Now i have 25X9.5X12 vampires on my stock wheels. About all i ride is mud that has lot of ruts in it and keep in mind i only have a 350cc with just minor mods. Im thinkin bout gettin 26X12X12 SuperSwampers on Aluminum rims to keep it lightweight so i still have plenty of power.The superswampers can be aired up taller than 26inches I have been told with bout 20psi but vamps wont stretch a bit(i know cause i got 20psi in my tires now and they only measure 24.5 inches tall).
I just want someone elses input so i can make a decision on what kinda tire and rim I should buy.

[This message has been edited by BIGBEAR4x4 (edited 11-30-1999).]

 

BigBear,
Tough decision.. I have a friend that has a 99 BigBear 350 4x4 with 25 or 26 inch Vampires.. (I think 26.. but not sure)
Anyway, his has alot of problems turning the tires when he really needs them to. Its like it just sits there, grunting away.. but won't break them loose. He's wanting to put a locker in it.. but I talked him into waiting until he upps the horsepower..
You live in east Texas, so you ride mud.. You might consider a locker first.. since you already have a few minor mods.. and change to a K&N filter and jet kit..
Does your Big Bear have lo/hi range.. my 98 model did, but his 99 model doesn't.. That would help..
I've got 27" Blackwater XT's on ITP steel wheels on a 99 Magnum 500 that has High and Low range.. but The wheels and tires are STILL heavy.. I imagine my wheel/tire combo is probably about the same weight as 27" Vampires on aluminum wheels.. Either Way.. HEAVY..
Good Luck!!!
BTW.. you could use wheelspacers to push your wheels out further to get on the sides of the ruts... I've seen those used, and they seem to work pretty well..

[This message has been edited by mudmachine (edited 12-01-1999).]

 

Have you considered doing two things: 1.If you go to a 26, staying with with 9.5 inch width. It may give you the height you want to clear the ruts better, and it will give you less forward rolling resistance in the mud and not take so much engine power away as a 12. It will probably be easier to steer. When I took my 12's off the back and went back to a 9.5, it rode better-not so rough over rocks and stumps and logs. 2. Putting a Highlifter lift kit on. For an independent front suspension, it will lift the front up like you doing a push up. The rear solid axle will not gain any height.
Just some ideas. I am sure you will find someone to post that has the same bike you have and maybe a better suggestion with personal experience with your needs. What I did the above to was a Honda 300 4 x 4. Post whatever you decide on and let us know how it works out.

 

TxDoc i do have a lift kit and i would really like to go with a 12inch wide tire so my front end will float when im in deep water but i just might have to go narrow.Mudmachine i have a K&N and dynojet kit but i have had to many probs with tha jet kit so its gonna come out(cant get tha mixture right). If either of yall know tha weight of blackwaters in 12 and 9 inch widths please post it here cause that could be another option.

 

Oops, sorry for the 27" info. It may give you some idea of comparison weights. I have a friend with a 350 BigBear and he had Super Swampers (the original ones, not vampires) and he said what he was feeling in deep mud that 1st gear was too low and 2nd was too high. He could turn them fine in 1st, but could not build up momentum beyond a certain point. In 2nd, he would bog down and could not turn the 26x12-12's. I have not ridden it, that was his description. Surely, somebody is gonna post exactly what you are looking for.

 

Are you wanting a mud tire, predominantly? Have you seen the most recent mud tire shootout? There are several new tire designs that did surprisingly well to the testers and weighed less than the Vampires and did ride well on the trails. They came to the conclusion that the Blackwaters are outdated (the magazine's opinion-no offense to anyone who has them and are happy with them). They do seem to clog up with mud very easily. My assistant has some Kenda Bearclaws on her rig and they do good in the mud and good on hardpack. The new Titan tire design did well, too. Get the Sept 1999 ATV Magzine to see it. If you can't find it, tell me and I'll copy and send it or fax it to you.
Weights(w/wheels)-Blackwaters 27x9-12=36,27x12-12=42, Bearclaws-26x9-12=35, 26x12-12=39.5, Titan Raptor-26x10.5-12=36, Goodyear Mudrunners 26x9-12=38, 26x12-12=45, Maxxis Mud Bugs 27x12-12=45, Vampires27x10-12=38, 27x12-12=49
[This message has been edited by TxDoc2 (edited 12-03-1999).]

[This message has been edited by TxDoc2 (edited 12-03-1999).]

 

I believe i have that issue(has the honda5004x4 in it). I just want something 26inches tall that is great in mud and lightweight. I hardly ever ride trails or anything so i dont see much hardpacked stuff.