Re: Re[2]: Bridgestone tires

["Barton P. Chambers" <bchambers@atlantic.nos.noaa.gov>]

> If one lusts for a Japanese-made
> tyre, then look at Dunlops--their current range is comprises the best
> in every class, according to auto, motor, und sport, and their D8M2 is
> the OEM tyre of choice for autobahn-going Audis and Mercedes.
> 
> I also question the recommendation of Comp T/As, as these are a very
> dated design.  Tyres have improved dramatically in the three
> generations since these hit the market, and they've been
> cellar-dwellers in any tests I've seen.  

Well, John, in response to your question (YMMV of course), my recommendation
of Comp T/As is based on actually owning and *driving* on the tires.  I
have Dunlop D40M2s on my li'l red toy presently, and I don't like them as
well as either the P7s or P700s that proceeded them (and they are truly
"dated designs").  The Dunlops are adequate tires, but I *personally* don't
find them as communicative as the Pirellis were in the dry conditions I
usually try to limit the Pcar to. OTOH, the Dunlops *are* superior in the
wet, but see the preceding sentence.

My experience with BFG Comp T/As started with their first generation.  I
replaced (whatever junk) OEM tires were on my '80 Scirocco S with BFGs. I
had a full aftermarket Bilstein BTS-172 suspension on the Scirocco, and
always "drove the living snot out of it" (your indulgence is requested for
the artistic license), wet and dry.  I have used BFGs to replace OEM rubber
on both my other VW/Audi products ('87 Cabriolet, departed, and the Syncro)
because of my *delight* with the tires.  I find them very civilized and
controllable; they communicate what's going on clearly, and grip well under
all conditions.  In addition, they give better wear than they should (they
are the *only* tires I have *ever* gotten more than 20K Mi with on any
car).

So what do I know?  I've only been a licensed driver since 1955.  Well, I
do know that the considerations used by a manufacturer to select OEM tires
for a particular car are not always those the consumer would use.  And I do
know that, WRT your comment that BFGs are dated design, that's not
particularly relevant in *this* real world case.  They have an *effective*
tread design, and they keep current with advances in rubber compounding.

Auto, Motor Und Sport is, IMHO, just another motor-rag (Gasp!).  Road tests
of Autos or Tires are no better than the *journalists* who conduct them.
YM*Will*V.  These tests are a good place to start, but YOUR test should be
the deciding factor in YOUR case.  Finally (the crowd roars it gratitude),
tire technology is so good today that the differences in test results isn't
worth the Position of Vice President of the US (i.e, a bucket of warm
spit).  

No offense intended, John, I'm still smilin'...



Cheers,

Bart Chambers
'77 Feline Varmint Felix, Gray Tabby
'86 Carrera Cabriolet, Indischrot
'87 Syncro (Stealth Quattro)