Nad1370

iTrader: (1)

It was time for me to get a new set of rubbers. My stock Yoko's laster me 19k and replaced them with yoko es100's. The first hard turn I made one these tires. It felt like I was riding on Jell-O's compared to my stock A-046. These tire were awesome in the rain though I give it that. Also it was quieter on the highway. Other than the Jell-O feeling handling compared to the race tire A046. It was a subpar tire for me.

35k later<--yeah I got this much out of the es100, another plus...Called Tire Rack and asked them if they had the S.drive, I've been waiting for this tire to come to the states. Sure enough they had it and ordered a set. Thanks Mason.
Set my tire pressure to 36/35 and off I went.
Wow...these tires are even more quieter that my last set. Tracking is real good. After I got them heated up. Time for a on-ramp. On my es100, I could take this ramp at 58-60mph then it starts squelling. With the S.drive I was able to get it up to 64-65mph before it cried. Excellent dry grip there.

It rained here all week and these tire performed admirably. Never hydroplaned or gotten loose on turns. Took the same on ramp on a wet/damp condition and still got me close to 60mph before it started to understeer. I loved these tire on the wet.

As for sidewall stiffnes..well...it's still nowhere near A046 standards but a couple steps up the es100. the tire it will replace.

Overall.
This is an excellent tire for me for it gives me great confidence when wet and better grip in the dry. UHP...Treadwear--300. 235-45-17. 26lbs.

http://www.yokohamatire.com/news_07_02_2007.asp

atombomb33

iTrader: (28)

Thanks for the review. I'll be picking up tires when I finally get some Advan RGIIs. Like reading up on all the tires out there. You said the ES100 was quieter than the stock Advans and then the SDrive were even quieter. Is it a noticeable difference? My Evo is my DD and I would like a tire that is quieter than stock, good in the wet and won't give up too much in dry performance. Thanks!

Nad1370

iTrader: (1)

Yes, es100's were quieter than stock yokos.
They started getting noisy at 4-5/32 tread depth. Around this tread depth cupping started to occur no matter how straight my alignment was.

The S.drive was even better ,not much but better. Although I can't remember how my es100 sounded when new.
My wife hasn't complained yet about any noise...even my exhaust.

pacent

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of getting these to replace my stock Advans. Are these tires strictly summer only, or they more of a 3 season tire?

Nad1370

iTrader: (1)

They are UHP summer. Great grip in dry and performed admirably in the wet.
I wouldn't take this out though if there was snow in the ground.
And if temps fall in the 30's. I would be very carefull.
That's why I drive the Rav-4 during most of the winter.

So yes I could say this is a 3 season tire. No winters.

Just to forewarn you. If you love the steering response of the A046. You won't see the same response with the S.drive. But for me, I could live with that.

dcorn

iTrader: (1)

Wow, I was excited hearing this review since I love the ES100's on the front of my car. I didn't like the fact that they only went up to a 275 width in 18" because my rears need to be at least a 295. Now I see that the Sdrive only goes up to a 255/35! Ridiculous. Guess I'll be searching other brands.

Nad1370

iTrader: (1)

^ Just hang on there. Yokohama said that there would be 71 different sizes for S.drive available in 2007.
Tire Rack has only 37 sizes. Last week they only had 3.
So just wait a little while till they finalize all available sizes.