BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

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Tue, 30/07/2013 - 23:56
fcp
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For desert racing the only game in town as far as I can see is BFG Baja AT tires, with Goodyear MTR Kevlars a close second.

Can I get them over here, or anywhere in the ever-so-dreary EU? .. NO

Bajas are available to Race teams in the USA (BFG), not imported here because there aren't enough to go around.. Otherwise they are imported into the UK (Goodyear) but minus the kevlar sidewall reenforcement which apparently didn't meet with some straigh bananna directive that the EU has.

.. The ammo an shortage was bad enough angry

Suggestions anyone? Regulat ATs are not going to cut it I don't think  - anyone any desert race experience I'd appreciate your thoughts smiley

 

 

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Wed, 31/07/2013 - 00:05
#1
gav.helme
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

Hi Ben

Let me know what size and the full spec for both options and i will speak to my tyre guys.

I have some good contacts...

Gav

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Wed, 31/07/2013 - 00:15
#2
fcp
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

Hi Gav,

I'll give you a bell tomorrow re. parts. Tires are 315/75 R16s - I probably need 7 or 8... everything I have read has said nothing else can be relied on like the BFGs for this kind of application, but I'd be interested to know what anyone else thinks. The trouble is that its one of those 'hapeth of tar' things (like valves and fuels lines!)

regards,

Ben

 

 

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Wed, 31/07/2013 - 12:35
#3
Spider1V
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

Cooper Tyres? They do some nice stuff.....

Spider1V

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Wed, 31/07/2013 - 13:13
#4
hus55
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

bfg are renowned for their great sand tyres..

 

maxxis is also a great tyre, not sure if they have a specific version, but i think they would..

 

rgds hus

 

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Thu, 01/08/2013 - 22:18
#5
fcp
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

Thanks for the input guys.

I might have got it sorted with BFG race program in the US smiley - I'll report back as I know more

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Thu, 01/08/2013 - 23:36
#6
Spider1V
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

http://www.coopertire.co.uk/tyres/off-road-4x4

I waited and waited for the BFG's, now owned my Michelin, and was recommended the coopers by Piggy Sims, never looked back.

Spider1V

 

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Fri, 02/08/2013 - 00:21
#7
fcp
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Re: BFG and Goodyear race tires.. Or why the UK and EU suck..

The thing is Spider these BFG Bajas aren't road tyres (they run to abut $800 a piece for a start..) but designed specifically and only for desert race use - The sidewalls are massively reenforced, allowing very low pressure running when required while the tread is AT but designed for agressive surfaces and dry conditions.

 From what I understand they would actually make lousy road tyres anyway (and would be illegal to use in any case since they aren't type approved) but for the conditions they'll experience in Tunisa they are the only way to go. I don't think even the best regular ATs from BFG, Mickey thompson or anyone else would last very long and I don't want to find out the hard way getting stuck in North Africa where the chances of buying a 35" tyre of any description will be remote!

Edit: Pics and details here http://www.bfgoodrichracing.com/desert-racing-bfgoodrich-baja-ta-krt-krt-b/

(checkout how little tread there is + no sidewall patter at all - good for few hundred miles only!)

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