Bronze Age: KMC Addict 2 tested

THE first accessories of any new 4x4 build are a set of off-road capable tyres and wheels, and along with the Ironman 4x4 suspension our KMC wheels were some of the earliest pieces fitted to the Ranger.

Yes, we had to wait for the suspension to be installed before we could fit the bigger tyres, but our rims were chosen long before.

Looking at trends in both 4x4s and street cars and seeing what was popular at the SEMA Show, we had noticed a growth in popularity of gold and bronze wheels on off-road builds, and it was something we liked. When we found out our Ranger was black, the die was cast to the classic black and gold theme. Those JPS race cars of yesteryear left a lasting image.

3

But what wheels to run?

Again looking at what was popular in the off-road scene, both here and in the USA, the brand KMC came up time and time again as they are used by some of the biggest names in off-road racing. KMC has an extensive range of wheel styles in many sizes, colours and finishes, including gold − we were getting closer to a choice.

KMC Wheels are sold in Australia through WheelPros, so we scoured the range online and selected a few we liked, workshopped the choices around the office, and eventually settled on a set of 17 x 8-inch KMC XD Series Addict 2 wheels in bronze. The Addict 2 is available in a few colours and as a true beadlock or with the beadlock look as we’ve chosen for the Ranger.

From the time we bolted them on the ute, the choice of bronze polarised opinion, but everybody loves the style of the KMC Wheels. They really set off the look of the Ranger, back when it was a plain-looking ute right up to the fully-equipped tourer it is now. We couldn’t have been happier, and now, after 18,000km on the Addict 2s, they still look the goods. Being easy to keep clean is an added bonus.

3

In 2019 the wheels were shod in Maxxis RAZR mud terrains and on these they travelled through Central Australia, the Simpson Desert, Victorian High Country, Coffs Coast and the Flinders Rangers.

For 2020 we fitted the Goodyear MT/R tyre and managed to squeeze in a Tasmanian adventure before lockdowns set in. Everywhere the wheels have taken us they’ve always scored comments by onlookers.

Some of those rocky tracks in the Flinders were pretty hard on wheels and tyres, and the tough KMCs don’t show any signs of damage or abuse.

ESSENTIAL INFO

AVAILABLE FROM: wheelprosaustralia.com.au
RRP: $335 each
WE SAY: Great-looking and well-made wheels.