27" tri claw/ bi claw combo
or
27" vampires
Which would be a better all around tire to use in the mud. Also which would wear better on hard surfaces.

 

I think that if you run on hard ground(fire road)
you may wish to run a more rounded profile tire.
I run titans 589 27 inch,and am very happy with the ride on both road and mud.
I did also consider goodyear mudrunners-lots of mileage on hard surface.

2001 AC 500 man.
OUT.

 

I'm running the 27" Bi/Tri combo on my 'Cat and absolutely love them. I do a lot of "all around" riding, across all kinds of terrain with no problem at all. They do awesome in the mud/deep snow, and are great for steep hill climbs. Haven't rode much in pure rock though, so I can't comment on that. If rock is your thing, I'd probably look into a different tire design for sure. As for the ride, I think the 'Claws would be a little smoother than the Vamps, as the 'Claws have the lugs that cross the center line. I am really surprised at how smooth the 'Claws ride, even on hardpack/concrete, especially for being such a heavy lugged tire. About the only time you even notice the lugs is when you're in "crawl" mode, going about 1-2 mph. Faster than that, and they smooth right out. As for mileage, I've only got about 200-250 or so on the 'Claws now with no apparhent wear-they still have the little rubber flapy things from the making of the tire.

Anyway, between the 'Claws and the Vamps for "all around" riding, I'd probably go with the 'Claws. There isn't much difference in weight I don't think, but the 'Claws are a little lighter in weight than the Vamps. Not sure what the Vamps measure in true height, but the 'Claws are AT LEAST 27", if not a hair more-I think mine actually measure about 27 1/4" at recommended psi, which is taller than actually stated-something hard to find in any tire (a true stated height, let alone being even larger than stated). Like I said, I'm thinking that the 'Claws would be a smoother ride, with the lugs crossing center line.

Hope that helps, either way you go, both are great tires and will definately make a world of difference compared to the stockers!

Mike

 

Cowboy did you mount the bi/tri claws on your stock AC rims,

 

I had mine mounted on stock rims for a while. It works fine. Just run a little more pressure in the fronts to make up for the wider rear on the same size rim, otherwise your rears will be like an inch taller than the front.

The only reason I got another set of rims was so I could swap out tires to keep from wearing out my Claws on pavement. Other than that, I would have just kept them on the stockers. I didn't get the rims until I had the claws for a few months though, so I just used stock for a quick fix. They fit fine.

 

Sly:
Yeah, like Andy said, the 'Claws fit fine on the stock rims. I couldn't justify spending the money on a nice set of rims that I might just ding up in the kind of terrain I ride (already bent my stock rim), so I had them mounted on the old stockers. I've got the 9.75 Bi's up front, with the 12" Tri's in the rear, and they both fit great on the stock rims. I did paint my rims black though, like the new '01 models-I don't know, I just like the black rims better than the grey from the '00 'Cats-oh, and WAY better than the old gold style, man those were ugly!

Hope that helps,

Mike

 

Roys, Do you have the 27" 589's on the stock rims? If so do you vary the air pressure from front to back because of the width difference in the tires (9" front, 11" back)? I am getting the 589's and could use any information about the tires. Thanks

 

I run the tires on stock rims(only because I can not find a douglas dealer here in Canada and I refuse to pay for the cost for ITP mags.)
As for pressure, 3-4 psi both ends.
If you ride double at all or tend to ride fast and rough,you may want to consider a lift kit.
From my past experience,don't get to big of a lift,your ball joints will hate you for it.
I hope this info is a help.
Until the next time-
KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN.







Keep the rubber side down

 

Actually, Tri-Claws Magnums are a few ounces heavier than Vamps in the 27x12x12 size.

Vamps are GREAT mud tires, but the Magnums are almost as good(better in some cases) with a MUCH better ride.

About the 589s, I don't think they are gonna be the tire of couse in this case. I think He wants a more agressive tire than the 589s, btu a ride almost as good. The Magnums are great for that purpose.

 

Boner:
Hey, I must be confused on something here-I thought I read somewhere that the 27" Vamps were weighing in around 46 lbs or something like that??? The Tri's weigh in around 36 lbs. I thought for the 27x12's. I wonder if the Vamps were the new 28" maybe that weigh so much???

Please let me know if you find out for sure, I've always thought the Vamps were about the heaviest tire out there, maybe I'm wrong on that one, I don't know. I agree with you though about the 'Claws, I'm amazed at how smooth they ride for being such a heavy lugged tire. And, the 9.75 Bi's steer so much better than the stock 489's, its amazing. I thank both you and Andy once again for changing my mind into getting these tires, they're perfect for my needs.

Take care,

Mike