Nankang NS2R review
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The Nankang NS2R is widely regarded as a high-value, track-oriented semi-slick tire that offers impressive dry grip and stiff, communicative handling at a competitive price point. While users consistently praise its performance on the circuit and in dry conditions, they frequently note significant road noise and a requirement for heat to reach optimal grip levels, making it a polarizing choice for daily driving.
What owners say
No road-test results yet, so every score here comes from owner reviews found online.
How scores work
- Relative score
- 0–100. Blends road tests (60%) and owner reviews (40%) category by category, the same way on every TireWheelGuide page. With only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from it, so the score stays closer to average. It needs at least one road test or five owner reviews.
- Road tests
- 0–100 per score, from published tests, newer tests counting more. Each result is compared with every other tire in the same test, so a win against a strong field counts for more. The average tested tire gets 70, the best 100; with only one or two tests a tire stays nearer 70. The discipline rows show % of the best tire in that test.
- Owner reviews
- 0–100 from the owner reviews we found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates and scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70. With only a few reviews a tire stays near the average.
By owner reviews
65/100From 65 owner reviews analysed, scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70.
What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 65 owner reviews found online.
The Nankang NS2R is widely regarded as a high-value, track-oriented semi-slick tire that offers impressive dry grip and stiff, communicative handling at a competitive price point. While users consistently praise its performance on the circuit and in dry conditions, they frequently note significant road noise and a requirement for heat to reach optimal grip levels, making it a polarizing choice for daily driving.
Pros
- Exceptional dry grip and handling performance for the price
- Stiff sidewall construction providing precise steering feedback
- High durability and tread life compared to other track-focused tires
- Consistent performance on track without rapid overheating
- Excellent value-for-money proposition
Cons
- Excessive road noise often mistaken for failing wheel bearings
- Poor wet weather performance and high risk of hydroplaning
- Requires significant heat to achieve maximum grip
- Stiff ride quality can be uncomfortable for daily commuting
Worth knowing
- Lightweight vehicles (e.g., Miata, Swift Sport) report excellent handling and predictable grip, though they may struggle to generate enough heat in the tires for optimal performance.
- Heavier or high-horsepower vehicles benefit from the stiff XL sidewalls, which prevent rollover during aggressive cornering.
- Users note that the 120 treadwear (soft) compound offers superior grip but wears faster than the 180 treadwear (street) compound.
Reviews from our readers
Drivers who have these tires on their car, in their own words. We check every review before it goes live.
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