I need to get new tires for my 05 Z400 for the snow. I made up my mind to get the I-Razr's from rockymountain. I am getting the rim/tire combo. I have a couple questions about what to order. First, whats the difference between 20x11x10 and 20x11x9? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to either one? And there is a option to get 21x7x10 or 22x7x10 front tires. Whats the advantages to a bigger or smaller front tire? Also, I am going to get the ITP T-9 Pro series wheel's. Is there anything wrong with this choice? thanks for all the replies and advice!

 

Smaller tires in front will make the bike turn quicker. Motocross riders tend to run tiny front tires. I tried this tactic a few years ago on my old 300EX (went from 22" to 21" Holeshots). I used it mostly for woods trail riding and figured sharper handling couldn't hurt, right. But, it made the front end a bit "squirley". The bike would oversteer sometimes, and wanted to run me right off the trail unless I was right on top of it. The Z has a pretty sharp front end to begin with, so I would STICK TO 22" FRONTS ON THE Z.

In the back, the larger rim size will give you less tire sidewall. This will make the tire less likely to mush in a turn, and it makes the whole thing a little lighter (extra rims are lighter than extra rubber). Personally, I prefer the 9". A little more sidewall give you a little cushier ride and more rim protection.

The standard T-9's are good rims and light, but the lip is a little delicate, so be carefull. The T-9 GP's have a rolled lip which makes them stronger, but they are to narrow for my taste. I run T-9 Baja on my 450 (love these!), and the old T-9 "Edge" rims (rolled lip like the GP, but a wider rim......wish they still made these!) on my 400's, and the standard T-9's on the 250. For sand tires, I run all standard T-9's.

One nice thing about the ITP rims is they have a greater offset than stock or Douglass, so the bike ends up about 2"+ in front and 3"+ in back, for a nice little increase in width and stability..............

 

thank you very much for that reply, alot of great information i appreciate it