Hey all! I just bought me a new 07 grizzly 700. I live in Kentucky and ride on very rugged terrain. My question is about the tires. I have no doubt that the grizzly has enough power to pull 27" tires, as many are doing it. But where I ride there are very steep cambers, hills, and so fourth and keeping the weight down low is very important. The 27" tires will make it slightly more top heavy by pushing the weight further up. I am aware that I can get some wheel spacers to widen the stance and make it a bit more stable. I am in no way wanting to see if i can get across the deepest mud hole out there. I am wanting bigger tires just for looks, unless there is an actual benefit to it in the woods (besides ground clearance).

I guess my question is, does anyone have experince riding on steep grades with 27" tires, and how did it do? Another question, I often am riding on very rugged terrain, having to go slow and using a lot of low end power. With the bigger tires, will it require much more power to get them to turn over, say, a big log or rock? It seems to me the 25" tire would be easier on the engine to get it to turn over. But I also read somewhere where the larger tire would have more rolling torque (like how a tractor has really big rear tires).

Bottom line is, I would like to get bigger tires, but I am worried that I will make the machine more top heavy, and also put more strain on the engine and belt than is really neccesary. What is your opinion's???

 

Friend of mine with a 660 grizzly had 26" swamp Witches with the big 1-1/4'' lugs and the ATV rode rough. He went back to 25" Mud lites and now the ATV rides smoother over the rough and is quicker and faster,but those big tires did look good though. The one 26" rear tire alone weight almost as much as his 25"Mudlite with the rim!

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>With the bigger tires, will it require much more power to get them to turn over, say, a big log or rock?</end quote></div>

I do not think that would matter because the Grizzly has a low range and would make any size tire crawl over most anything while in tank mode (low Range).

 

I had thought about getting some 26" as a compromise between the two, but again, if my grizzly will perform better with 25" tires, thats what I want to stick with.

Kind of an off topic question, but i figured I would throw it in here, I have the outdoorsman edition. It has the cargo box on the back. Was this suppose to also come with the rear rack as well, so i can switch between the two? My buddy says his did, but when I bought mine, they did not give me an rear rack. Anyone have any info on this?

 

I run very rugged terrain much like you describe. I love my 27" tires now. I, too, was worried about the same things as you but after running 2 different sets of 27's over the past few months I am very happy with them. I do notice it takes a bit more power to climb over rocks and trees but it is not like there isn't plenty of power to spare anyways (high range) In low range you won't be able to tell at all. I do think you will want spacers or wheels with a little more outside offset (I like my 106SS's).

In the end I really can't see myself going back to 25" tires. I don't see 26's as much of a compromise, the gains just are not there for the loss's you get. There is no doubt your bike is going to perform better with 25" tires. It depends on how you ride whether you'll notice much of a difference with 27's.

If you do the air box mod and pop in a few 450 weights you won't even be able to tell you switched tires. I am tired so let me know if you have any more questions that I haven't addressed properly.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I don't see 26's as much of a compromise, the gains just are not there for the loss's you get.</end quote></div>

On most brands you have to break 25" to get the over one inch lugs, The diff between 25" Mud lites or Swamp Witches is not just the Dia. but also the lug hight and width.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC
On most brands you have to break 25" to get the over one inch lugs, The diff between 25" Mud lites or Swamp Witches is not just the Dia. but also the lug hight and width.</end quote></div>

That is a good point if your intent on a particular tire with a specific (larger) lug size. I was only commenting based on the OP's examples but thanks for bringing it up, it can be important to some people.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>If you do the air box mod and pop in a few 450 weights you won't even be able to tell you switched tires. I am tired so let me know if you have any more questions that I haven't addressed properly.</end quote></div>

I'm sorry Westslope, but this is my first 4 wheeler. I was into racing dirtbikes in high school, then got out of it when I went into the Marines. Now its 6 years later and I have a wife and a daughter. I was really brave and stupid on dirt bikes, so my wife didn't want me to get another one. I settled on getting a grizzly to do some serious trail riding (instead all the 2 story jumps). I never thought 4 wheelers could be so much fun!!! So anyways, I am not all that familiar with what airbox mods are available to the grizzly 700, or sure what 450 weights are. I am going to guess that the 450 weights might have something to do with the CVT clutch though, maybe from the grizzly 450???

As for the tires, I really like the ITP Terracross tires. I hear they are heavy though. My next choice would be the ITP XTR's. I guess I will stick with the 25" tires, as i do not want to lose any power whatsoever. I may still put 1.5" wheel spacers on to widen the stance just because it sounds like a good idea for the terrain I am on. A buddy recommended highlifter 1.5" spacers. Does this sound like good advice?

Thanks to all who have replied!

 

I have the Outdoorsman also and the dealer included the rack as well.

 

The terracross tires are a great trail tire. From what I have seen they will hook up to nearly anything and fast. Since they are not available in a 27"-12 your going to have to stay with 25's or 26's. Although somewhat heavy I doubt you'll notice a difference.

Instead of wheel spacers for nearly the same cost you can get aftermarket rims that will increase your outside offset. Although you won't find ones that give 1.5" you will find 1". Reason I suggest these because if your in really rough terrain you will be finding your going to be bending your stock rims a lot. Although they can be bent back there will come a time when you won't be able to. Wheels like the ITP SS line are tough and guaranteed for life. I have some pretty good marks in mine and they are still true as can be. My old stockers are pretty much square now. Either way you go you will really like the extra width and I highly suggest doing one or the other. Although somewhat pricey highlifter makes/sell good stuff.

Yeah the 450 weights are out of a 450. There are many posts on forums about switching these out. If you can't find them please let me know and I'll be happy to help. It really wakes the bike up. Even with 25's you'll notice a nice gain. The airbox mod allows the bike to get more air. It, too, is an easy cheap mod that I'd be happy to help with if you can't find the posts on it. Doing both will definitely bring a smile to your face and cost you less than $50 and maybe 2hrs or your time.

Let me know if you have any more questions. PM or email is also fine.