The 2009 Honda S2000 represents the late run of Honda’s high-revving roadster, a car known for sharp steering, balanced chassis behavior, and a distinctly driver-focused layout. By this point in the model’s life, tire choice plays a major role in preserving the car’s quick responses and staggered setup. The 2009 Honda S2000 uses 17-inch radial tires, with a 215/45R17 front size and either 245/40R17 or 255/40R17 at the rear depending on configuration. Available choices center on blackwall performance radials from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein across several series. The key is matching the correct front and rear combination to the exact version of the car and its current wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Honda S2000
The 2009 Honda S2000 uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct combination depends on whether the car is a Base or CR configuration and whether you are selecting the front or rear position. All of these are metric radial tires for 17-inch rims, so the real first step is confirming the exact sub-model and axle position before comparing tire series, brand options, and wheel-width compatibility.
In 215/45R17, the 215 is the tire’s section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2009 Honda S2000, this size serves the front position and supports the car’s quick turn-in and low-profile handling character. Available choices are blackwall radials from BFGoodrich in g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A form. This size should be matched to the correct front wheel width and paired with the proper rear size for the exact S2000 configuration.
In 245/40R17, the 245 indicates section width in millimeters, the 40 denotes a shorter sidewall profile, R means radial construction, and 17 calls for a 17-inch rim. On the 2009 Honda S2000, this size is used at the rear on the Base model, where the staggered setup gives the car a wider rear footprint than the front. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A versions. It is the correct rear size to evaluate when replacing tires on a Base car while preserving its intended front-to-rear sizing relationship.
In 255/40R17, the 255 is the section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 2009 Honda S2000, this size is used at the rear on the CR, where the wider rear tire becomes part of the car’s more aggressive staggered arrangement. Choices include blackwall radials from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein across several performance-oriented series. This is the rear size to verify when the car is a CR or when a wheel change has made it important to confirm width and clearance before replacement.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Honda S2000 because both covered versions share the same front tire size but use different rear sizes. Identifying whether the car is a Base or CR is the key step before ordering rear tires or matching a complete staggered set.
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2009 Honda S2000 Base Front
The 2009 Honda S2000 Base Front uses the shared 215/45R17 radial front size found across both versions of the car. Tire selection here is mainly about choosing among the available blackwall performance series while keeping the front tire matched to the correct rear size for a Base setup.
The 2009 Honda S2000 Base Rear uses 245/40R17 radial tires, making it different from the CR at the rear axle. That distinction matters when replacing only the rear pair, since the Base should keep its correct staggered relationship with the 215/45R17 front size.
The 2009 Honda S2000 CR Front uses the same 215/45R17 radial front tire as the Base model. The practical difference comes from pairing that front size with the CR’s wider rear tire, so front replacement should still be considered as part of the complete staggered combination.
The 2009 Honda S2000 CR Rear uses a 255/40R17 radial tire, giving the CR a wider rear fitment than the Base model. Rear tire selection here involves confirming wheel width and choosing among the available blackwall performance tire series that suit the CR’s staggered setup.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2009 Honda S2000 Tires for Sale
Available 17-inch S2000 tire choices focus on blackwall radial performance tires. The main comparison points are size by axle position, BFGoodrich series selection across all three fitments, and added 255/40R17 rear options from Nitto and Vredestein for CR applications.
These FAQs focus on 2009 Honda S2000 tire sizing by front and rear position, 17-inch rim fitment, product-series choices, and the checks worth making before road use on a staggered sports-car setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Honda S2000?
The 2009 Honda S2000 uses a staggered 17-inch radial setup rather than one single tire size at all four corners. The front size is 215/45R17, while the rear is 245/40R17 on the Base model and 255/40R17 on the CR.
That means tire selection starts with two checks: confirming whether the car is a Base or CR and confirming whether you are buying for the front or rear axle. Mixing up the rear size is the most common fitment mistake on this application, especially when replacing only two tires instead of a complete set.
What size rim does a 2009 Honda S2000 use?
All three primary tire sizes used on the 2009 Honda S2000 are built for 17-inch rims. The front 215/45R17, the Base rear 245/40R17, and the CR rear 255/40R17 all share the same rim diameter even though the widths and profiles differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an S2000. Wheel width still matters, particularly on the wider rear sizes, so it is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car before replacement if they may have been changed from the original staggered layout.
Do all 2009 Honda S2000 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. Both versions of the 2009 Honda S2000 share the same 215/45R17 front tire size, but the rear size changes by sub-model. The Base uses 245/40R17 at the rear, while the CR uses a wider 255/40R17 rear tire.
This difference is important when buying rear tires, matching a pair, or comparing product choices. A car with aftermarket wheels or a previous owner’s tire change should be checked carefully, since the right size for the rear depends on the exact version and the wheel width currently on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2009 Honda S2000 tire?
Start with the correct axle position and sub-model, since the 2009 Honda S2000 uses a staggered setup with one front size and two possible rear sizes. After size is confirmed, the main choices are tire series, brand availability at the rear, and whether the wheel width suits the tire being considered.
A useful comparison includes construction, sidewall style, load figures where stated, and whether the tire will be used for fair-weather driving, mixed use, or occasional touring. The S2000 responds noticeably to tire changes, so preserving the proper front-to-rear relationship is just as important as choosing the right individual tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Honda S2000 tires?
The available tire choices for the 2009 Honda S2000 are blackwall radials across all three primary sizes. That gives the car a clean, modern performance look that suits the S2000’s late-model roadster character without introducing whitewalls, raised white letters, or other vintage-style sidewall treatments.
Since the sidewall presentation is consistent, the bigger visual differences come from size, brand, and tire series rather than decorative sidewall styling. Buyers focused on appearance should pay close attention to maintaining the correct staggered front and rear sizing, because that has a stronger effect on the car’s stance than sidewall treatment here.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Honda S2000?
BFGoodrich covers all three 2009 Honda S2000 tire sizes, making it the broadest brand option across the application. The 255/40R17 rear size also adds choices from Nitto and Vredestein, which means CR rear fitment has the widest brand variety of the three supported sizes.
Brand choice should still come after fitment confirmation. A Base owner shopping for rear tires needs 245/40R17 options, while a CR owner looking at 255/40R17 can compare more brands and series. Matching the correct size to the correct rear axle setup matters more than selecting a brand name first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Honda S2000?
A period-style approach for a 2009 Honda S2000 starts with keeping the correct staggered 17-inch radial sizing for the exact version of the car. That means 215/45R17 in front, with 245/40R17 at the rear on a Base model or 255/40R17 at the rear on a CR.
Because the available choices are blackwall performance radials, the appearance stays in character with the S2000’s original era rather than shifting into vintage styling. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should also compare wheel dimensions and consult model-specific references so the finished look matches the intended Base or CR presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Honda S2000 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 Honda S2000 restoration because the car’s look and handling both depend on its low-profile staggered setup. Using the wrong rear size can change the visual balance of the car and move it away from the intended relationship between front and rear tires.
A restoration-minded owner should pay attention to axle position, sub-model, and wheel width before selecting tires. Even when the car is not being restored to concours standards, keeping the proper 17-inch sizing structure helps preserve the roadster’s proportions and avoids turning a crisp, modern sports-car fitment into a mismatched setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Honda S2000?
Yes. A 2009 Honda S2000 with aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or previous tire changes may no longer match the original staggered fitment exactly. Even though the factory-supported sizes all use 17-inch rims, wheel width and the front-to-rear size relationship still need to be checked carefully.
Lowering changes, different offsets, or non-stock wheel widths can affect clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components. Any modified S2000 should be measured before replacement, especially at the rear, so the chosen 245/40R17 or 255/40R17 size suits the actual wheel and body setup now on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Honda S2000 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect inflation pressure, wheel condition, lug hardware, and the match between front and rear tire sizes. On a 2009 Honda S2000, it is especially important to confirm that the front 215/45R17 tires are paired with the correct rear size for the car’s Base or CR configuration.
A short visual clearance check at full steering lock and under normal suspension load is also worthwhile, particularly if the car has different wheels or ride height changes. After installation, recheck pressure and watch for vibration, rubbing, or uneven behavior that could point to a mounting, balance, or fitment issue.
How should tires on a collector 2009 Honda S2000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 2009 Honda S2000 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for slow air loss during storage. Because the car often sees seasonal or limited use, age and condition can matter just as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage conditions also affect tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber between drives. An S2000 that sits for extended periods should have its tires inspected before returning to regular road use, especially if the set has been on the car for several years.
