I am thinking of getting the BFG R1 tires in 225/50 16 size for my R56 MCS. Car is running at stock height with stock springs and stock dampers. Anyone has any experience or opinions about these tires? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

have not seen those tires for years.

They were a R-Compound tire in the 90's

 

There are very good in there new form, Not sure were you live but I would not be buying them now if you are in a cold climate, they are useless once it gets cold out

 

Thanks for the replies. Tirerack carries them now.

I am thinking of using them on the track next year. They are non directional so I can run them on both sides of the car to offset the predominantly right hand turns which is a consideration. How do they hold up? How is their grip level? How do they compare to something like the Yoko A048?

 

I'd say R1's are almost as quick as R6's but a more predictable break away. I think they will outlast the formensioned, but not as long wearing as A048. I replaced my Michelin Pilot Sport Cups with the R1's. I wouldn't drive them to and from the track though.

Alex

 

I have not run these on my Mini, they were excellant on my Porsche for Autocrossing and for the track, I also use to run the Yoko's again on my Porsche the BFG was better, but the Yoko's you could also use on the street and they lasted longer.
You should really speak with Alex at Tirerack, he can give you alot more information on the BFG and how they hold up on the Mini

 

Alex and JRoca, Always appreciate the great info from both of you. I always want to know more from track junkies as they torture test everything.

What do you think of running 225/50 16 size on a r56? I am thinking of going to the KW V2 coils next year as well so I will be running it with those.

 

I've been running the R1's for almost two years now. They're great dual-duty tires. They've lasted for about 25 autocrosses, 4-6 runs each, and 4 track day weekends, about 5 hours of track time each. They've been starting to show serious ware for the past 2 months now, though. Nothing serious, just getting down even with the groves.

They're sticky tires when they warm up, but they take a good while to warm up. On a 30 sec course, the rear tires barely heat up. So for local events you'll be moderately competitive but at national events you won't. At track days they're amazing. After the first lap, which was always a "break-in" lap, they were warm and sticky and lasted for an entire 30 min session. They weren't greasy or didn't break away or anything unusual.

And i've been running the 225/50-16 sizes. With pressures of 37 front and 41 rear.

While they're great tires, I'll be looking to get A6s for next season, only to be more competitive.

 

L8Apex,

Thanks for the great info. I would be OK with the track grip since I do not AutoX.

Are those hot tire pressures for the track? Seems kind of high.

 

You are very Welcome, I have been using tirerack for over 20 years, and you are quite right, us track and autocross junkies do tend to torture everything,

 

On the R1's all the 16's and 17's sizes are a bit tall, and may tall out your gears a bit, you'd notice after exsiting a big turn to regain your velocity. 205/50/15 would work better on mini, but would require diffrent wheels.

Alex

 

Thanks for the info again. Good to know. I gather they do fit except they will change the gearing ratio and the ride height.

Do you know exact how tall they are? Are they near 25" diameter or more?

I cannot get more wheels for the Mini so 15" is out at this time. Ran out of places in the houses to hide them from you know who.

Maybe my speedo may be closer to being correct on the track.

 

I think we can start the parts "tortured and approved by track junkies" label on NAM.

 

Those pressures were for cold temps, before I'd start a run. I forget what they'll heat up to, but the pressures work for my driving style.

 

Here's an amusing coincidence in our favor! The 225/50/16 size via tire nomenclature should be 24.9". The specs on the R1 in 225/50/16 show 24.5 OD. As long as your ok taking care of the outside fender rub that can occur with 225's (dremel sanding)- good to go!

Alex

 

I haven't noticed any rubbing on mine, outside or inside. My Rota's are 6.5" 45 ET, though.

 

I am hoping for no rubbing as well. I think the R56 has a little more clearance and it does depend on the offset as well.

L8Apex, what Rotas do you have. I have the Slipstreams 16x7.

And the BFG R1 on line manual says with a car around 2700 ils (like the Mini) you can start with around 27 psi cold. That is a starting point for me. I believe the tire pressures you mentioned may be more for autoX than track.

The more I read and understand, from all your great opinions, I like this tire more and more. No need to shave, simple first time heat treat, bi-directional, supposed to be reasonably long lasting, good consistent grip over many heat cycles etc... and inexpensive compared to other r-comps.

I am down to one more track day this year so I think I will wait till next year to get it as my fresh set of tires. Along with some new track coilovers, I should be ready.

 

I have the Slipstreams as well.

 

Those slipstreams are really light. Not sure how well they will hold up under track conditions.

JRoca and L8Apex, where do you guys usually run track? I am from the NE so it is LRP, WGI, Summit, NJMP (Thunderbolt and Lightning), NHIS, Monticello and Pocono. I may be planning for a track OD month where I will try out different tracks all around the midwest and mid atlantic (perhaps further) so I am trying to find out the "must go to" tracks.

 

There aren't many tracks around me. Just been to the local track here in Memphis. Every other track is at least 4 hours away.

 

It would be mid next year before the track tour. I am thinking about Mid Ohio, Autobahn, Road America ...

Maybe we can run together at one of these tracks. It would be great getting a few runs in with another Mini.