[FTD]

I thought these tires were interesting so I will be trying out a set.
These will be going on my MX-5, but given the wheel sizes are the same on the FT86, I figured that you may find it useful.

Here are some initial observations. No real formal testing is possible for me, but I will share some feedback once I run them.

Size: I typically run 225/40-17’s on 17”x7” wheels. BFG R1’s come in 235/40-17 or 245/40-17s. I went with the 235/40-17’s. The 245’s are made with the same mold with a 10mm wider tread spacer to create more width, so the tire height/diameter should be the same. I figured the 235’s would fit my 7” wheel better and allow the sidewall to be less compromised. As a side note the tires took A LOT of pressure to bead up.



The mounted diameter is short for the size (all dimensions are for tires mounted on 17”x7” wheels). The shorter tire works out well for my gearing situation. As mentioned above the BFG 245 would be approximately the same diameter.

• 225/40-17 Hoosier A6 – 24.0”
• 235/40-17 BFG R1-S – 24.3”
• 245/40-17 Hoosier A6 – 25.0”

The BFG mounted width seems to be in line with comparable Hoosiers if not a smidge wider (all dimensions are for tire mounted on 17”x7” wheels). Widths were measured by measuring a stack of 4 top to bottom and dividing by 4.

• 225/40-17 Hoosier A6 – 9.0”
• 235/40-17 BFG R1-S – 9.3”
• 245/40-17 Hoosier A6 – 9.5”

Visual observations:
· Two symmetrical grooves, may wear differently than A6’s (reduce the groove of doom?):

o The groove spacing is notably narrower than the A6, result is more shoulder area outside of the groove.

§ 225/40-17 Hoosier A6 – 3.75” c-c
§ 235/40-17 BFG R1-S – 2.5” c-c

o The grooves are filled with what appear to be frequent tire wear indicator bars, which could reinforce the groove.

· Tread depth indicators

o These are located closer to the shoulder wear area, may actually make them useful for camber challenged cars.




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