Advice please: Goodyear F1-A tyres XL OR NOT XL?

[leadboot]

Anybody know which version of Goodyear Eagle F1-As I should use on my M12?

I am further confused by the load index being the same for both the XL and non XL versions. Source Pneus online.

Many thanks

[daddysumo]

AFAIK the GDS3's are the better ones to have.
I have them on my road wheels on my evo and they are a good all round tyre.

Steve

[leadboot]

M12 very different beastie though.

I have trawled the Noble forum for all tyre advice and the F1-As seem to get the best overall reviews for all year round road use.

[daddysumo]

Yep you are right !
You could try trawling through this www.nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=2568
Not sure if all these are available in the UK though.

Steve

[jon-]

Usually the only difference between the normal and XL is slightly stiffer sidewalls and a firmer shoulder. For a performance car these are desirable as you get a more positive turn in and a greater level of feedback through the steering wheel.

I also agree the F1-As are probably better than the GSD3.

Anyway, what did you end up with?

Jonathan
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk

[steve1]

Do any of you guys run Toyos, little more expensive, but have always found them really good for grip all year round.

Steve.

[jon-]

steve1 said:

Do any of you guys run Toyos, little more expensive, but have always found them really good for grip all year round.

Steve.

Which Toyos? Come to think of it, I can't think of any of their range that's more expensive than the F1s?!

[steve1]

I was thinking of the T1R's, having said that they were dearer, you can in fact get them for a few pound cheaper than the latest goodyears.
On from that, has anyone tried them on their Noble.

Steve.

[daddysumo]

Steve1

I have tried them on other cars and found the side walls to be very complient or weak even.

Steve

[ajg31]

As the Noble has a light kurb weight i would not go for XL. I am sure i didnt have the XL version on mine and the turn in was still quicker than the SO'3's they replaced (IIRC)

[leadboot]

I have ordered F1-As from Pneus online (so we'll see how reliable they are!)

The set worked out only £10 more than Toyo T1-Rs so that's pretty good for the better brand. Assuming they actually are better than Toyo in practice. I won't be able to tell as I'm replacing worn S03s so both would be loads better. What swung my decision was the generally good feedback plus the EVO mag test. I drive my Noble every day so the strong wet weather performance was important.

I have now established through a Goodyear helpline that all F1-As are XL. The confusion was caused by tyre sellers, including pneus, listing non XL even though they don't exist.

Cheers

[leadboot]

For anyone interested who use their Noble as a road car, the new F1-As are remarkably quiet at cruising speeds.

(Beware Pneus Online don't quote real selling prices in Sterling. They appear to, but actually you get stung for whatever exchange rate to euros prevails.)