I've got an '03 AC 400, what's the biggest tires I can safely put on my bike without the addition of a lift? Any suggestions for a good 6 ply tires would also be appreciated, I need rim protection, and a good all around tire.

 

Hi I have the same exact quad as you! Same color, transmission and axel. I don't know what the biggest tires are that you can put on there but I imagine at least 2 more inches all around added to the stock tires.

 

I was thinking 26", so I wouldn't stress the driveline too much, I also want to be able to spin 'em to clear the treads of mud, snow,etc. I was thinking Titan 589 At's? How do you like your bike? Luv mine

 

I have a 500i. Is yours an i or straight axle? I am running 28" tires and don't need a lift.

One way to check if you don't know is measure the actual tire height. Use a tape measure. Your stock tires with 5lbs air will probably be around 23.5 to 24 inches tall. If you buy 28" tires for example, they will be 28" with about 30 lbs of air. Remember this is overall diameter so it is divided in half for the radius, which is what your concerned about. See how much room you have between the closeest place on the fenders and the tire. For example, (4inches). This means if you increase your tire from 24" to 28" actual height there is a 2" difference is radius (from tire to fender).

 

I'd recommend 26"s you won't lose much power & if you go wider you actual gain ground clearance because being wider they don't fall into ruts & holes as far.

 

I have the straight axle rear end, which I like, lots of articulation, almost like having an independant as far as ride is concerned. Think I'm going to go with the 26" 589's, although maybe a bit wider for rim protection. I feel I should have enough motor to turn these. Also considering the "MudLites".

 

I love mine! I was also thinking of getting titan 589s. I just didn't know what size?

 

I've got the 02' model and I was mondering about new treads too. The stock Dunlops suck in the mud. I was interested in the stock size Kenda Bear Claws. Anyone got info on these? Thanks.

 

my 92 300 has 25 10 12 and 26 12 12 zillas on it and it does just fine.
I hear the 589 m/t are a great tire to have.
Go to www.highlifter.com and pull up their entire wheel spec chart for tire weight. They weigh just as much as the other aggresive tires. 1 or 2 punds will not make that much difference. The 589 m/s are close to weight also

 

I have the Kenda Bearclaws-25 inch. I really love these tires. I am not a mudder, but I do a lot of moose hunting. I find these tires (6 ply) really stand up well and have no problem jumping logs and crossing breaver dams. The stock tires were just too soft and puncture way to easily. Where I hunt, most other ATVers say that Arctic Cat makes a real good boat anchor because they weigh so much and that Honda rules. I know my cat is heavy, but so far I prefer it to the Hondas. With the 25 bearclaws there is tremendous clearance...13 inches I belileve!

I also find I use my 400i in low range most of the time. In high range I am limited to 1st gear if I want unlimited power to spin wheels in mud or deep snow and to climb hillls. I just find that in 3rd gear low range, I can cruise along just fine. If I really need extra power just shift to second. I have never found ANY hill in mud or snow that I could not handle in 2nd low range. I have my doubts that a 400 Arctic Cat with larger tires would perfom any better than that...and I suspect from some of the post here that larger aggressive tires may result in broken drive trains. To sum it up, I think the 25 " Kenda Bearclaws are all the tire you need. However, I am not a rider that trys to get my machine through the deepest mud pit I can find. As long as I get through, or around with no flats etc I am happy. Hope this helps.