We have both a 2X4 and 4X4 Rancher. They both have the same tires and rims (ITP Holeshot ATR's on 12X7" Magnum rims). Both bikes have seen approximately the same mileage, on the same terrain (and if anything, the 4X4 has seen more miles). Well, the difference in rear tire wear between the two, is pretty dramatic!! As you might guess, the 2X4 has much greater wear, because on that bike the rear does all the work. On the 4X4 (the Rancher has full-time 4X4, and is not 2wd/4wd selectable), the rear tires look like the day they were new, BECAUSE THE FRONT TIRES SHARE THE PULLING LOAD. In case you were wondering, the fronts on both vehicles show no appreciable wear at all!

So, this may be a CASE AGAINST THE 2WD/4WD SELECTABLE SYSTEMS!! The advantages in handling, may be offset by increased rear tire wear? This is a big issue for me because I ride a lot of old mine roads, which often have very sharp rocks which can cause rapid tire wear! Just an aside, the ATR's 6-ply cases, have stood up remarkably well in these nasty conditions!! They don't have even a scratch on them!