Folks, I'm an ATV novice and need some information.

The in-laws bought a Sportsman 400 to use around the farm. I haven't even seen it yet, but my wife tells me they need 2 tires for it and put me in charge of getting them. I like to buy locally, but my tire guy (who is an ATV owner) told me I should them online.

Tire size is 25x8-12. This farm has lots of abandoned homesteads, down fences, and thorny locust trees so we definitely need sturdy tires (tire guy recommended at least 6 ply), but at the same time price is an issue. OEM-style tread is fine.

I've found several sites that sell tires at competitive prices but none of them give specs on the tires beyond the size. I'd appreciate any feedback on brands/models and sellers, or if somebody knows of a site that compares several tires with breakdowns on the specs that would be great as well. I just want to make sure I can compare apples to apples before making this decision. Believe me, if the tires don't hold up I won't hear the end of it!

Thanks!

 

Kenda BearClaws... 6ply, light, tough, and wear like iron, and are inexpensive. They do run short, so you may want to go the 26 in. Although, if you are just running it around the farm, the 25" will probably keep your stock gearing about the same, or even decrease it a bit, which is go for the low end power. Here's a link of about what you can expect to pay...

ATV Parts ATV Tires ATV Wheels ATV Accessories: Kenda Bearclaw Tires

 

ITP 589's-heavy, good tread, and will last forever!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have a followup question.

We are only looking at replacing the front tires at this time. Given that there will be some variation of the actual diameter between manufacturers, will having slightly shorter or taller tires on the front cause any problems? If it were a 2WD machine I wouldn't worry about it, but I don't know if the slightly different diameters will cause a problem in 4WD mode.

Thanks!

 

I thought bearclaws were 4 ply????

I'm sure you could find a set of stock tires somewhere online that someone took off and are still brand new.

Look in the classifieds at the various atv forums.

 

Kenda Bearclaws are 6 ply rated.

 

Farm use? I'd go with a 589 tire.

Essex makes what I believe to be the same as the old Titan 589 m/T . A much better design for the 589 tread patter with deeper lugs and better puncture resistance.

The newer Kenda Executioners are a dang good tire, also.

I have the Maxxis Bighorns now. Great traction on everything, longest wearing tire.