>From: "Louis Goldsman" <goldsman_at_ix.netcom.com>
>Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 00:07:02 -0800
>Subject: Selling BFG R1s
>
>What's the deal, if there is a deal, about tire dealers selling R1s?
>
>My local tire shop tells me that although they sell Goodrich tires they have
>to complete all kinds of paperwork before they can sell R1s. Does anyone
>know what a tire dealer must do to sell R1s and is there anything they'll
>expect of me to sell me R1s?

Louis,

There aren't that many dealers that will get onto the BFG R1 Program, mainly because there is very little profit in this tire for them. BFG Team T/A fixes the selling price nationally and the profit on each tire is on the order of $ 25.00 or so from what I'm told. You can see the lack of interest that would be apparent on the part of the dealer. No money in it for them yet they risk tearing up expensive rims.

The very best place to get your R1's used to be at O'Fest. You order them in advance from Team T/A and they will have them on the truck for you. Then you pull your car up to the BFG Trailer, pay them $ 150 a tire, and they will shave the tire, mount it, balance it and install it. I don't recall if sales tax is collected...

You can also order your tires direct from Team T/A and have them shipped to you. They collect sales tax but ship them FREE via Fed-X 2nd Day Air. Call Team T/A at 800-722-3234 to get your membership kit mailed to you at no charge. Price of the tires in the 235/45/17 size is $ 150.00 each. They will shave them for you, too!

On the new "G-FORCE" tire, which is the replacement for the R1, I've learned the following:

• Availability date : APRIL '98 they are not releasing them until then as they want to have all the sizes ready to go at the same time. Available to everyone at that time.
• Price: Not released yet. However, it will be more expensive than the current R1.
• Molding: All the new G-Force tires will be molded at 3/32's tread depth, eliminating the need for shaving.
• Sizes: All the 16" Sizes carry over. In the 17" sizes the 235/45/17 will be DROPPED in favor of 235/40/17 (at last!) and the 245/45/17 will be DROPPED in favor of 245/40/17. There will be (6) new 18" sizes as well, among wihich are 225/40/18, 265/35/18. 285/30/18.

The jury is still out on the G-Force performance. I can't seem to get much info on it. It WILL replace the R1, so if you like the built in negative camber of the R1 you amy want to order a spare set. Rumor has it the new G-Force will not experience the Groove O'Doom as does the current R1's. My best guess is it will be a superior track tire to the R1, but may not beat it at the autocross course. Again, I'm speculating on this......anyone who has had access to the tires or knows of the characteristics - I'm all ears!

Duane Collie
RM3DR1 / UUC
National Capital Chapter