Irichard:
Thanks for the info, and the number as well. That's a good suggestion asking for 4th class mail to save a few bucks, they really stick it to ya for first class, or overnight! Actually, I don't do any riding on pavement or concrete, except for running out of the garage, and up onto the trailer. Everything I do is up in the mountains either cleaning my property, or checking out the deer and elk situations up by my elk camp. Lots of hill climbing, and really tight trails, as they are usually game trails that I follow, if I'm not making my own. I think the Vamps would be a little overkill for my needs, as I really don't see a ton of mud, just the occasional holes in the trails. You are right, that was my concern with the weight of the oversize tires affecting the Auto. It wouldn't be as much of a problem I don't imagine with the manual, but I was curious about the Auto turning them. Maybe I should stick to looking at the lighter tires, such as the Buggs.

Another concern is going with taller tires, and affecting the center of gravity. Somebody mentioned that the "body roll" dissappeared with the lift kit installed, so I wonder if it would be noticeable enough to make a difference on the hills, without putting the 'Cat at higher risk for rollover.

Also, I can see how the narrower fronts would be a lot easier to turn, but does it give anybody any troubles running narrower fronts, and much wider backs? I'm kind of partial to same size all the way around, but of course that's a little biased, as I've never ridden anything with the extra wide rear's so I wouldn't know the difference. I guess power wise, it would be more efficient with that setup rather than running 27x12x12's all the way around. Has anybody done that? Would be a good arm workout I imagine.

Sorry, just thinking to myself again.

Thanks again!

Mike

 

It doesn't sound like you have any real bad swamps or mud holes around. If you don't then the Vamps are definately overkill. Up here in Alaska there is another aggressive tire that supposedly does real good on hard pack trails, they are called Blackwater XT'S. You probably heard of them before. They also come in 27" also. It sound like a pretty good all around tire for both mud and hardpack. They put them on a lot of big foot kits.
Oh one other thing if I where you I wouldn't put a lift kit on my machine. I have it on mine and it seems to put a lot of stress on the joints in the front of the machine. I'll probaly end up taking mine off. You really don't need the lift kit to put 27" tires on your machine you have plenty of clearance under the fenders. If you ride a lot on hills and mountains you would be better off without the lift. Lower center of gravity. From what I have seen so far the best thing for less role is spacers front and back, gives it the wide track feel and look. I have the spacers in the rear and I think they help. I have a brother that has the 27"x12"x12" all the way around on his 500, and yes it is hard to steer. Sure do go through some mud though. Well enough yapping for now, good luck with your decision.