I am new to the board and have found it really packed full of information. I hope you guys can help me with an issue.

I have a 2001 Kodiak 400. I am lookin to get some new tires and have narrowed it down to ITP Mudlites or ITP 589's. I ride trails, mud and do quiet a bit of climbing. Any opinions on one over the other. Also looking to move up from the stock 25" tires it now has to 26" or 27". Will the 26" and 27" tires fit without a lift kit? Will they fit on stock rims or will I need knew ones? If I move up to 26" or 27" will I also need a clutch kit? Kinda new to this and just wanted some experienced riders opinions.

Thank you for all input on this.

 

I hear the MudLites are easier on the driveline since they are lighter in unsprung weight. As for the fit details, I'll have to defer to someone more knowledgable on a Yahama than myself, I ride a Polaris. See you on the trails and in the tanks!

 

About the tires i have the Kodiak 2000 and just got the Bear claws front 27*10*12 back 27*12*12 and they are great lots of room and there is no lift kit installed , i have not noticed and performence loss on tails have not gone into deep mud yet so i but there might be some power loss there but then again i have a very low range should be alright.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

You forgot to mention Titan 489XT's. They are the closest in comparison to the Mudlites. I'm very happy with my 489XT's - wonderful traction and 6ply rated. I wouldn't use a 589 for trail riding, the ride will be rough and the advantages of those huge lugs is only apparent in the muckiest situations. All around the 489 or Mudlites will be a better tire. Also, I'd stay at 25 or 26 to not lose power, it will not be a good thing on hill climbs to have big heavy tires you don't have the torque to turn. Too big is a bad thing on the tire issue.

 

if you want to get stuck get 489's

 

Sorry, I didn't know they were so awful. Maybe they only work well on Wolverines? LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Mudlites are great. Only at creeping speed on pavement do you feel the big lugs shudder a bit. 26" and over mudlites have much bigger tread lugs than the <26". Stories that they don't grab well backing up are wrong.

 

Well I went with the 27" Mudlites. Bought them off e-bay for a great price. They fit the bike ok, but looks like spacers are in my future. If I cut the wheels all the way to either side they rub. Its either spacers or a lift, but dont know if the lift is gonna solve the problem. Power loss does not seem to be an issue either.

 

I'm glad to hear power loss isn't an issue. That's one thing I'm worried about the 26" ITP 589s I'm looking at. How high do your 27" Mudlites actually measure?