BFG g-force R1 tire impressions

[fredmeister]

thoughts on BFG g-force R1 competition tire.
Looking for input from users on the grip level, wear rates and warm up time on these.
I need to replace my MPSC comp tires next season and i hated them for various reasons and want to try a new brand.
My main goals are quick warm up and good longevity at the expense of a little less grip like a Hoosier.
If possible can you compare them to a Toyo Comp tire since I have used these years ago and liked them....as a point of reference,

Fred

[Hotrod911T]

Fred,

I may not be much help here, but I will share my limited experience with the BFG R-1's. For a background, our 911 is used extensively as a track car (no street driving), or should I say primarily for autocrossing (30-40 events/year) and a few DE's a year. For a couple of years we used the Toyo RA-1's (225/50-15's) and really liked them because the more wear, the better the grip, and they gave good feedback at the cornering limit. However, they were not competitive in our class so we moved up to Kumho v710's. After going through two sets of Kumho's, I decided to try the BFG R-1's to see if they would (according to the advertisements) grip as good as a Hoosier and last longer than the Kumho's, and the price of the v710's and R-1's were basically the same.

Well, the R-1's, in my opinion, are a better track tire than an autocross tire. They did not grip as well as the Kumho's, did not heat up as fast, and did not last any longer than the Kumho's. I did like the feedback the tires gave you at the limit, but the grip was not as good as the Kumho's. It took awhile to find the right air pressures (about 5-7 pounds higher than the v710's on my car), but after one set I went back to the Kumho v710's. I have no experience with Hoosiers.

Rod

[Plavan]

Originally Posted by Hotrod911T

Fred,

I may not be much help here, but I will share my limited experience with the BFG R-1's. For a background, our 911 is used extensively as a track car (no street driving), or should I say primarily for autocrossing (30-40 events/year) and a few DE's a year. For a couple of years we used the Toyo RA-1's (225/50-15's) and really liked them because the more wear, the better the grip, and they gave good feedback at the cornering limit. However, they were not competitive in our class so we moved up to Kumho v710's. After going through two sets of Kumho's, I decided to try the BFG R-1's to see if they would (according to the advertisements) grip as good as a Hoosier and last longer than the Kumho's, and the price of the v710's and R-1's were basically the same.

Well, the R-1's, in my opinion, are a better track tire than an autocross tire. They did not grip as well as the Kumho's, did not heat up as fast, and did not last any longer than the Kumho's. I did like the feedback the tires gave you at the limit, but the grip was not as good as the Kumho's. It took awhile to find the right air pressures (about 5-7 pounds higher than the v710's on my car), but after one set I went back to the Kumho v710's. I have no experience with Hoosiers.

Rod

I did the same and went back to the V710's from the R1's

[oliver88]

The R1 is definitely not an autocross tire...I have been racing 944 Cup wit them for 2 years. They are as fast as Hoosiers and they stay consistent for the whole race. they last longer as well. IMHO they are a great tire. I am usually right around the upper laptimes in the class running the R1, though we are all within 3/4 of second in the top 4 positions. i am the only one in our group running them so far and I see no evidence that the Hoosiers or any other DOT R compound is any faster.

[jrdavid68]

I just ran my second DE weekend with the BFG R1s - I love these tires.

I'm no racer, here's my background. Been DE'ing with PCA for about six years, so pushing 45-50+ track days. I have an '86 911 coupe that is pretty much stock. It could be a little lower, weighs about 2900lbs + with driver, max neg camber from stock suspension. 7 and 9 x 16's.

I went through two sets of Kumho V700s, two sets of Toyo RA1s, one set of Toyo 888s and now have BFG G-Force R1s. I never had any of the Kumho or Toyo tires shaved. No complaints with the Kumhos, LOVED the RA1s and would still be using them if I could have found the right sizes when I needed them. HATED the 888's for many of the same reasons others have pointed out in other threads.

Now, the BFG G-Force R1s - these are best tires I have had. I understand now what the saying "it's like riding on rails" means. The third lap out on these equaled my best time on that particular track and my times continue to improve little by little - I need more seat time!

The unknown for me with the BFGs is longevity, but if I can get a season plus out of these (10-12 days, maybe in the 35-40+ heat cycle range) I will be a repeat customer. However, rumors of Toyo RA1 availability in 2010 will definitely impact my decision.

Also for reference - with the Toyo RA1s, I would run 8-10 days, flip 'em, and run another 8-10 days before they corded - that's about 1.5+ seasons for me.

That's my $.02 - and this should be read at face value.

[white85carrera]

I was a big fan of the old R1 back in the day and jumped right in when they re-introduced them. In their absence I ran Mostly MPSCs and feel the R1 is better all around.

Dedicated track car, 911 2500lbs. I do run the Hoosiers when racing, in part for contigency $, but mostly becuase that's what everyone else runs. I have had several R6 sets that have had a bead issue that resulted in slow leakers. IMHO after the 2 sets of Hoosier R6s are spent, I am going back to R1s.....good feedback, last longer, a bit cheaper, oh yeah and hold air.

[moneymanager]

I have used Kumhos, Michelin Pilot Cup Sports, and the new BFG R1. I liked Kumhos fine, but chunked three of them. Possibly my fault, but it hasn't happened with either of the others. When the same thing happened to a buddy, I chucked them. I liked Michelins on the track a lot and would still probably be using them if they hadn't dropped my size, but I actually believe the BFG is better... just as predictable, warm up a tad faster and stay grippy longer. I really like their wisdom on heat cycles...the number simply doesn't matter. Read their web site or the Tire rack entry on this subject. Don't have enough time with them to know if they are correct but have little doubt.

Fred,

I have a set on my track car, and loved them when new. But they went away after about 6 track days--not worn, but lost their grip.

I wish I could still get RA-1's.

[fredmeister]

thanks guys.
this is exactly the input i was hoping to get.
looks like i will give them a try next season.....them or toyos......

[KTL]

Good tires for the money based on my limited experience. I got a set used and gave the rears to a friend. He was pleased with them- good wear, good grip & predictability, good price $50 for the pair!

One noticeable difference I found with these tires is they are MUCH lighter than other R-comps. Therefore their load rating is less. I think the 245/45-16 has a rating of 88?

Just don't use them for "commuting" to-from the track. They're not as road friendly as others like the Toyo RA-1. My friend got caught by surprise and parked his car in an on-ramp embankment due to hydroplaning. Wasn't even raining much at all........ These tires have segmented center grooves, so they've basically got no place to go for water beneath the contact patch. Shouldn't come as much of a surprise given their tread (lack thereof) and their traction (wet) rating of B (AA, A, B, C is highest to lowest)

[PatrickB]

Sorry for the late entry, but I'm gonna hit the track for a DE next week and was wondering what hot pressures you guy have found working best for these tires? '85 Carrera at 2630lbs without driver and half fuel. 16x8/9's, 23/33 t-bars, f/r sways... My suspension guru suggested 37/38lbs hot. My last set of RA1's seemed happiest at 33/34... Thanks!

[74goldtarga]

I have a set of very worn RA-1s (down to slicks with 4 grooves and more heat cycles over a period of 3 years of limited events than I remember) and a new set of RA-1s on a second set of wheels. I was thinking of getting BFG R-1s to replace the worn RA-1s and keep my new RA-1s for driving to and from the track and for wet track sessions (I bring the second set with me in the car). For those of you who have used both, and since I can get both for my car, do you think a guy should just run the RA-1s or would I gain something by switching to the BFGs for dry DE trackdays?

[Craig S.]

Thanks for resurrecting this thread Patrick, it has been helpful in making my decision on these tires. Seems most everyone likes them. I'll drive to the events on my RA-1s. I think 37-38 hot psi. is a good target for our cars. The rear tires will need less starting pressure since they work a lot harder than the fronts on a 911.

[moneymanager]

Re pressures, I use BFG's recommended 35/37 hot. THey work fine.
My first set worked well for eleven track days.

[PatrickB]

Just the info I was looking for!

Thanks Craig and James! Maybe I'll see you at Tribute? I volunteered for Pit Marshal Duty on Saturday, and doing the PDS thing on Sunday as I haven't driven the ROVAL course yet at speed!

[Eifeler]

At little late but I'll add my 2 cents. I'm on my second set of R1's. The car came with them so I don't have any other tire to compare to except the RA1's that I use as rain tires. A few things I've noticed:
- tires seem to come up to temp within a lap at Sebring
- hot temps around 37/39 on 2,800lb car seem good
- turn in is great, forgiving at the limit, haven't felt them get greasy yet (60min is longest session yet)
- they don't flat spot easily (spin at RRR with healthy slide backwards didn't show)
- The R1's are 40's on Fikse's and RA-1's are 50's on Dials so there are to many delta's to provide any useful comparison.

[ODDJOB UNO]

i just got a set of the BFG's. gonna run them this weekend. thanks for the hot tire pressures. 16 x 7 and 16 x 9's on a 87 PCA showroom stocker.


now if everything else was so simple.


note to self............avoid rain.