Given
76%
while driving a
BMW 120d M sport
(245/35 R18 W) on
a combination of roads
for 300
spirited miles
This tire performs far better than some of the negative reviews suggests. Just don't mistake it for an UHP tire.
It is very comfortable and extremely quiet with large reserves of grip in both wet and dry conditions. Many tires are relatively quiet on smooth surfaces, but this tire makes NO noise on good surfaces. Impressive for a 245 section tire. Rough surfaces will cause noise, but that goes for any tire. Even so, it is never intrusive.
If you are considering a touring tire, you should shortlist Fulda Sport Control 2. If you have lots of motorway miles, you should put it high on that list. Not least for the smooth ride, low noise level and 4 wide drainage channels that allow it to deal surprisingly well with standing water.
Now, if you crave steering feel...you will, like me, be left wanting. There is plenty of grip, it's just not a talkative tire...like most touring tires it masks bumps nicely, as it should...but that same characteristic means it also slurs your steering input and masks feedback. I have not spent the low miles I put on this tire pootling about, I have pushed it to test it thoroughly. There really is plenty of grip, the tire just doesn't let you know. Frustrating for any petrol-head.
Even so, I would strongly recommend it over most other touring tires. The safety reserve in grip and the low noise levels are above average. The low rolling resistance is welcome bonus.