Hey guys,
I have about 350 miles on my o2 SP 700 with Goodyear Rawhides and both front tires have become slow leakers. I have slimed them both and still leaking. This has not happened to my other 4 quads. Are these just bad tires? Any recommendations on replacements or fixes?

 

Sounds like you have a leak at the bead. There may be dirt or debris in the bead causing it not to seat right. When I took my stock tires off and put the X/T's on, I was suprised to find little pebbles in the bead and in the tire. I wa amazed that they could make their way in there

 

Has anyone switched to the Carlilses that they are putting on the 04's. Do they handle better than the rawhides? I heard they are over 5 lbs. lighter.

 

I have not actually rode a sportsman with the new carlisle badlands tires, but from looking at them it would be my guess that they handle better than the rawhides. You are right that the badlands weigh 5lbs. less than the rawhides, so just switching to them would knock off 20lbs. off your quad.

 

I have an '03 Trailblazer with the stock carlisles' and I have been very impressed with them. They get good bite on everything (except sloppy mud) and they have been very durable. I ride a lot of tight trails with cut off stumps and sticks and I haven't had a flat yet. I also ride some sand and the tires get very good traction on that as well. The badlands are definately not a mud tire for a 2wd bike but they have definately proved themselves to me.