This is going to sound kinda stupid but, what are the differences between 8,9,10 inch rims? What would be the differance in, lets say 20/11/8, 20/11/9, 20/11/10, other than there is more rubber on the side walls? Are there any benifits in using a smaller rim?
Thanks for any info.......

 

Houston, the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.. the first number in a tire size is the height, the 2nd number is the width of the tire, & the third is the size of the rim, which must remain the same. The other sizes can be altered within certain limitations.. for instance if you go to a smaller or larger height you will alter the gear ratio of your machine, whatever it may be. If you have a chain as final drive you can change the gear ratio back by a sprocket change, but if yours is a shaft drive you are unable to do so. Also changing tire sizes is not a good idea on shaft drives unless you change all four tires to maintain the same ratio.
You have me confused by your remark about more rubber on the sidewalls.
If you're talking about tire plies, most ATV tires are two ply with a 4 ply rating. Unless it says specifically 4 ply on the tire, it is a 2 ply with a four ply rating..the theory is that it is as strong as an actual four ply (???).
I hope this clears up your questions, Houston, but if not feel free to e-mail me with more. ")

Cal, the Az Hard Packer

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[This message has been edited by hot_shoe_cv (edited 08-25-1999).]

 

The 20x11x8 is the same overall height as the 20x11x10 (20") so there is less sidewall height and more wheel in the 20x11x10.

What this will affect is ride and cornering, a tire with more sidewall will ride nicer in the rough, but will fold over and lean when laying it into a corner where the 20x11x10 has much less sidewall and will feel more firm and positive in the corner.

there's always a tradeoff

Gabe
'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

C'mon guys you left out the most important thing about running a taller rim. LOOKS

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'96 Banshee, '86 250R 4TRX, 2 '83 185S

 

I came really close to getting 9" rear rims only for the reason of protecting the rim better from dings. In my opinion, smaller rims are better for terrain that likes to dent rims. Also, if you do a lot of jumping, smaller rims are better because when the tire compress'es and hits the ground after a jump it's easier to bend a rim. You think it doesn't happen, but watch a video in slow-motion of a jump and watch the tire "collapse."

Another reason for me getting the 10" rim was for looks, like Darby said!