1. How is the ride and handling compared to stock?

2. Not installed, the fronts look much wider. Once installed, are they?

3. Are you happy you made the switch? Was it worth the $$?

Thanks.

 

I just put XTRs on my 800x2. I chose to go up one size to 26 inch. The problem is that the 26" only comes in 9" width which is 1" wider. I mounted the first one in the front and put it on and yes it rubbed. I didn't even put the jack down, I took it right off. Then came the decision on whether to buy wheel spacers or new wheels. I came across a really good deal on some wheels, so thats what I went with. I believe the stock front wheel backspacing is 5" and the wheels I bought were 4". My new wheels are the same width ( 8" ) and backspacing front and rear where the factory wheels are 7" wide front and 8" wide rear with different backspacing for both. My tires and wheels stick out further past the fenders, but looks very aggressive. Those stock tires should hae never been used for the x2. It needs 6 ply tires due to it's weight. Hope this answers your question. As for staying with 25" XTRs, they may fit on stock wheels, but I believe the rears only come in 10" with, so you would loose from your factory 11".

 

Holding up the 10" XTR's next to the stock 11's, the XTR's looked wider. Go figure. The 25's come in 8" for the front, but they looked ALOT wider.

Size aside, how do you like the ride and handling of the XTR's?

 

I've only ridden it in my back yard since I chaned the tires so I can't give you an honest answer on how anything has improved or not. I ride at a place 3 hours from home and I go for the weekend, but my riding buddy turn into a girl when it's too cold outside! I researched a lot of tires before deciding to buy the XTRs, so I don't think I'll be disappointed. The one thing I can tell you is that they are a lot heavier than stock tires, but that is going to be the case with any 6 ply deep lug tire that you buy.

 

Personally I love my XTRs. They hardly show any wear after 1500 miles and work great in any condition. I have 27x9 fronts and 27x11 rears. On the fronts I put 2 washers behind the wheels just for a little extra room from the tie rod end. Not the best idea, but better than rubbing tie rods.

 

How much room do you have with the washers? When I tried the 26x9 on the stock aluminum wheel it was pressed pretty well into the rubber on the tie rod, however I could spin the wheel.

 

They don't touch without the washers. Maybe because yours are only 26s the bulge of the tire is closer to the tie rod end.

 

i have got 26" mtrs on my 06 700 with the stock wheels(steel). there is about a 1/4 inch clearance. so far no signs of rubbing under a load or anything. i have been very impressed with the tires. i ride in a wide variety of terrain. they are a little on the heavy side though.