Benefits of Radials?

[Rooskey]

Just want to get everyone's insight. I just installed some ripsaws (radials) and the first thing I noticed was that they were heavier and stiffer. What do yall think? Yes im a newbie. Thanks fellows

[shui5612]

radials vs "normal" AKA bias tires.

radials :
PROS:
provide better fuel eco.
have less road friction
last longer, heat up less, doesnt compact soil as much
AND adds stability as well as offer a quieter ride.

CONS:
more prone to puncture, more difficult to repair,
and higher cost.

BIAS TIRES:
PROS:
provide more traction as the sidewall offers more flex
self cleaning, easy to repair, lower cost.
better for side hills, overall better for offroad

CONS:
more resistance so they heat up more,
lower life expectancy (50% sometimes)

either tires are good depending on your uses, if you go on hardpack, radials are better, BUT, where you need more traction like mudding and dont or rarely go on hardpack (asphalt and gravel included) then bias would be the way to go, as they would be WAY cheaper and be able to buy 2-3pairs SOMETIMES of tires for the same price...

i do not have experience yet with newer aftermarket tires but will soon look into them.
so far my BIAS stock tires do EVERYTHING i asked them to do.

Hope i helped.

[gtxgohan]

well the guy above me cant say it any better than that i dont do any hard riding by that i mean gravel or asphalt and my tires still got 50% or tread after 1500+ miles on them but thats the rear only the front are stock redials i believe and i need to replace them asap

[Rooskey]

Thanks Shui! That did help alot. As far as my driving conditions I believe I made the right choice.

[800touring]

my 27 XTRs got them for 400 for a full set (to good of a price to pass) well my XTRs ride really good XTRs are radiail they are mud lites but there alot heavyer then stander mudlites

[lod666ftw]

The ripsaws are extremely heavy tires Period. They will make your bike shake alot! I know mine would sway back and forth in the rear like and old homemade tow behind trailer down the road at 70 or more! They will go any where but get your wallet out for bushings, ball joints and belts. They grip so well when you crack the throttle at slow speed you will fry your belt!!! Run low range in woods if you dont plan on goin over 40. Running low is a must in mud!! Oh yea dont forget you will be pressure washing alot of mud cause they throw it all over You and the wheeler!!

[Rooskey]

Originally Posted by lod666ftw

The ripsaws are extremely heavy tires Period. They will make your bike shake alot! I know mine would sway back and forth in the rear like and old homemade tow behind trailer down the road at 70 or more! They will go any where but get your wallet out for bushings, ball joints and belts. They grip so well when you crack the throttle at slow speed you will fry your belt!!! Run low range in woods if you dont plan on goin over 40. Running low is a must in mud!! Oh yea dont forget you will be pressure washing alot of mud cause they throw it all over You and the wheeler!!

Thanks for the reply. I understand by gripping so much they will put extra strain on the belt but what is the deal with the bushing's and ball joints? Should I look into a clutch kit too?

[lod666ftw]

I dont know what size wheeler you have but I never put a clutch in my 850. The weight just adds extra strain on all parts. I suggest greasing after every ride or at least once a week if you ride alot. Have you notice your bike shaking at speed?

[PawPaw]

These Mudlite XTR radial's are over 2 yr's old and doing great in my riding area.

[Rooskey]

Originally Posted by lod666ftw

I dont know what size wheeler you have but I never put a clutch in my 850. The weight just adds extra strain on all parts. I suggest greasing after every ride or at least once a week if you ride alot. Have you notice your bike shaking at speed?

I have a 2011 400 HO with 26" tires. The only real difference I have noticed is that it rides a little rougher. I am running 6psi and might go down to 5psi. Notice a small change in performance in high but in low gear on hills it still pulls like a champ!