I have a Honda Rancher 400 AT. I know that they are not as peppy or as powerful as some ATV in the 400cc range do to the hondamatic trans. It come from the factory with 24 inch tires and I want to put 25s on it. I do 50% trail 50% mudding.
I was looking at the Maxxis Zilla tires because they are light and don't wear down as quick. The 25 Zillas only have a 5/8 inch deep tread. I would like to have something closer to and inch. If I am going to put down $600 plus dollars on tires and rims it needs to be a large improvement over stock. I am open to suggestions. It has to be a 25 inch tire no larger. I also don't want a tire that wears fast. I am on the pavement very little.


Thanks

Brad

 

Brad, I've got 26" ITP Mudlites on my Rancher AT with a 2" Lift. I'm not sure if ITP makes this tire in a 25" or not, but I'm sure they do. You can run the 26" without a lift, but I do a lot of mud/creek riding, and wanted the extra clearance. They have been great tires. I've had them on my Rancher for almost 2 years with very little wear. Just stay off the pavement and they'll be the last set you ever put on your Rancher. Here are a few pics of mine...





RIGHT AT AN INCH OF TREAD DEPTH, Maybe a hair more, with little to no wear




Notice the ground clearance improvement

 

I have a question for you about you Rancher. With the automatic trans. what is your top speed. My wifes will only go 37 mph tops.

 

My 04 Rancher AT runs about 37=38 mph with 26" Mud;ites

 

Mud Lite or Mud Lite Radials. Both wear well and are lighter then alot of other tires. If the Maxxis tires you reffered to were the Mud Zillas, I beleive they are one of the heaviest tires on the market. Reaserach, alot of the sites selling tires state the weight.

 

My top speed is around 44 mph. Adding the K&N air filter, exhaust and dynojet kit helped to "pep" it up, especially when adding bigger tires.

 

My stock quad with stock 24 inch tires go 53 mph. That is on the road with 24 inch tires. I know if I go up to the 25 inch rime I will loose top end speed

 

Not necessarilly. My Foreman is geared real low, so taller tires equals a taller final drive ratio which means a slighty higher top speed (would be a decent bit higher if not for the additional rotating mass of larger and usually stronger tires (say 6 ply vs 2 ply stock tires).

If the Rancher AT is not geared low, you are correct and the engine may run out of steam at top speed.

 

I think that I am going to use my stock 24 inch rims. (Not ideal but cheaper and I will not loose any top end speed)I was looking at the kenda bear claws. They have that size that will fit my rims. Is there a website that can tell me the weight of this tire and how deep the tread is. I am having trouble finding this information on the net. You would think that it is a 007 secret or something. I can't find it .....If you can find it I would be greatful. Thanks

Brad