I'm buying new tires, front and rear, and am debating on a wheel/tire package. I just don't know if it's worth paying the extra money. If there's no real performance gains, I'd rather put the cash towards a gusset kit or something. The only change from OEM sizes I'm looking to do is a 10x8 rear wheel. That will give me a lower profile tire in the rear (still 20"), but how much would I notice it? They're .190 thickness, so how much weight would I actually be saving? My OEM wheels are fine, so should I just get the tires and put the remaining money towards something else? Sorry for the long post, but I'm looking to buy this week, and am really undecided.

 

OEM wheels are still made of aluminum, so you arent losing all that much weight. .190 wheels are typically a little thinner or the same thickness as OEM. The ITP T9 does not have a rolled lip unless you get the T9 Baja wheels which are considerably more money, the stock wheels have a rolled lip. This provides much more protection from bent wheels and bead breaks.

As far as wheel size I'm not sure what you are saying. A 10x8 wheel is 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide, stock on both of your bikes I believe is 9 inches tall and about the same width or perhaps plus an inch. When you get 10 inch tall rims, you need tires with a 10 inch internal diameter. This will severely limit your tire choices and make the rim more vulnerable to being bent because there is less sidewall to cushion it. In theory handling will improve, but it wont be terribly significant compared to the same tire with a 9 inch diameter.

Lots of options, good luck.

 

I didn't really see much benefit of the T9's either. Actually one of my front wheels has a slight bend in it, but doesn't lose air or much affect handling. The main reason I was considering it is the price. $500 shipped for 21x7x10F and 20x11x9R HD's on T9's. I have the choice of 9" or 10" rear wheel/tire set up. But since I ride 90% trails, it seems I should stay with more rubber and a 9" wheel. Compared to Rocky, this price is considerably cheaper. It'd be close to $300 shipped for just tires from Rocky... Just blabbing about what to do. Hmm I'll check the other place's price on just the tires shipped. But then I'd still have to replace the one front OEM wheel.