BF Goodrich launches its toughest A/T tyre yet, the KO3
Tyres are crucial whether you're racing on a track or exploring the best that the countryside has to offer. Since the 1990s, the French tyre manufacturer responsible for some of the best-known performance tyres, Michelin, has owned the American-born BF Goodrich brand. The product of this industrial merger resulted in some of the best off-road racing tyres and consumer all-terrain tyres on the market. For the last decade, the go-to rugged set of rubber was the KO2, and after a long waiting period, we finally have its replacement, the KO3.
The KO2 proved itself to be a tough and reliable tyre capable of impressive wear resistance and mileage whilst conquering the trails with precision and traction. After nearly 10 years sitting at the front of the off-road tyre pack, BF Goodrich has released its latest offering in rugged tyre tech in the form of the KO3.
The team behind the KO3 has plunged head-first into R&D to ensure that this latest rugged solution is the best it can be in all forms of driving. Traditional all-terrain tyres have excelled in overlanding while offering decent performance on the road. But when it comes to AT tyres, the balance between on-road performance and off-road capability is a massive challenge to overcome, especially in the wet on-road scenarios.
Fortunately, in BF Goodrich’s case, the research that was made through the development of their tougher and more commercially focused heavy-duty terrain line-up gave the KO3 a newfound strength. On the road, all-terrain tyres have become notorious for struggling in wetter conditions, but the KO3's 10-year development has assured that this slippery problem has been improved through the use of new tread patterns and 3D-moulded full-depth sipes. Although there is a clear improvement, there is still a fair way to go in finding a tyre that is exceptional at both on and off-road work.
To experience this new tyre in action, we hopped in a 4x4 Hilux and put them to the test. Immediately, the shock absorption and quietness were apparent. The tyres moulded to the road surface and cushioned us from most of the bumps we encountered on gravel roads. This also made the cabin quieter, which isn't exactly the Hilux's strong suit. The amount of grip on the gravel during steep ascents and descents was exceptional and inspired a lot of confidence even for the less experienced 4x4 drivers out there. Even in the wet conditions, these tyres found traction and surprised a few people.
However, the most impressive element of the new KO3s is the strength of not only the footprint but the side walls. We took a path few would be willing to travel, and in the process, a few rims were damaged. These rocks were particularly sharp, and although the rims got a beating, the tyres simply deflected the sharpest of blows without complication. This comes down to the extended tyre shoulder, which wraps its way into the side wall. Not only does this improve strength, but it gives your off-roader a newfound look of toughness.
I have spent my fair share of time out in the bush and have put numerous tyres through their paces. From Bridgestone Duellers and Goodyear Wranglers to Feul Grippers, each has persuasive features for both on-road and off-road use, but the KO3s appear to have a slight edge on balance, particularly in stability and traction over their competitors. For those who are new to the all-terrain space, I would like to give you a word of warning. All-terrain tyres in the wet are generally treacherous; your stopping distance drastically increases, and your cornering ability decreases. Even the KO3s, although they provide the best balance I have experienced, will still exhibit some of these characteristics, although their implementation would be less hair-raising as other brands. It’s the plight of trying to be all things to all conditions.
So, what else is new on the KO3? To start, the KO3 has a new tyre compound focusing on both longevity and grip in all conditions. Also, Core Guard technology refers to its extended shoulder and a bruise- and split-resistant side wall, which most certainly works in practice. For improved traction, full-depth 3D grooves and notches ensure your tyre finds optimal grip, and interlocking tread elements improve on- and off-road handling.
A well-tested product is likely to be a successful one, so to ensure the KO3 meets the demand of customers, the Red-Lined Motorsports team, responsible for building numerous Dakar and T1+ Rally Raid cars, has put these new tyres through its paces, and it was met with high praise. And I assure you that you won't be able to replicate the abuse in your Raptor of what Red-Lined is capable of inflicting.
On a cost front, BF Goodrich claims that the KO3s will be similarly priced to the KO2, but I suspect that they will be ever so slightly more expensive. The KO2s start at around R3,600 per tyre, which is already towards the top end of all-terrain tyres with Wranglers coming in at approximately R2,000 each and the Bridgestone Duellers come in at around R2,500. Longevity then becomes the question of which the KO2 already proved itself as a leader so the same could be expected for the KO3s.
It's been a while since a tyre impressed me like the KO3s. These tyres are seriously tough but surprisingly comfortable too. You will have to go pretty far off the reservation to put a hole in these side walls. There is plenty of grip, they look cool, and their on-road performance, particularly in the rain, has been looked at and improved further. Yes, they won't compete with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s on the tar, but these tyres can take you anywhere.
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