I currently have 2 sets of tires, but none of them is mx oriented( that I prefer best). I have 20" paddles on 8" ITP rims (.125, I think), and 22" Bearclaws on 9". I'd like to get some 18" Holeshot MXs, but they don't exist in 9" (or I have not seen them) to replace the bulky Bearclaws...since I'd like to keep the paddles "ready to use".
Anyone got a solution? Get 20" Holeshots for 9" rims? Would the .125 hold up in hard jumps and moguls? Do 18" really don't exist for 9" rims?

Still wondering a little...Anyone knowledgeable here?

 

If your really into MX, you wont be happy with the 20" holeshots. I dont think I have ever seen an 18" tire for a 9" wheel. The .125 wheels will not holdup on the MX track. If you are trying to save money, your best bet is to get a cheap set of 8" steel wheels for the 18" tires. Maybe you could get a combo deal.

This way you would have all three sets ready to roll.

 

Do the 18's really make a big difference?
So if i wanted to race my Warrior i would have to change my gearing again to accomodate for the 18's right? I know when i went from 22's to 20's it lowered my gearing alot.

 

Yes, for MX, the 18's make a huge difference. The 20 inch tires, which are usually 11" wide, will beat you to death on the MX track. Yes on the warrior you might have to change a sprocket to get the top end back. I have ran stock 13/38 gearing on my 250R's with the 18's and its not to low for some tracks.

If you must go with 20's, the stock honda radials that come on 400EX's are the best handling for MX. Believe it or not.

 

Wouldn't the 18"s on steel negate the unsprung weight savings of the 18" tires and beat you to death worse than a 20" tire on an aluminum 9"??