Ok, after much advice and encouragement from you guys Im about to be a new P650 owner.
Ive allready sold my Xplorer and I'll be picking up my new Red 2003 P650 on Monday. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Now about tires...
Im going to order a set of Bearclaws tomorrow or Thur. and Im not quit sure what size to get.
I was going to get the 26s but I read in another post that the Bearclaw 26s are the same height as the factory 25s{Is this true?}. So now Im thinking about getting the 27s to gain some ground clearance. However Ive heard that tall tires really hurt the way a bike handles and are best suited for muders.

So my question is...If I get the 27 inch Bearclaws will I be taking much of a loss in the handleing department?

Thanks Guys
Andy G

 

the thickness in front tires will make the biggest difference. the bigger tire will only make a small difference. I feel it's personal tastes now... higher tires higher center of grav.... more bite more effort.... The spension and travel and handling of the 650 will cushin most of the cons.

 

Thanks Kawi650

Ive been thinking about this all day and Im going to order the 27s tomorrow.

Andy G

 

Andy G,

The 26" bearclaws are bigger than the stockers. If you go with the 27" you will be happy. I was thinking the same thing as you when I went with the 26" and now wish that I would have gone all the way up to 27's.

They handle so much better than the stockers, are easier to steer and are awesome on just about any type of terrain (mud they are just ok)

Word to the wise. Get a cheap air compressor ($12 at just about any dollar store) and keep it in your box. The reason is that I like to change my air pressure depending on the terrain. If I am going fast on hard pack, I air all 4 up to about 7-8 psi. However, if you are heading up some rocky rutted hillside, 7-8 psi will beat you to death and cause a loss of traction, so I air down to about 3 - 4.

If I am going to go mud playing, I go down to around 2 psi, to really allow my tires to grip.

If you are in unfamiliar territory and don't know what you will run into, keep 'em around 3.5 - 4 to handle everything well.



I have experimented with it and found that it works for me.

 

Andy, the 27s will be a good choice. Everyone worries about the C/G because of the taller tires yet refuse to take into concideration the extra weight of the aftermarket tires which is all below the verticle C/G point.
As I see it you'll be impressed! Enjoy!

 

My 26" tires measure out about the same dia. as the stockers! SEE my signature.

 

TRX450 I'm thinkin about selling the Surtraks. Do you know anybody that wants 400 mile used 26" sur traks?

 

On my Kodiak the stock tires handle better for fast trail riding than the 27" Mudbugs do.

 

As always,i appreciate the replys and good advice!
I have another tire question now but I'll make a new post with it.
Andy G