I am looking for a set of tires with a bit more meat than the stocks I have now. What brands should I look over that would have some tread on the side of the tire as well?

 

What type of terrain do you ride in?? The Interco Swamp Lites are a great all conditions tire.

 

I see a lot of rocks and tight trails. There are some swamps too; so I will have to look into the all terrain tires like the ones you mentioned.

 

I think I'll be putting radials on mine. People say that Bighorns handle really well on the trail and are outstanding in rocks. I'm sure there are better choices for swamps, but they would be better than stock tires.

Mudlite XTR's would be a more mud oriented tire that still rides well on the trail. Terra Cross radials might also be worth looking at.

 

I have Mud Lite XTR's and I find them fantastic in all conditions, hardpack, a little pavement, mud, snow trails, rocks.

Radial tire tech, along with a square profile really helps handling and makes for a very well performing bike all round.

 

I have Mudlite XL's and they too are great for all conditions.

 

How much more clearance will I get switching to a new tire? I suppose it depends on what tire I go to?

 

I've been running 27's on my Foreman almost since new. First set were 27x10x12 Front, 27x12x12 rear Blackwaters, now I'm running 27x9x12 Fr and 27x11x12 Rr Mud Lite XTR's.

Since they are 2" taller then stock I've gained an extra inch ground clearance, gained better rim protection and much better traction. The flat profile of the XTR radials has a larger contact patch then the stockers or the old blackwaters so handling is much improved. I havent had issues with rubbing or noticable loss of power in any conditions yet.

 

How do the XTR's ride (any increase in vibration on hard surfaces, over stock tires)?

 

The XTR's Ride fantastic, I've ridden at all speeds on pavement and there is no vibration, I run about 3lbs in each tire. The handling it what you will notice, it is unmatched by the stock tires. The stiffer carcass, sidewalls and radial tire tech, really improve ride quality.