Hey all. I know I'm not the first to post about tires on the Gen 1 RL site. Just wanted to give my 2 cents and hope it helps someone. I've recently been doing some research on tires (original size). My tires have about 45-50k miles on them and have been fantastic. They're getting a little old, feeling some vibrations through the steering wheel and can see the wear on them, so decided to pick up a new set of 4.

After a bit of research on tirerack.com, I've decided to go with my existing tire, the Yokohama Avid V4S. I've been pleased with the life and performance on this tire. The price was great too at $108 per tire. Obviously, this kills the OEM tire. The runner up option was the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position. I didn't go with this one because of concerns over the life on the tire. In this economy, I want my tires to go for 45-50k before replacement. I think the Potenza is a softer tire and won't last as long. Plus it was $22 more expensive than the V4S.

Anyway, hope this helps out someone buying tires for the Gen 1 RL.

 

I use Michelin. They last longer than the Yokes and are much quieter. Price is about the same. I use H instead of V rated, because I don't drive over 135 mph.

 

I have H rated Kumho tires on my 98 RL and it is doing great....

If you are going too fast then use V rated tires.....

 

I had the Bridgestone Potenza's on my 96 RL and it was so much better than the Michelins... Handled better, rode better....

 

I have Falken FK452's and I LOVE them!!!!
225/55/16, and 235/40/18.
16's are doing great too, well at least my rears... -1.6 camber, and its looking pretty much brand new still. With -3 camber in the front, my fronts are dying on the inside, from camber wear. I should have rotated the tires, but never did this whole year. Oh well.

The 18's have lasted 2 years and a few months, and still running strong!

 

falkens are great tires...except when you stretch them. they are known to have very thin sidewalls, so if you ever plan on stretching 215's on a 9 inch width it would be best to go with any other brand such as bridgestone or kumho's.