I expect to get my Blackwater XT kit like tomorrow. I see a lotta vampire lovers and no mention of Blackwaters. Did I screw up?
99 Honda 450ES thanks

 

Depends on what you're going to do. The Vamps are a big Mud tire. They will claw through the slop better than XTs, but their downside is that they are heavy and don't ride worth crap on hard surface. The XT is a more all around type tire. Much better in mud than stockers, lighter weight than Vamps or Claws, and they still handle great on the trail. They are not as puncture resistant as some of the big 27" tires, but they will ride much better. Unless you are a major mudder(one that gets stuck a lot and doesn't care about it), then you didn't screw up. I ride in mud, but am not really a mud rider. A true Mud rider is someone who tries to go through impossible type mud on a regular basis, and usually gets pulled out a time or two until he either deems that mudhole impassable, or finally makes it through to his satisfaction. Me, I'm to lazy to risk getting stuck, so I just normally go through stuff that I think I can make it through.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

Thanks for the reply. No, I guess I ain't big mudder but I do's enjoy a challenge once in a while. I was looking for ground clearance and snow tires mostly. (I push driveways for fun) And normal trail riding.
btw, I put the stock tires and rims on the 88 300 4X. Its really incredible how much difference it made. The old set was ITP MaxTrax. They bout beat you to death and I was afraid the XT's might have the same problem on the 450ES.
Since I've been regulated to the 300 by the wife when trail riding (she's in love with the ES) I don't want her bitchin bout the ride.

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Hey, I had a chance to try the BlackWater XT's last weekend at Daniel Boone Nat. Forest in Kentucky. After dropping the tire pressure to 3psi in the front and 3.5 in the back I have to say I'm REAL happy with the ride and muddin ability. Although its been real dry here I found the hole we got the ES stuck in the last time we were there and crawled through then backed back through it.
It does have the tendency to yank the handlebars out of your hands when you catch a rock wrong.
Only other gripe would be the power I lost at top end, but hey they're big freakin tires.
4 out of 5 ain't bad.



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99 Honda 450es and 88 Honda 300 4X4

 

I run 26in. Goodyear Terra Tires on my Big Bear. (Same as the monster trucks) They are hard to beat in the goo. Why else do all big agricultual rigs run them! They are soft and plyable for good bite, and they ride on hard pack better than most aggressive tread styles. I like them enough to mount a set on my new Grizzly. TF