, a very decent price for a set of 18 tire. It has 4200 miles now, and this review is to compare it with the RE040 under the same road conditions and mileage. Wet condition is unknown. It has not been raining in Southern California since I had it.
Appearance
The T1-S has a V-shape tread pattern and a treadwear of 280, similar to the Goodyear F1 GS-D3, and is directional. It is a round shouldered tire and it does not look as wide as the square shouldered ones such as the RE040s, Pilot Sports, or the Yokos. The 255 looks like a 245 from the back. The rim protector is pretty much useless as it extends very little out from the rim. The RE040 has a much better rim protector. Despite, it is an attractive looking tire.
Ride Quality
The T1-S is extremely sensitive to air pressure. I first had it at 38 psi all around and the ride was quite bumpy, and the front end felt a bit light. Then I lowered it to 36 psi all around and it improved significantly. Ride quality is extremely comfortable. The RE040 is no slouch in this area but the T1-S is just unbelievable. Going over the same rough pavement and the difference is very obvious. I have never had this kind of ride comfort in a low-profile performance tire, period.
Noise
The T1-S is not noisy by my standard, but not quiet either. It is noticeably louder than the RE040. I hear a slight constant whirling sound, regardless of speed, that was not present with the RE040. With the noise, there is also a hint of high frequency vibration sending into the cabin. You can definitely feel all four tires touching the road. On the other hand, it does not squeal no matter how hard you turn.
Performance/Handling
One of the biggest improvements I have is the absence of tramlining. Going through the same road that I used to fight with the RE040s, the T1-S does not exhibit any kind of tramlining at all. Now I can even take my hands off the steering wheel and it still goes in a straight line.
Dry traction is at least equal, if not better than the RE040. Compare to the Bridgestone, it feels more confident and easier negotiating a turn. I have not taken it to its limit yet, but it seems to have much higher grip than the road allows for regular driving. I have done very fast turns on some mountain roads and it just handled with no complaints.
Turn-in is quicker and it feels less understeer than the RE040. Bringing the rear pressure back to 38 psi resulted in a more neutral handling, but with the expense of ride comfort. Even though it weighs less than most of its competitors, I did not feel any noticeable difference in acceleration compared to the RE040.
Overall, the Toyo T1-S performs extremely well in almost every category except noise. Though it is not the best in quietness, it makes up, as a bonus, with an ultra comfortable ride quality. And I highly recommend it to those who are especially concerned about the harsh ride of the ZHP.
less rotational weight and less sprung weight (allows shocks to work better/quicker....i think it's called sprung weight)
