After last week's fiasco with the Dunlops (see my post below), I have decided to get new rubber for the 650.

I mostly ride hardpack trails, woods and fields. Very little mud and some rock. I also will be using these tires when I plow snow. I am rarely in 4wd (only over obstacles, or up hills) I am looking for a good, smooth-riding all around tire, with excellent handling characteristics.

I will eventually want to get a set of "ITP Holeshot ATR" on aluminum rims, but for now, I want to go with a stock size 6-ply tire on the stock rims.

Here are my choices:
$180 - $200 Range
1. Kenda Bear Claws
2. GBC Dirt Devils
3. GBC Gators

$250 Range:
ITP 589 M/S
ITP Blackwater

I don't mind spending the $$$ on the ITPs', but they seem more suited for mud. Right now, I am leaning toward the Dirt Devils or the Bear Claws.

What do you guys think?


BTW I am putting the Warn A2500 multi-mount on this weekend - I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

Go with the Dirt Devils, they are perfect for the uses you described. However you will want to go with a 26 or 27 inch tire due to the tread depth and profile of the DD. 25s are really between 23 and 24 inches and only have about a half inch of tread depth compared to 1.25 inches on the XTs (26" and larger).

 

DD's are a good choice..I went with bearclaws because I play in a creek and soame mud..they ride very well on hard pack..when i first saw them on my 650 I thought"oh F&^%" there gonna ride like crap..I couldnt haver been more wrong.

 

HI GUY'S:
I just ordered a set of 26-9-12,and 26-12-12 Kenda bear claws...I read alot about tires before making my decision. I feel I made a very informed choice. Look at the terrain that you mostly will be riding on and then look at the choices. For my money the Kendas seemed to fit best. I am trembling like a Bunny in anticipation for my new tires.

PS: Master "NYROC" recommends the Kendas Highly...and he ain't no dummy.

ROB

 

Gotta vote for 27" Bear Claws for a good all round tire. When those fields get wet you'll like um. Fit stock wheels just fine, look good and ride good.

 

I got the 26inch Kenda's..therock without robbing a lot of power..if any at all..watch out tho..if they have 1 flaw its that they are almost too grippy[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Again, Thanks for the quick replys.

It seems like the two tires that I was leaning toward are the front runners(Dirt Devils, Bear Claws).

However, I was going to go with stock sizes. It seems that most everyone is going with 26"-28" (and reccomending) over the 25". I don't need the extra ground clearance, so what is the advantage? Muddhound stated that the Dirt Devil 25" are really between 23 and 24 inches and only have about a half inch of tread depth, so that may be a reason, but what about the Bear Claws?

Also, what would the full front/rear tire sizes be for 26" or 27" tires on stock rims?

example fr:25-8-12 rr:25-10-12

Thanks.

 

I think everyone goes taller because they can.

And.....some aftermarket tires are actually shorter than stock tires. I got 26" 589 M/S's because when we put a 25" tire up next to the stock tire, it was actually shorter. So, I went with 26" tires because I didn't want to GIVE UP ground clearance!

I went with 26X9X12 on front, and 26X12X12 on back. Pics link in my signature line if you want to see what those size tires look like.

Chucky

 

You got my point very well Greg. If you go with 26" DDs you'll be slightly smaller than stock, 27" slightly larger.

As to the other answers, its like when one person asks "Gators or Mud Bugs?" at least 25% of the replies will say Laws, Vamps, Zillas, etc LOL.

 

I have been wondering these same questions. Why are most of you riding 26 when a few of you are using 27? If both will fit the stock rims, than why wouldn't everyone be riding the 27s to get another .5 inches of ground clearance? I have read some that said that the bigger they are, the less power you will have. Is that the main reason to go with 26s. Thanks for your answers.