WOW, that was exactly what I was looking for in a response. You answered all my questions perfectly and just sold Maxxis a set of Buggs to boot I think. Perfect dual purpose tire is exactly what I am after. AC did indeed change something for 2000 in the steering, something about a non cam system blah, blah, blah. The point is the 2000 does steer much easier than my old mans late build 98 500 with 489's and WAY easier than my bud's 99 with 495's on it,I can personally attest to that. I was basing my ease of steering comparison vs aggresiveness of tire on the different Titans on the 98 and 99 500's. The 99 with the 495's steers like a bear compared to the 98 with 489's. I just am afraid of turning my easy steering 2000 with 489's on it into that dreaded bear by putting 27" Buggs on the front. Again, thanks for all the info it is much appreciated.

Thump
2000 500 AC Auto

 

Here's something to consider about steering effort! I ride with 2 brothers, 1 with Suz 500 other 99 Cat 500, the Suz steers relatively easy while the Cat is bear. Suz's tires are 24" front & 25" reaR if you measure them, while the cat measures 25" front & rear. I'll bet both machine's use the same gear ratio's, so, is it possible the Cat is overtired in the front & is actually pulling the handlebars straight making it harder to steer. Any comments??

 

I think has more to do with the steering characteristics of the bike than the tires. 25's should not really be that hard to turn period. The pre 00 Cats just required alot of effort.

 

Well I've been running four 27x12 vamps on a 99 arctic cat 500 for about 6 months and I too noticed a big power change but I could still pull the tires in 1st and 2nd low range. I just put 28x10 vamps on this week and plan on trying them this weekend I'll post how it goes on my web page (however I think I will be going back to the 27's, but who knows????)