Howdy Y'All,

New here, new to ATVing. Enjoy riding, and want to get the stock tires off and a new set on. I'm thinking about putting a set of Mudlite XTRs on it, but don't want to put a lift on it. How big a tire/wheel combo will my Cat take without a lift? Any/All advise is welcome! Thanks!

 

I am using a set of 26 inch Mudlite (XL I think) on my 400 and a set 25inch Mudlite XLs on my TRV. The tires are nearly the same height when parked side my side. The height difference is so close it is hard to tell (or my eyes are getting that bad).

The tires wear faster than I had anticipated, I think I got about 5000miles out of a set. I ride mainly rocky&gravely beaches, mud and peat moss tundra,brush with a few small standing trees and larger blown down trees.

When I first looked at tires I could not tell a huge difference (or see) until I went to a 27inch tire. Plus if you go too large it puts extra stress on your drivetrain components and causes it to wear faster (thinkg like CV joints and bearings).

I measured the height of my stock tires, went to a dealer that had the tires I wanted on a set of rims and measured their height. For some reason going from a 25inch mudlite to a 26inch mudite I found only a 1/2in or less in height difference. the larger tire weight more too.

If you are doing mainly trails and some mud, gravel, rocks you might look at a 25inch Maxxis Bighorn tire. I hear they are good for that type of riding for the price.

Hope this helps
SJ

 

Thanks swampyjunior!

My riding until now has been a mix of frozen trails, gravel, a small amount of streams, some muddy hills, forested trails, deep brush, and cutover (ranching/deer hunting). I'm looking to start riding at some of the ATV parks in Texas, that boast about their mud, while still using it as I do now. I'm concerned about the extra stress on the parts, but also don't want to get into having my tires tear up my fenders. The stock tires are ok, but I feel an upgrade should enhance not detract from the performance. I'm not a hard rider, I'm not into blasting as fast as it can go. I just enjoy being out in nature, and the company of the folks I ride with. I'm actually considered going with the 25" replacements (same as the stock) but figure I might go taller if the risk/reward ratio is right. Your insight has given me more to research.

 

Anybody else have some advice on this subject?

 

I run 27" Dirt Devils on my 700 but the DD's are actually only 26" tall. I have had good luck with them because they are a 6 Ply tire that is almost impossible to get side wall cuts. They have a good tractor style tread but still handle the rocky steep trails out here on the mountain trails. I have friends and also my brother have the Big Horns and they seem to like them. They are running 26" I have read that you can put 29's on without a lift but the axles have a hard time with monster mudders.

 

I have 28 mudzillas on my 08 650 h1 and it doesn't rub. I have hear you can run 30 on theses bikes no problem.

 

I run 29.5 swamplites and have no trouble! I do have a two inch lift, but would be fine w/o. To be real honest there wasnt a major loss in power and they have really good handling. i also installed some wheel spacers and that really helps the atv handle better. I am like you i take it easy and have a good time. If cant get there w/o driving the **** out of my wheeler i dont belong. Having th lift and the larger tires allow me to go places w/ little or no trouble that alot of others have to ride alot harder to get there. hope this helps!!

 

My buddy just bought the Limited Edition 700, and we put 27" Mud Hogs on it, 6 Ply, has had no trouble so far! Granted he only has 300 miles on it, but we have ridden through a lot of snow and some deep mud with no issues!

We took them off of his 03 Sportsman 500, and on that machine when the handle bars were turned and the shock was compressed, they would rub, he does not have that issue with his Cat!

 

I've ridden with a guy with 29.5 Outlaws on an AC 500 with no lift he had no problem.

 

theres a stock 650 at a local dealer running 30 inch mudzillas all stock.looks really nice but probaly breaks axles huh?