Bridgestone RE - 71r Review
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 29,896
Likes: 5,435
From: Ontario Canada
Mine were installed today, replacing the original RE050 Bridgestones that came on the car in January 2004. I was expecting a hard ride and tire noise.
I drove with the top down. At first I was surprised by the ride. I'd describe it as plush. What I'd expect on an S-class. I was so surprised a picked a road I knew to bumpy (but no potholes). It soaked them up. You could feel some, but not others. Very smooth.
Noise? I was listening for noise. I have the stock exhaust and virtually never play the radio. I couldn't hear them. I could hear the exhaust. But not the tires. I didn't try a concrete road though.
It was in the mid 80s today. I didn't see or hear rocks and pebbles. My A008r Yokohamas (29 years ago) kicked them and was covered with them. Maybe if I take a longer drive.
So far impressed and confused.
I drove with the top down. At first I was surprised by the ride. I'd describe it as plush. What I'd expect on an S-class. I was so surprised a picked a road I knew to bumpy (but no potholes). It soaked them up. You could feel some, but not others. Very smooth.
Noise? I was listening for noise. I have the stock exhaust and virtually never play the radio. I couldn't hear them. I could hear the exhaust. But not the tires. I didn't try a concrete road though.
It was in the mid 80s today. I didn't see or hear rocks and pebbles. My A008r Yokohamas (29 years ago) kicked them and was covered with them. Maybe if I take a longer drive.
So far impressed and confused.
I just put on some new RE-11A's and they are kicking up sand and pebbles galore.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Carnation
I noticed the same thing with respect to the ride. The RE71R seems to ride better over things like lane markers than the PSS they replaced. Mine don't seem to pick up stones like I'd expected. They have a very nice ride.
As far as noise, what I hear is a marked change in pitch as the road surface changes (rough to smooth, tar patches, painted lines). But it's not an irritating kind of noise like the constant howling I experienced with a set of Yokohama A032Rs on a different car.
As far as noise, what I hear is a marked change in pitch as the road surface changes (rough to smooth, tar patches, painted lines). But it's not an irritating kind of noise like the constant howling I experienced with a set of Yokohama A032Rs on a different car.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,319
Likes: 7
From: South Bend
I guess the S04 for some drivers will give a little more feedback at the limits and so if you do not know your car well they may feel better than the RE71R. But there is no way the S04 will stay up with the RE71R on an autocross. When we get better weather here in Indiana we will be doing a comparative test.
If I can help let me know.
If I can help let me know.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 14
Looks like Tire Rack finally concluded their testing:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...2&cid=R1108194
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...2&cid=R1108194
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13,832
Likes: 1,550
From: Chesterfield VA
I've not run the data thru a statistical model like SPSS but other than the subjective stuff like "comfort" the other data differences appear to be inconsequential and within normal variations since the test can't use all the tires on the same car at the same time. And there's the driver factor as well. They're all pretty similar.
Love my RE-11A tires. Will no doubt put RE-71R tires on her when it's time.
-- Chuck
Love my RE-11A tires. Will no doubt put RE-71R tires on her when it's time.
-- Chuck
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta, GA USA
In that test video, the tires were chunking marbles like slicks! lol! Yeah, I'm pretty damn happy with my S-04. I've had them since December. Although it's my weekend car, I've put about 9-10k on it since install. No track days, just casual street drives with some backroads. I'm probably down to half in the rear. The S-04 is a great all around performer. The wet traction makes you want to go faster (at least for me) in the rain to see where the limit of adhesion is. Very impressive.
But guys.... MARBLES! lol... I thought I was watching an FIA excerpt for a moment.
But guys.... MARBLES! lol... I thought I was watching an FIA excerpt for a moment.
