I am currently running 20" HoleShots on the rear of my 300EX. I am interested in lowering the quad more too improve handling.
How do the 18" tires compare with traction, handling, weight, sliding predictability, and tire wear?
Thanks in advance.

Chris 00' TC Racing 300EX

 

altho I've never run 18' tires of any brand, Inmho,I'd think that a 2' reduction in the radius from the stock 22' would affect the front end geometry of the bike in an unknown manner. A 1" radius reduction from the present 20" would certainly mean more wear from more revolutions, other things being equal, such as plies, rubber compound, etc. Steering , I think could mean some over steer, not necessarily a bad thing if one knows it's there & how to handle it.Traction, I'd think, would require some rider adjustment, especially off the line due to the increased revolution of the tire. Of course that could be modified with a sprocket change, also returning the top end to a more normal condition.
Again, these are only my theories and like all theories, are proved right or wrong by testing on a variety of soil & track conditions.

 

Installing 18" tires would improve handling by lowering the center of gravity, and adding one tooth too the counter-shaft sprocket would solve the acceleration/top speed problem.
My question is.....These tires are made with a softer rubber compound and have a more-open tread pattern than XC/XCT holeshots. How does this affect handling, tire wear, etc?
I am interested in these tires because they may offer a vast improvement in the handling department without having too buy expessive a-arms and axles. I'm going to be buying new tires anyway, so why not up-grade if it fits the bill?
I am a weekend racer, not a Pro that has a bottom-less pocket book....

Chris 00' TC Racing 300EX

 

hole shots burn up fast. I have 12 hours on my 4 ply 20" and they are almost gone. A friend of mine runs 18" holeshot MX on his blaster for racing. They don't hold up at all!

Have you thought about bandits? you can only get them as low as 20 but they hold up.

 

Razr's last alittle longer, but don't offer the same amount of traction in my personal opinion.
I am sticking with HoleShot's, I just want to hear from an owner....how well the 18" tires prefrom.

Chris 00' TC Racing 300EX

I don't seem too have the same amount of trouble with tire wear as some of you. I have raced 3 CC races on the same holeshots, plus practice time. And they are still in good shape. Yes they wear more than stockers, but the traction advantage far out-weights the tire life.....

 

My Holeshots are holding up good. I have almost a year on them and they are not showing that much wear. Maybe it is because they are 6-ply.

 

I have 18" holeshots on my LT500. I switch when we ride at a track. They are great for a track but trail riding is a different story. The bike bottoms out on the trails. The 18" tires are give a stiffer side wall . Only problem i have had with all my hoeshots is they all leak. It seam that they can't seat right on the bead. So i put tubes in all my tires..