Aftermarket Tires?

1bush2hog · Sep 18, 2004

Just wondering what others are using and why you made that choice.

I just purchased a set of bridgestone mudhook extremes for my grizzly 660, but these may be a little too agressive. Time will tell. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I wanted a good all-around 6 ply tire in 26" size, thus the reason for my choice, but am a little concerned as they have a pretty good bite in soft grassy areas.

bczoom · Sep 18, 2004

1bush2hog,

Search through this forum looking for Maxxis and 589. Many of us went with aftermarket and you should be able to get all the pros/cons/results of our findings.
In general, the Maxxis seem to be a good all year tire. The 589's are more agressive and most are saving for winter use.

flyingn · Sep 18, 2004

I have the mud lites.. Agressive but work well..

Frank

1bush2hog · Sep 20, 2004

Yes - already looked at those posts. There are a alot more tires out there than just the big horns and 589's. 589's = good tires, too agressive. I heard Big Horns were decent all around, but were plagued by some mfg problems/defects.

I was just curious to see what others use in more utility related functions.

Anyone using the ITP radials?

Dargo · Sep 20, 2004

There are definitely a lot of tires available. I keep watching to see how each perform. I agree with what you said. However, the manufacturing problem with the Maxxis Bighorns had to do with a balance problem with speeds over 40 mph, and was only an issue on manufacture runs between 11/02 and 6/03. I stared at tread patterns until I was dizzy. I did buy the Bighorn Radials. I'm not at all saying that they are "the best" tire. So far I'm very well pleased with their all around performance and, although I checked the manufacture date on the sidewall, if they had a high speed imbalance I have not been able to detect it. Anyway, I'm looking to purchase a Rhino to go along with the RTV and will likely want a different tire than what comes with it. That is why I keep watching threads on ATV tires. So far, it seems to come down to what your purpose is. Do you need really aggressive tires for snow and mud, do you want turf tires, or do you want an all around performer. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif If you come across anything different or try some diffenent tires, please let us know. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bowhunter · Sep 20, 2004

The best tire will depend on what you intend to do with your atv. For working around a yard or farm the Bighorn or the Goodyear radial m/t would be a good choice. I have a set of 589 m/t's on my Rubicon for riding but kept the less aggressive stock tires on the stock rims for when I use it for work.

1bush2hog · Sep 20, 2004

Yea, seems like most ATVers want the baddest mud tire out there so there is alot of info on them. I am looking for something that won't tear up the turf , but won't get me stuck either. Dream on? Maybe so /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I like the looks of the Big Horns and may get a set of the 26" when they come out - if they come out.

Haven't heard much about ITP's radial though. It looks a little more turf friendly, but may only be good for dry conditions too, judging from the way the tread pattern looks in pics.

Thanks for the comments. I will update on the performance of the Bridgestones as I use them.

1bush2hog · Sep 20, 2004

I haven't seen the Goodyear radials yet, and my stockers were too far gone to use any longer. One of the reasons I went with the MudHooks was due to the fact it more closely resembled stock tread but had 6 plys. I need the 6 plys due to all the locust and russian olive on my property.

Thanks for the input.

bczoom · Sep 21, 2004

( I like the looks of the Big Horns and may get a set of the 26" when they come out - if they come out.)

Any particular reason you want to jump to 26"? I don't recall the exact height but the 25" Bighorns stand close to 26". Dargo and I got new rims and I honestly don't know if 26" would fit. The offset on the new rims is different so the tires stick out farther and come pretty close to the fenders.

Dargo · Sep 21, 2004

Yup, the 25" Bighorns measured about 26 1/4 tall. And, like bczoom said, the ITP rims have a bit more offset; which is great because it gives a bit wider stance. However, I don't think any wider or taller will work. I think the ITP wheels and the 26 1/4 tall tires are about all that will fit with the stock suspension setup without rubbing or breaking things. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

1bush2hog · Sep 21, 2004

I wanted the 26" for my ATV as they will give me a little more ground clearance without sacrificing performance.

1bush2hog · Sep 21, 2004

25" = 26 1/4" on the bighorns? That is unusual in an ATV tire. Most of the mfg's usually call a 25" tire a 26". I have heard lots of good reviews on the bighorns also, so will probably end up going this route.

How much air are you guys running in these to get 26 1/4"?

bczoom · Sep 21, 2004

( How much air are you guys running in these to get 26 1/4"? )

I'm running 12 psi front, 14 psi back. I think Dargo is running about 12 all the way around.

1bush2hog · Sep 21, 2004

12-14psi would probably increase the size to 26 1/4. I only run 4-5psi in my atv tires.

Do radials require more psi, or you increased due to loads?

bczoom · Sep 21, 2004

I'm not a tide expert on psi on radials vs. ATV tires.
I run 4-6 on my ATV (including my 589's) but on the bighorns, they would be pretty much flat with that amount. At 12-14, they're upright (with a little bulge at the bottom) and seem OK under load. Haven't thrown 1500# in the box with these tires yet but will be watching.

flyingn · Sep 21, 2004

You will have to run way more air in the tires then that to support the weight of the RTV

Frank

Dargo · Sep 21, 2004

After experimenting for a few weeks, it seems like 18 lbs is about right for my liking with the Bighorns. I'm sure people could get by with less, but I frequently will pile in several 80 pound bags of concrete, haul some dirt, or haul a full load of firewood. With 18 I have not experienced any ill effects and all seems well. Man, compared to the way it was with the stock "Worksite" tires, this thing will climb like a mountain goat now! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bczoom · Sep 22, 2004

( Man, compared to the way it was with the stock "Worksite" tires, this thing will climb like a mountain goat now! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

I'm with you on that one Brent.
Thanks for the 18psi. Although the RTV's been out most every day, I haven't done any heavy work since putting on the Bighorns. I'll increase to 18.

Dargo · Sep 22, 2004

Brian, I don't think you can go wrong there. I was going to mention it to you before, but I wanted to get more "work" time on them. I started at 22 and worked down. Below 18 I get some serious sagging in the rear with a load; enough where it could roll off the rim on a turn. At 18, all is well, and I don't want to run more in them than I have to. I've loaded (don't tell) about 2000 pounds of dirt in the bed and had not problems. Also, running around with no load except my German Shepherd Dog (who insists on riding in the bed anytime the RTV moves) and it still operates fine; no hard feeling or problems even when literally blazing new trails up a steep hill. You ought to see the dog when doing that! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You can hear those toe nails digging into the bedliner!! Well, actually I put one of those tacky rubber mats used to line tool box drawers in there for him, so it isn't too bad. It doesn't matter where I'm going, he won't get out. My buddy...