Why do the atv manufactures, or why is it that atv's come with narrow width tires on the front?
Is it possible to put the same size tires all the way around like most other outfits.
New here and to atv's but have been on snowmobiles most all my life and now just purchased a new 420 and looking at sprucing it up.
Thanks

 

Welcome to the forums Tramp.

You can change the tire and wheel size. Couple of things to keep in mind. Bigger (and heavier) tires need more power to turn them, so you may have to do some mods to get the extra power. Also, some of the 4wd models have sensors on the front rims. If you don't keep the same proportion that the original tires had (say 22" on back and 23" on front) it can throw the engagement off on the 4wd.

I'm sure you'll get some more answers that can help you decide what tires to get.

 

Alot of atv's have different bolt patterns on front and back and I never understood that but, as for your question my guess is to make them turn easier. Wider tires require more effort to turn and will also cause a wider turning radius. Wider tires will also put a bigger stress on the front end of your atv. Sure it should hold up if its good quality but it was not designed for that either.

I see your speaking of a 420 which, I'm not familiar with. If your front are just a inch or two difference I'd say go for it.

 

The fronts are 24X8-12 and the rears are 24X10-11. So this being that the fronts are 2" narrower than the rear.
I guess that is my question?, and that is probably right about turning ease, hadn't thought of that reason.
Was just interested in going to a 25X10-12 on all four. Make for better traking.
What is your alls thoughts on that idea.
Or should I stay 2" narrower in front, say, 25X8-12?
Again Thanks for the replys.

Oh, on more thing,,,what about wheel spacers to give it a little wider stance.
Feels kinda tippy.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the Rancher comes with 24" tires and different sized rims, 24x8x12 front and 24x10x11 rear.

If it were mine, I think I'd loose the 11 inch rear rim, and probably go with a nice set of 25" radials like XTR's, Bighorns, or TerraCross.

Anyway, welcome to the site, and welcome to ATV's. The Rancher was a good choice.

 

You replied while I was composing my message...

I think I would personally stick with narrower tires on the front. I think handling would suffer with the same width on the front, and I think you would also get more kick back through the bar. I'd go 25x8x12 front and 25x10x12 or 25x11x12 rear, depending on what is offered in the tire style you choose. The XTR's are a mud oriented tire, but their radial construction makes them ride decent for trail use, the Bighorns are said to be a good handling trail tire and are tough and do well on big rocks. The Terra Crosses seem somewhere in the middle...

Though it's a little narrower than the big bores, the Rancher should be pretty planted as quads go. ATV's handle differently than anything else, and it takes getting used to.

With ATV's body position has a great impact on handling, and you will find it will corner better and feel more stable if you get your rear off the center of the seat and lean into the corner. Likewise, standing with knees slightly bent and leaning over the bar will improve performance during steep climbs.

Honda still offers to pay for a safety course for new riders, don't they? If so, it would be worth while to take the class.

 

The most important reason the tires are different sizes is so that both sets of tires don't travel in the same rut. The wider rears grip past the fronts, and hopefully find traction. This is especially helpful when you are stuck. An added benefit is the wider rears help keep the quad stable.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: HeftyLefty

The most important reason the tires are different sizes is so that both sets of tires don't travel in the same rut. The wider rears grip past the fronts, and hopefully find traction. This is especially helpful when you are stuck. An added benefit is the wider rears help keep the quad stable.</end quote></div>


Not sure where you got that, but that not a consideration to the manufacturers.
more narrow tires on the front makes for easier turning, shorter turning radius.
More suspension clearance and less stress on the drive line.

Rim size is not relevant to gear ratios, only the outside circumference.

Everything I have read about this machine says it will suffer greatly from 27" tires, but not having tried for myself I can say for sure.
I also have the new TRX420FM, and when this set of tires are gone, I will go with 25" tires and keep the rims that are on it. I will also keep the more narrow tires on the front to keep the good handling of this machine.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Koopa

Alot of atv's have different bolt patterns on front and back and I never understood that </end quote></div>

You must be speaking of atvs other then Honda.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: HondaTechnician

You must be speaking of atvs other then Honda.</end quote></div>




I was speaking of sport atv's. I guess util's are not that way but most sport are.