I have been looking at getting a set of 26' Bearclaws for my Xplorer, but I was suggested to look at a set of 26' Vampires. The Bearclaws would require a new pair of rims out back, but the Vampires do not.

About 60% of my riding is done on soft/medium packed earth. 10% hard packed earth and 30% mud. I'm not sure about going to a 27' due to a rougher ride and supposed "problems" caused with going to larger tires. My wife and I ride 2-up on the
machine and I would like to keep the ride as smooth as possible.

Can you make any suggestions!

 

I have 26" Vamps on my Polaris stock rims.....9.5" up front, 12" on the rear. I ride about the same % terrain as you spring/summmer/fall....snow in the winter. I think the setup is great....I think you would like it as well. Regards.

 

PJ

Any problems rubbing? How about steering effort? Do they wear well? They look like they would be good in snow.

A "good" set of socks for my machine is going to set me back about $600 so I want to make sure that I get the best.

 

Loyal

I have heard a lot of good things about the Vampires and the Bear Claws. However, on my old Honda 350 Four-Trax I just installed 4 Bear Claws. I wondered if the Vamps were a little too aggressive and might affect steering effort (which on the old Honda is a concern). I had a similar concern about the Bear Claws but the effort is actually easier in the end. From what I have heard and read, both are very good choices. It will come down to use and $.

Shop around a lot for the tires. Here in Ottawa the cycle dealers and ATV dealers were the most expensive. Some would mount them, some wanted me to take them to a tire shop. On the BCs I had quotes ranging from $420 installed (with taxes) to $635 installed (with taxes). My experience says to avoid the ATV dealers. The cheapest place I found was the tire shops. The tire shops were all near the lowest price. The ATV dealers were all near the highest price. Once you decide on a tire, sit on the phone for a while. It is worth the effort.

Good luck,

DJ

 

I got a set of 25x13x10 and a set of 25x9.5x12 Vamps for my sportsman. They work great in all conditions except real hard ground or pavement(don't go on pavement anyway, as the rules say), steering effort is not bad and traction is awsome. I spent only $330 for all four with shipping. I think they are the best. Later!!

 

I have 26" mudrunners on my Xplorer. I would not recommend going to 27". Mine already rub in front in deep ruts and when I ride too agressively. Get the rubber spacers for the front springs. The rear rubs a bit with a passenger. But going to 26" is a great move. I lost a bit of top speed though. Handling and steering is much better.

 

No problem with rubbing unless in a hard turn with a big bump.....rarely. No noticable difference in steering effort. Wear has been outstanding.