Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[JBird..]

Hey all. I picked up and have done two HPDE days at Laguna Seca on square 275/35/18 RE71RSs and I'm hoping to rotate (L to R or vice versa) for the next Laguna day. I can't find anything about the RE71RS being directional but they do appear to be. How have people rotated these in the past? Many thanks!

[Ximian]

Based on what I've found, they're asymmetrical, not directional. The RE71R was directional.

[MineralWhiteF80]

to add to this topic, just for a little extra info for people in the future wondering about this:

The great news is that the newer RE71RS tire is not directional and can be rotated to all four corners of the car (as long as the tire is mounted on the wheel with the “OUTSIDE” marked sidewall facing out, obviously).

The older (original) RE71R version was directional and that can be seen in the tread pattern. However, the directional tread pattern was specifically done for better wet weather performance to shed water better. In dry weather, the original “R” version can be rotated to all four corners with no noticeable change in grip level, even through it makes you nervous running it backward. If run backward in the rain, the tire would not perform as well as it could if it was installed in the correct direction.

After running both versions, I absolutely love the new “RS” version. Somehow they seem to have more grip, wear slower, and are quieter. Even

Pics for fun: (notice the direction of the “R” version )

[aus]

Big question for me is, if these tires can be flipped on the wheel?
My outside edges always wear out quickly on track- yes I need more camber but it then KILLS my street tires inside edge. I was flipping the tires on the wheel with the R's but was wondering if that's ok with the RS?
.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by aus

Big question for me is, if these tires can be flipped on the wheel?
My outside edges always wear out quickly on track- yes I need more camber but it then KILLS my street tires inside edge. I was flipping the tires on the wheel with the R's but was wondering if that's ok with the RS?
.

it'll be fine, but you'll lose performance. but the inboard and outboard are made different..as the outside is suppose to take most of the abuse. so take it for what it is. i guess if you're street driving it after the outboard is donezo.. should be fine.

fyi bridgestone does not recommend flipping the 71RS.