Kumho Solus HS51 Harmony Sports review
The Kumho Solus HS51 Harmony Sports presents a polarizing experience, often praised for its comfort and value in general driving, yet criticized for significant handling instability in specific applications. While some users find them to be a superb mid-range upgrade, others report a disconcerting 'jelly-like' sidewall flex that severely compromises steering precision and dry grip.
Owners rate it 13.1 points higher than the instrumented road tests do — see the two score breakdowns below for where they disagree.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
76%By road tests
62.9%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 5 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Kumho Solus HS51 Harmony Sports presents a polarizing experience, often praised for its comfort and value in general driving, yet criticized for significant handling instability in specific applications. While some users find them to be a superb mid-range upgrade, others report a disconcerting 'jelly-like' sidewall flex that severely compromises steering precision and dry grip.
Pros
- High level of ride comfort and low noise levels
- Excellent value for money compared to premium brands
- Strong wet weather performance
- Improved handling characteristics for van applications
Cons
- Excessive sidewall softness leading to a 'wobbling' or unstable sensation
- Noticeable decline in grip levels before the tread is fully worn
- Inconsistent handling performance depending on axle placement
- Limited durability under spirited driving conditions
Worth knowing
- Lightweight vehicles, such as the Mazda MX-5, appear particularly sensitive to the tire's soft sidewall, resulting in reported handling instability.
- Users noted that the tire's performance characteristics are highly dependent on axle placement, with some experiencing 'dead' steering or lurching depending on front versus rear fitment.
- The tire is reported to perform well in van applications, specifically benefiting from higher load and speed ratings compared to competitors.
1 published test appearance
Placement within each field. Open a test for the discipline-by-discipline result.
2020 Teknikens 17 Inch Summer tire Test · 225/50 R17
7th of 10
| Discipline | Placement | Field position |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th of 10 | |
| Wet Handling | 4th of 10 | |
| Dry Braking | 9th of 10 | |
| Rolling Resistance | 10th of 10 | |
| Straight Aqua | 1st of 10 | |
| Subj. Comfort | 9th of 10 | |
| Tyre Weight | 6th of 10 |