Just got my new 07 Outlander 650 MAX XT. Just curious what tires everyone is using on their Outlanders. Are you mostly sticking with the stock tires? or are you upgrading to a different tire?

I am specifically curious if anyone is using MUD Lites or MUD lite XTR's and if so how do you find they perform on the outlander compaired to stock tires. Worth the extra cash? or no?

Has anyone had any problems with the Visco-lock when using upgraded tires?

 

What kind of trails do you ride most often? Of all the ITP Mudlites I would say the XTR's are about the best. How will your Outlander do with radials... I know AC doesn't like radials very well.

Something to consider - all Mudlites are primarily geared for mud (however not a true hard-core mud tire), and you may loose some satisfaction on other types of terrain. There are some brands that offer superior results on other turf, out perform them and come close or equal the Mudlites in the mud... With that said...

Buy what you want and like, but I would shop around and do some research. I would also observe them in use on other machines. Remeber, people by nature will never say they made a mistake or that their choice was not the correct one or the tires they have are not up to par. The best thing to do is to wait and see as many different tires in action and start to form your desires from that. I waited almost 4 years and observed and did tons of research etc. I often guide out of state riders so I get to see many different machines and equipment do their thing in the 'real world'.

The first thing to do is to determine the type of trails you will ride most often. You would not use a 'sand tire' to climb a rock hill would you? Once you determine what kind of riding you do then don't worry about that ocasional situation - whether it be sand, mud, rocks or what have you. Then get the tire that suits most of your riding turf.

Bluntly - Mudlites do a fairly good job in the mud but leave a lot to be desired otherwise.

Congradulations on your new machine and many happy miles and smiles.

 

I put 26" Bighorns on my 800 on the stock wheels. They are outstanding for where I ride, a combination trails, sand, rock and a little mud and snow thrown in. My only concern is a little 'radial' wander at speed on rutted sand, but it still goes right where you point it. Just feels a little loose. My brother runs Bounty Hunters on his King Quand and said he gets the same 'feeling'. Must be a radial thing.

 

I get a little 'radial wander' too and mine are bias - hmmmm. I get it with small ruts because of my very agressive side-lugs on the front tires grabbing everything in sight. Sometimes a little pain but something I can live with for the results they give in other situations when I need them. And I use them alot when up against stumps, logs, rocks and to climb out of deep ruts. Nothing worse than trying to go someplace and have the front of your machine slide sideways or slip off something, because it won't grip and climb over. Don't get that with good agressive side lugs - but as with everything else there is a price to pay.

 

I have the Mudlite XTR's on an '06 800 Max. They are night and day different in terms of smoothness over standard Mudlites. They are mounted on ITP C-4 rims. I only use them in the winter and when I know I'm going to be in mud. Other than that I use the stock tires.
The ride of the stock tires is softer and most trails I ride do not require the bigger lugs. The XTR's (26") still rob the machine of power. If you can go with an extra set on separate rims that is the best of both worlds.

 

Cool. sounds good. I am really not sure what terrain I will be riding most. Probably Woods, and Rocky hills and muddy trails mostly. not hardcore mud by any means. So I will try my stock tires for a while and then decide. My uncle has mudlites on his polaris 700.. and I have yet to see that machine get stuck, even in situations where my dad's Stock tire Traxter MAX always boggs down. I will see how I am able to perform in the mud with the lighter and more powerfull 650 Outty first

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Mattinthehat

Cool. sounds good. I am really not sure what terrain I will be riding most. Probably Woods, and Rocky hills and muddy trails mostly. not hardcore mud by any means. So I will try my stock tires for a while and then decide. My uncle has mudlites on his polaris 700.. and I have yet to see that machine get stuck, even in situations where my dad's Stock tire Traxter MAX always boggs down. I will see how I am able to perform in the mud with the lighter and more powerfull 650 Outty first</end quote></div>

Smart choice to wait for a bit until you decide. Sounds to me what you may like is a good all around trail tire with mud capabilities. They do make such tires, all depends how agressive you want the tread. A few brands make trail tires with 3/4" tread depth and at least one with 1" tread depth. Most all OEM have 1/2" of tread depth. You will also find that 6ply tires are a step up in terms of handling and durability.

 

As a suggestion for consideration.
If you want a good trail tire with very good mud capabilities and are smooth check out MudCats. Not many people are aware of them but they do everything way above average and come close or equal Mudlites in the mud. And you can keep the stock size of your tire and still get a 1" tread depth. And the best part is they won't 'break the bank', very reasonable on price.
http://www.tiresunlimited.com/...kang/MudCat/MudCat.htm

 

Those stock tires are pretty good overall tires. I liked them, rode 2000 miles on them, traded for a set of 25" bighorns, now that is a wandering, skidding tire. Tough tho.

I have 26x14 Terracross Radials, hookup and straight line ride very good.

 

cool. never heard of mudcats before.. just checked them out on yer link.. really aggressive tread.. surprised they run smooth.