BajaNomad - BFG TA KO2 now available

BFG TA KO2 now available

TMW - 10-31-2014 at 09:00 AM

From BFG:

BFGoodrich® Tires’ Toughest All-Terrain Tire Ever Hits the Market

All-Terrain T/A® KO2 Tire Available At 20,000 Authorized Dealers

Greenville, S.C. (Oct 31, 2014) – BFGoodrich® Tires, the company that created the first all-terrain tire in 1976, has launched its most advanced light truck tire ever with the new All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tire. The tire is now available in 12 initial sizes to consumers at more than 20,000 BFGoodrich authorized dealers.

Engineered from BFGoodrich’s championship off-road motorsports racing technology, the KO2 delivers exceptional toughness, treadlife and traction for traversing harsh conditions, including gravel, dirt, rock, mud and snow. The new KO2 provides consumers the confidence to take on the toughest challenges for work or play.

Compared to the already formidable current KO tire, the new KO2 brings the toughness, traction and treadlife that demanding light truck owners require in a tire.

Key features of the KO2 include:

· Tougher Sidewalls: The KO2 uses race-proven and race-winning CoreGard™ technology developed in the Baja T/A KR2 for split and bruise-resistant sidewall rubber and a thicker, extended shoulder to prevent sidewall failures. Computer modeling was used to predict object paths and create a sidewall designed to deflect protruding objects, reducing the chances of splits and snags. Compared to the already formidable current KO tire, the new KO2 is up to 20 percent stronger in this critical off-road performance area1 The result is a tougher tire as consumers take on trails of various conditions.

· Longer Treadlife: The KO2 has a new tread design and rubber formulation that helps it last twice as long on gravel and 15 percent longer on asphalt than the previous tire2 The tread rubber has been optimally blended to reduce chips and tears on gravel. A new footprint shape and interlocking tread design provide more uniform wear over the long haul. Special stone ejectors push objects out of the tread to reduce drilling into the tire.

· Aggressive Traction: The KO2 also has a range of tread features for better mud and snow traction. The improvements to the legendary all-terrain performance include 10 percent greater traction in the mud3 and 19 percent greater traction in the snow4 Side-Biter lugs in the sidewall improve traction in mud, snow and rocks. Raised bars in the shoulder help release compacted mud for better traction in soft soil. 3-D sipes create biting edges for better snow traction.

The KO2 is an all-season tire that will carry the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating that it exceeds the Rubber Manufacturer Association’s severe snow traction requirements.

Building on BFG’s long heritage as an innovative all-terrain tiremaker, the KO2 incorporates technology developed and tested through the brand’s legendary off-road motorsports teams that have earned 80 off-road wins at races in the Baja peninsula – by far the most by any tire brand.

The KO2 will be released initially in 12 sizes fitting a range of vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Toyota and Nissan pick-up trucks and SUV’s as well as Plus Fitments for a wide variety of vehicles. The MSRP for the tire starts at $222. Additional sizes will be released in 2015.

Tire Sizes (available November 1)

LT245/75R16 120/116S TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT265/75R16 123/120R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT275/65R18 123/120R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT275/70R17 121/118R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT285/65R18 125/122R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT285/65R20 127/124S TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT315/75R16 127/124R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT285/75R16 126/123R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
35X12.50R18LT 123R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT265/70R18 124/121R TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRE
LT275/55R20 115/112S TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRD
LT275/60R20 119/116S TL ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 LRD

1 Improvement depends on the size of the tire purchased. 20% improvement based on internal sidewall splitting test results derived from a simulated sidewall aggression testing machine (patent pending US20120245859A1) vs. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tire in size LT265/70R17. Actual on-road results may vary

2 Off-road results based on commissioned third-party gravel endurance tests vs. BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO tire size LT265/70R17. On-road results based on internal wear tests vs. BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO tire size LT265/70R17

3 Based on internal subjective mud condition traction tests using SAE ratings and converted to percentage by competitive analysis programs vs. BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO tire in size LT 265/70R17. R
4 Based on commissioned third-party tests vs. BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO tire in size LT 265/70R17. Standard GM Spin test was used.

About BFGoodrich® Tires
With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 40 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

Sweetwater - 10-31-2014 at 09:04 AM

alrighty then......

AKgringo - 10-31-2014 at 09:20 AM

I am surprised that there is not one offering in 15 inch sizes! The smallest tire on that list is too large for my little 4x4, it is a good thing my Wranglers still have a lot of life left.

BooJumMan - 10-31-2014 at 10:14 AM

Wow, FINALLY available.

Seems like forever!

Pacifico - 10-31-2014 at 08:01 PM

I'm surprised that there is only 1 size coming out in November in the 17...

Ken Cooke - 11-11-2014 at 11:24 AM

PaulW - 11-11-2014 at 03:16 PM

Looks like the older rigs using 15" rims will have to look for a different tire.
I waited 6 months for my last set of LT35-12.5-R15 KM2s supposedly because the demand was for tires with bigger rims so the 15s were taken out of production temporally?
Guys wanting 33s has the same wait.
PW

Ateo - 7-21-2015 at 04:19 PM

Getting a new set of KO's 2 put on today for a trip to Baja. After driving 300 miles of dirt roads I will report back.

Took the stock Michelins in today for a sidewall thorn removal and plug but they wouldn't warranty it. That's two flats in 6 months on new tires from Baja roads. Always sucks to have to buy a new tire for a new truck so I'm trading out all four and going with something made for off roading.

If anyone wants a set of 4 Michelins with 9000 miles in them, let me know and I'll give you a deal.

Tomas Tierra - 7-21-2015 at 04:50 PM

They look cool as hell dirty

Howard - 7-21-2015 at 04:51 PM

What size are the Michelins?

I need tires that were originally P215/70R16 99S on the car.

Ateo - 7-21-2015 at 05:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

They look cool as hell dirty

Hahahahaha. Can't wait. I didn't really like the new design but it's growing on me

Ateo - 7-21-2015 at 05:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

What size are the Michelins?

I need tires that were originally P215/70R16 99S on the car.

LT275's. 18" rim. Sorry.

AKgringo - 7-21-2015 at 05:08 PM

According to the BFG web site, the KO2 is now available in three 15 inch sizes; 235x75, 30x9.50, 32x11,50.

Before I bite the bullet for a set, I would like to hear from someone that has used them in ice and snow. I am currently running Goodyear Wrangler Armortrac's, because they seem to bite better in icy conditions than the BFG all terrains or mud terrains that I have used before. The mud terrains were good in fresh snow, but even with siping they did not grip icy roads well.

In a typical year, I am in the ice and snow more than the dessert or beaches.

liknbaja127 - 7-21-2015 at 07:52 PM

Got a new set coming for the F-250, Can't wait :bounce:

Ateo - 7-21-2015 at 08:31 PM

Ready to head to Baja.

Ateo - 7-21-2015 at 08:33 PM

BigBearRider - 7-21-2015 at 09:22 PM

Wow. The tires look really aggressive. I just put new tires on my SUV. Wish I knew this was coming.

rts551 - 7-21-2015 at 09:40 PM

I put them on my 2013 RAM 3000 miles ago. one difference I lost little over 1 MPG. They ride nice. Make no noise (like the older KO's).

BooJumMan - 7-22-2015 at 03:56 PM

They do look nice, I've seen them recently around town and they are definitely more aggressive than the old BFG KO. I ended up just getting the Toyo MT for my truck but they are heavy as hell.

chuckie - 7-22-2015 at 04:31 PM

Looks seem to be what it's all about? Why would anyone pay that price for 3-500 miles per year of "Real" usage????/

Bob53 - 7-22-2015 at 05:30 PM

I went with Toyo AT II. LT285/75R16 on my Suburban.

AKgringo - 7-22-2015 at 05:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Looks seem to be what it's all about? Why would anyone pay that price for 3-500 miles per year of "Real" usage????/

Due to the location and nature of the property held by my family in CA, and the fact that I am a skier, I am in 4x4 FAR more often year round than on any trip to Baja!

I split my time between AK and CA, but I need the best tires I can afford at both ends of the west coast.

rts551 - 7-22-2015 at 07:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BooJumMan

They do look nice, I've seen them recently around town and they are definitely more aggressive than the old BFG KO. I ended up just getting the Toyo MT for my truck but they are heavy as hell.

The 275/60 R20 load range D I bought weigh 55 lbs apiece. The 275/65 r 20 load range E I was considering weigh 60lbs. Not Light!

Tomas Tierra - 7-23-2015 at 08:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Looks seem to be what it's all about? Why would anyone pay that price for 3-500 miles per year of "Real" usage????/ [/

Ummmm, to not get a flat?

Are they that much more $$ than other reputable off road tires??

TT

chuckie - 7-23-2015 at 09:06 AM

Yes....

ADCELAND - 7-23-2015 at 11:08 AM

I put on my LandCruiser about 300 miles ago, I drove on pavements and on sand , on pavement no noise...I put low pressure until 13 psi and go on the hot sand of mogote for test...no problem ....great....

gnukid - 7-23-2015 at 03:31 PM

Got the BFG/KO2 today, similar "look" tread to the old model T/A but with a side detail, plus rebuilt the brakes--Gané la brecha.

chuckie - 7-23-2015 at 04:43 PM

Neato pic....FYI: BFG will soon be offering these tires in Pastel colors(Kailfornia only) so folks can coordinate with their board shorts and ski togs.....

rts551 - 7-23-2015 at 05:22 PM

They are made of a new rubber compound and wear better...and thank god, the do not make as much road noise.

chuckie - 7-24-2015 at 02:20 AM

Good tires, no doubt..I put a set on my Tricky AWD Astrovan , not this latest iteration of tire, but the one before, and except for the noise liked them....Not trying to say they are a bad skin just bemused by the comments about looks...I went with Hankooks on old Smokey last time...Really like those....Three trips to Baja, with heavy loads, daily use here on BAD roads, sofar so good...PS: Tricked out Astro is sitting, broke, in Mulege...what a waste....

rts551 - 7-24-2015 at 07:13 AM

Chuckie, how do you trick out an Astro? :biggrin:

willyAirstream - 7-24-2015 at 07:50 AM

Chuckie put race numbers on it, just like half the folks in mulege. Guaranteed to make you go faster.

Paul, did you put your tires on the van?, pics? And did you buy them in LP?

Btw, tire rack shows 5 sizes in 15inch.

rts551 - 7-24-2015 at 07:59 AM

more stickers

chuckie - 7-24-2015 at 09:21 AM

Well It had a lift kit, AWD, S10 springs, Bilstiens, Rear locker, Flowmaster, K&N....It started life as an Ambulance, so had EVERYTHING heavy duty + lots of cabinets and racks & stuff...

rts551 - 7-24-2015 at 09:35 AM

But did it have stickers? and I want to see your tire imprint in the sand before I can agree it was baja worthy.

AKgringo - 7-24-2015 at 09:36 AM

Chuckie, Don't let anyone give you crap about your Astro. My Suburban decided to retire a year before I did, so I replaced it with a well used GMC Saffari (same as the Astro). I loved that little truck!

My Suburban with 35 inch BFGs was better on the beach and off road, but the van was better on icy roads, used far less fuel, could park in more places in town, and was fun to drive.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that a rig I bought just to get by for a while, was such a good find!

rts551 - 7-24-2015 at 09:41 AM

http://www.fourwheeler.com/product-reviews/1502-bfgoodrich-a...

rts551 - 7-24-2015 at 09:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Chuckie, Don't let anyone give you crap about your Astro. My Suburban decided to retire a year before I did, so I replaced it with a well used GMC Saffari (same as the Astro). I loved that little truck!

My Suburban with 35 inch BFGs was better on the beach and off road, but the van was better on icy roads, used far less fuel, could park in more places in town, and was fun to drive.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that a rig I bought just to get by for a while, was such a good find!

Its not a truck. Its a minivan.

gnukid - 7-24-2015 at 06:35 PM

Test ride. Rough and noisy!

[Edited on 7-25-2015 by gnukid]

[Edited on 7-25-2015 by gnukid]

All-Terrain? Noisy??

Ken Cooke - 7-30-2015 at 05:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid

Test ride. Rough and noisy!

How does the All-Terrain have a, "Rough and noisy ride"? I was advised to buy the All-Terrain because it rode, "...as smooth as glass." You might be running your tires with too much air in them. I'm running the BFG KM2 which is noisy over 50 mph, but still far quieter than the Interco Super Swamper TSL-SX's that I ran over a decade ago.

David K - 7-30-2015 at 05:42 PM

Thanks gnukid, I am not a huge fan of BFG, but the new KOs were supposed to correct the years of poorly made '3-ply' sidewalls???

Can you tell us what kind of truck or SUV you have them on, and what load rating model and pressure (as Ken asked)?

Tomas Tierra - 7-30-2015 at 09:47 PM

[rquote=992814&tid=. .Not trying to say they are a bad skin just bemused by the comments about looks......[/

Ten sets on five toyotas with over 25,000 offroad miles in Baja...one flat! Bemuse all you want, the new ones look cool dirty...... You'll see.

DK ..... Don't make me revive the BFG bashing thread! Last time I looked at that thread there were a whopping three sidewall failures reported, yours that you never had included

TT

Ken Cooke - 7-30-2015 at 10:19 PM

I think it's an '80s vintage Jeep J Truck or Wagoneer judging by the 5 lug wheel pattern and front bumper. The steel spoke wheels probably contribute to the rough ride. Airing down to ~25# should help.

ehall - 7-31-2015 at 01:38 AM

I just put a set on my chevy 2500 4wd and they are noticeably louder than the previous set of bfg all terains. Maybe because they have less than 100 miles on them? Time will tell. The noise is only noticeable when the radio is off and the windows are up. They are load range E and are at 50 psi because we are constantly pulling a trailer with it.

Santiago - 7-31-2015 at 08:19 PM

In the entire northern Sacramento valley there are three of these in my size. Take a week to get a full set.

gnukid - 7-31-2015 at 10:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Thanks gnukid, I am not a huge fan of BFG, but the new KOs were supposed to correct the years of poorly made '3-ply' sidewalls???

Can you tell us what kind of truck or SUV you have them on, and what load rating model and pressure (as Ken asked)?

Running a 6000lb vehicle w load c rating at 35lbs avg (13-40) air pressure.

chuckie - 8-1-2015 at 03:10 AM

I thought these tires were new...???But TTierra sez he has had 10 sets already? With a total of 25000 miles? That's only 2500 miles per set...Whats up with that....?????

Ken Cooke - 8-1-2015 at 08:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

I thought these tires were new...???But TTierra sez he has had 10 sets already? With a total of 25000 miles? That's only 2500 miles per set...Whats up with that....?????

These are recent updates to the All-Terrain line-up.

Ken Cooke - 8-1-2015 at 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweetwater

alrighty then......

I heard that new 15 inch sizes are available. I'd love to trade my KM2s for these new treads...

willyAirstream - 8-1-2015 at 08:45 AM

Tire rack shows 5 sizes in 15 inch. I am interested in your KM2s, if you deliver

Tomas Tierra - 8-1-2015 at 04:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

I thought these tires were new...???But TTierra sez he has had 10 sets already? With a total of 25000 miles? That's only 2500 miles per set...Whats up with that....?????

Obviously I haven't had ten setss of the brand new BFG....ten sets in twenty something years.. This is the second remake of this tire

And my post reads " 25,000 OFFROAD miles "

TT

chuckie - 8-1-2015 at 05:56 PM

Coulda fooled me....I thought this thread was about the new ones...

Tomas Tierra - 8-1-2015 at 08:09 PM

DK brought the older BFGs into this thread.
I'm just defending the tire/brand I've had great experiences with, from someone with no experience..simple really, just gotta read the posts better.....

TT

chuckie - 8-2-2015 at 06:18 AM

LIL touchy aint ya? I had a set of those BFG's on my GMC Safari have commented on them several times....You just may NOT be the only person in the world that has used them, hard to believe eh?...Like you said, just gotta read the posts better...try it...

Tomas Tierra - 8-2-2015 at 08:21 AM

I read about you're tricked out momvan...The one with a great set of OLD bfg's that doesn't run..

I was talking about the other aforementioned individual that has 0 experience with the subject, not you.... Me touchy? Nah.. Feely? Yes

TT

[Edited on 8-2-2015 by Tomas Tierra]

chuckie - 8-2-2015 at 08:23 AM

Stay away from my girlfriend....

Tomas Tierra - 8-2-2015 at 08:24 AM

Haha... Happily married!

TT

chuckie - 8-2-2015 at 09:20 AM

Its OK, she wont care....

Genecag - 8-2-2015 at 12:16 PM

After about 7K on my new KO2, I am impressed on low road noise and traction on pavement. They are much better than stock tires.

David K - 8-3-2015 at 12:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

DK brought the older BFGs into this thread.
I'm just defending the tire/brand I've had great experiences with, from someone with no experience..simple really, just gotta read the posts better.....

TT

I was addressing the new KO, and I complement BFG for finally addressing a weakness that some of us have witnessed... it's about time. Making things better is good business. Pretending it wasn't a problem because you like a big corporation doesn't help the consumer much.

chuckie - 8-3-2015 at 03:35 AM

Really?

Improvements can be a good thing

Ken Cooke - 8-29-2015 at 06:38 AM

I pushed my set of USED BFG KOs farther than I wanted - selling them to a kid on a budget and buying BFG KM2s 18,000 miles ago. After 1 trip to Baja, the tread was cut and chipped badly, showing the weakness of the KOs.

Photos: "Camp, Jeep and Hike: Rockcrawl Palomar Canyon"
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.619135141476706.10...

These were 35x12.5r15s which exhibited better traction than their smaller sized siblings. With double lockers and 4:1 low-end, I was able to push these tires to their limits. I now run KM2s which resist chips and cuts much better. Running my KM2s, I know that BFG can and does build a tire that can really hold up to the rigors of Baja.

PaulW - 8-29-2015 at 07:14 AM

I finally decided my Goodyear MTRs were plenty worn. The last straw was after doing Blanca (CO) I had a tire failure on the way home. So now I have 4 fresh BFG KM2s.
Happy guy because all 4 balanced good. And that is not always the case. This is on the modified 06 Jeep TJUR. The MTRs gave very good service. 35x15s. The Bronco has new 35x15 BFG Bajas and that is a good thing as well.

David K - 8-29-2015 at 07:35 AM

KM2 being the Mud Terrain and KO2 being the new style All Terrain, correct?

KM2

KO2

wessongroup - 8-29-2015 at 06:49 PM

http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/conquering-baja-bfgoodri...

Ken Cooke - 8-30-2015 at 06:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

I finally decided my Goodyear MTRs were plenty worn. The last straw was after doing Blanca (CO) I had a tire failure on the way home. So now I have 4 fresh BFG KM2s.
Happy guy because all 4 balanced good. And that is not always the case. This is on the modified 06 Jeep TJUR. The MTRs gave very good service. 35x15s. The Bronco has new 35x15 BFG Bajas and that is a good thing as well.

I run ~#24 in each 35x12.5r15 KM2, and after 18,000 miles, the tires appeared to be in almost 'new' condition to the technician that balanced my tires earlier this month. That's economical 'wheeling. :bounce:

ehall - 8-30-2015 at 07:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

I just put a set on my chevy 2500 4wd and they are noticeably louder than the previous set of bfg all terains. Maybe because they have less than 100 miles on them? Time will tell. The noise is only noticeable when the radio is off and the windows are up. They are load range E and are at 50 psi because we are constantly pulling a trailer with it.

After about a 1000 miles the tires have quieted significantly.

Ken Cooke - 8-30-2015 at 04:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

After about a 1000 miles the tires have quieted significantly.

My TSL-SX tires were the loudest tire on the planet (next to a TSL Bogger). How loud are your MTR/K's??

David K - 8-30-2015 at 07:11 PM

The Cooper Discoverer STT was very LOUD... and terrible in sand... Called them Grave Diggers, never get any of those again, no matter how cool they looked on my Tacoma!

Had to drop them all the way to 10 psi to float at all on any sand Baja had!

[Edited on 8-31-2015 by David K]

Ken Cooke - 9-13-2015 at 06:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Had to drop them all the way to 10 psi to float at all on any sand Baja had!

[Edited on 8-31-2015 by David K]

The milder the pattern, the better the tire will perform in sand.