25 vs 26 atv tire

canderson · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 06:43 PM

Have an 09 Sportsman Touring, and I do mostly trail riding on dirt/sand some mud, also work aroound yard and fields and plowing in winter. I am looking for a good set of tires that won't break the bank. I also do not want to loose power or have to change clutches or anything. I have the stock Carlisle AT489 25x9x12 (F) 25x11x10(rear), tires with the stock rims. Tires ok but need more tread depth for mud. Question is on the rims are the stock rims not strong or are they ok, also how much of an issue is weight? Reason is I like the looks of the rims and trying to keep costs down. Was looking at ITP Mudlites as I had a set of these on my old 95 Xplorer 400 and loved them also saw they were lighter than the stock tires. Just wondering if there is something better.

Any help, or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thor · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 01:02 AM

For WI trails I have found these tires do a GREAT job! http://www.theatvsuperstore.com/26-S...6_stbd1461.htm

cwlongshot · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 01:32 AM

Morning,
Anytime I read one of these posts and see Trail Riding as first or as a major concern. I like to suggest the poster look hard at a RADIAL tire. The cost increase is minimal while the benefits are major.

Most factory tires are 2 ply bias tires to keep costs and weight down. Weight is a concern but a better tire is going to be heavier, it simple physics. There is more IN it, of coarse its gonna weigh more, but again the benefits far out weigh the costs.

There are allot of great tires out there, but if you spend any time here your going to read a common thread... GBC Spartacus and Grim Reaper tires, Maxxis Big Horns and a up and comer is the Pit Bulls. ALL are radials all are at least 6 Ply and most are 8 plys. Much more durable than the stockers.

Be honest with yourself with tread depths and aggressiveness. We all like the looks of a super aggressive tread design, but generally these dont ride so well. You have specified as first a Trail Rider. A Big Horn or a Grim Reaper would be my two top choices for you. Stay with stock sizes and minimize the weight increases.

Good luck,
CW

North Branch · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 01:54 AM

I agree with CW. For general trail riding, yard work, and snow plowing, I would opt for the Big Horns, Spartacus, or Grim Reapers. While I don't have any hands on experience with the Spartacus or Grim Reapers, many others do, and they seem to excellent "all around" tires.

Now, if that "mud" that you sometimes tackle is significant, the Spartacus would be my first choice because of the tread design. They look like they would pull through the mud a bit better, but again, that's only an opinion here.

For snow plowing (and riding in the snow), I really like the Big Horns aired down. The almost horizontal tread pattern and the wide, flat footprint gives you great traction in forward, and reverse.

bobx2 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 09:22 AM

Riding an 800, weight is not going to be a problem. If you are spending the money for tires, might as well spend it on a quality tire.

For snow plowing (and riding in the snow), I really like the Big Horns aired down. The almost horizontal tread pattern and the wide, flat footprint gives you great traction in forward, and reverse. The same is true for riding in the sand.

bgirard420 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 01:04 PM

Your stock rims are fine and look great too. Mudlights do well as you already know, but it seems radials are taking over the aftermarket atv tire industry for good reason. I agree with the above posts that mention reapers, Spartacus, big horns, or the black diamonds. All are great and if you stay with stock size on the 800 you shouldn't have to change the clutching. I went with the spartacus because most riders in my group rock big horns and I wanted to be different. I am glad I did!

canderson · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 03:23 PM

Thank you for all the posts, quick question what exactly is difference if I have a 6 ply radial vs 6 ply bias do they actually have bands in them like a car tire does, or is an atv tire different all together. Another problem is finding a tire for the rear. I don't exactly like the 10" rim and its hard to find a tire with that size. Thats one reason for the Mudlites they have a 25x11x10 and I know from experience they ride awesome and are excellent in sand, snow and mud. How big can you go without doing clutches? Will a 26" be okay how much power will I lose.

bgirard420 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 04:25 PM

I only have a 500, but even staying stock size in a 6 ply affected my power. I can't say on the 800 but Bobx2 seems to think it will be OK and he knows better than me. From the sounds of it, mudlights will be fine for you and you've had good experiences with them in the past which is always a plus. I'd probably just go with them based on what you're saying about the wheel size and all. As far as manufacturing, check this out: Bias vs Radial Tires : ATV Tire Comparison : Mud-Throwers.com but remember the issues about puncturing are related to ply as well as design.