Experiences with Toyo RA1's for street driving? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

H Bomb · 16th March 2007, 21:12

i see alot of guys running these all the time now not just on the track. are these ok for street driving??

what do you give up by going this route?? are they good in the rain too or just dry??

i know on a sandy road or something of that nature they would most likely be bad

i am thinking of getting these for my summer tires but just wanted to hear some opinions first on the guys who run these on the street and don't have an S3 and just reg M5 or S2

thanks, H

DRM · 16th March 2007, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Bomb

i see alot of guys running these all the time now not just on the track. are these ok for street driving??

what do you give up by going this route?? are they good in the rain too or just dry??

i know on a sandy road or something of that nature they would most likely be bad

i am thinking of getting these for my summer tires but just wanted to hear some opinions first on the guys who run these on the street and don't have an S3 and just reg M5 or S2
thanks, H

I put them on my car before it was S3. Many owners (members of this board) have now switched to RA-1's as their street tire. Why?? 'Cause they are superior in every way compared to any other HP street tire. Exceptional grip, extremely quiet, and very compliant. Nothing else comes close to these. And $$$ wise, they're actually less than Mich PS2's (www.bobwoodmantires.com)

What's the downside?? They'll wear out faster (100 wear rating). Expect to get 6k to 10k miles from a set, depending on how aggressive you drive. Frankly, 'have to make up your mind to budget more for tires on an annual basis, in order to enjoy the very best 100% of the time. Also, when driving through twisties or at the track at 10/10th's, they'll give little warning of breaking loose. That said, 'don't believe 95% of drivers will ever approach these tires adhesion limits; they're that sticky. Also, they're very good rain tires; but not good in air temps <40 - 50 degrees, and certainly not useable in snow/ice.

Good luck!!

Dan

H Bomb · 16th March 2007, 22:18

awesome news thank you, so as long as the temp are above 40 degrees then they are go to go for the street??

thank you

DRM · 16th March 2007, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Bomb

awesome news thank you, so as long as the temp are above 40 degrees then they are go to go for the street??

thank you

40 - 50 degrees is pushing it. 'Best above 50 degrees; the warmer, the better.

Dan

gbogh3 · 16th March 2007, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Bomb

awesome news thank you, so as long as the temp are above 40 degrees then they are go to go for the street??

thank you

Yes they are better than ok. Keep in mind they will not last as long as PS2's, but you won't switch back. Unless you can't afford to buy tires as often.

E55AMG2 · 16th March 2007, 23:32

If you run them from full depth, ~10k miles correct?

gsfent · 17th March 2007, 00:13

I would be very careful in the rain with worn RA1's. In AWD you can compensate, but in our cars it would be very easy hydroplane. Problem is, as they wear, they are better summer tires, but worse inclement weather tires.
Regards,
Jerry

DRM · 17th March 2007, 01:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by E55AMG2

If you run them from full depth, ~10k miles correct?

I really don't think many M5 owners are going to squeeze 10k miles out of RA-1's. It's just too damned much fun to run hard on the corners with those super stickey and compliant tires. If all you do is cruise around, then sure, 10k miles will be no problem. But what would be the point of that??

Dan

Kin Mak · 17th March 2007, 03:27

How do you get the tyres up to operating temperature under normal road driving? I am sure they need to be pretty warm before they start gripping no? Unless there is something I am missing.

E55AMG2 · 17th March 2007, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by drm64099

I really don't think many M5 owners are going to squeeze 10k miles out of RA-1's. It's just too damned much fun to run hard on the corners with those super stickey and compliant tires. If all you do is cruise around, then sure, 10k miles will be no problem. But what would be the point of that??

Dan

Im guessing that you rotate these too, otherwise the rears would go first.