The new BFGoodrich R1-S

[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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[feldy]

Becarefull of those tires. This happened to a local driver of ours at one of the tours. After 12 runs. Thats right I said 12.

Also coming from Hoosiers and Hankooks he had to run a lot more pressure up front not to roll over. normally 45 psi up front but I think he was pushing 55 with these not to roll over. Mazda 3 hs driver.

[FTD]

I promise to be careful, thanks for your concern

[xwd]

Thanks for the info. A 245/40/17 A6 works without rubbing with a +42 rim on the FR-S/BRZ. That's without the crash bolts, but I imagine it would be okay even with them, so the 245/40/17 R1-S should fit fine.

I think these are actually more expensive than a comparable size A6, so I look forward to seeing your feedback. I've read some other good reviews of them out on the interweb but it'll be interesting on a somewhat similar car.

[ultra]

Interested to see what you think of the R1s versus the A6s.

I had a set of the older R1 tires on my Evo in a 265 width. I wanted something that would heat up a little slower than A6s and last better & longer between TA events.

They worked out very well for me - lasted 4 months being daily driven and tracked. Unfortunately my car got confiscated by the cops (not because of the tires but because of my exhaust - they were dong one of their infamous anti-modification campaigns here) and the R1s baked in an impound lot before I could wear them out.

[Asterisked Accolade]

Can you drive these (legally)on the highway?

[FTD]

Originally Posted by Asterisked Accolade

Can you drive these (legally)on the highway?

Good question, it is technically legal.

To quote from the BFG literature:
"A word about DOT-legal competition tires - DOT-legal tires meet the minimum requirements established by the DOT for tires used on public roads. However, DOT approval doesn't necessaryily mean that a tire is well suited for frequent use on public roads, particularly in the case of competition tires. The BFG g-Force R1 is such a tire, and we recommend that it not be used on public roads"

This is the same with any DOT competition tire (i.e. Hoosier, Kuhmo, etc.). You will find folks how run them on the road, but they are typically driving very short distances to events. I have never run them on public roads... and realize they would be very dangerous in any standing water.

[Asterisked Accolade]

Originally Posted by FTD

Good question, it is technically legal.

To quote from the BFG literature:
"A word about DOT-legal competition tires - DOT-legal tires meet the minimum requirements established by the DOT for tires used on public roads. However, DOT approval doesn't necessaryily mean that a tire is well suited for frequent use on public roads, particularly in the case of competition tires. The BFG g-Force R1 is such a tire, and we recommend that it not be used on public roads"

This is the same with any DOT competition tire (i.e. Hoosier, Kuhmo, etc.). You will find folks how run them on the road, but they are typically driving very short distances to events. I have never run them on public roads... and realize they would be very dangerous in any standing water.

Thank you for that very cogent reply. I only ask because i'd need to drive on them for the trip to and from the track.

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by Asterisked Accolade

Thank you for that very cogent reply. I only ask because i'd need to drive on them for the trip to and from the track.

Have you considered just carrying them in the car and changing at the track? The car was designed for it and I can confirm from personal experience that an extra. Set of wheels fits inside without disturbing the seating position of the driver and passenger.

[Asterisked Accolade]

Originally Posted by Mitch

Have you considered just carrying them in the car and changing at the track? The car was designed for it and I can confirm from personal experience that an extra. Set of wheels fits inside without disturbing the seating position of the driver and passenger.

Actually, it'd likely be for my Celica before my FRS-- i haven't gotten one yet.

And i suppose i could, i just didn't know if there was a place at BIR to change my tires.

[xwd]

So what's the verdict?

[kablammo]

At a local NASA event an e36 M3 set the track record in TTA with these tires. From what everybody is saying they were really sticky.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by FTD

Good question, it is technically legal.

To quote from the BFG literature:
"A word about DOT-legal competition tires - DOT-legal tires meet the minimum requirements established by the DOT for tires used on public roads. However, DOT approval doesn't necessaryily mean that a tire is well suited for frequent use on public roads, particularly in the case of competition tires. The BFG g-Force R1 is such a tire, and we recommend that it not be used on public roads"

This is the same with any DOT competition tire (i.e. Hoosier, Kuhmo, etc.). You will find folks how run them on the road, but they are typically driving very short distances to events. I have never run them on public roads... and realize they would be very dangerous in any standing water.

you can run them, but a cop could pull you over for "insufficient tread depth" / bald tires and not listen to a word of your logic

you'll end up fighting it in court and winning, but it's all a big headache.

[mrazny]

Originally Posted by dwx

So what's the verdict?

http://www.scca-milwaukee.org/solo/2...esults.Pax.htm

The Sunday results are still getting posted...

From the Bench, seems the tires are at least treading water.

Those names at the top are MEGA, at least IMO.

Tim Aro won CSP last year, Chris Shay was beating Matthew Braun after Day 1 of Nationals last year, Jason Frank was beating Andy Hollis after Day 1 of Nationals, and Canak's the STS champion two years running.

Though from our lowly Chicago Region perspective, this is exactly where we expect Chris to fall, so its hard to tell if the tires are +/-. Bench perspective, having these proven drivers within this range of each other probably means the course was well crafted to NOT be particularly biased to car type.