I was wanting to know what a good AT tire would be for a SP 500. I am going to go 25 inch but I also want a really tough tire espesially tough sidewalls. I do some hardpack dirt riding and also some mud riding. And there are always big rocks. Any input appreciated.

Thanks

Ty

 

You will probably what to stay away from radials although the new PXTs are a great all around tire.
The Goodyear Rawhides are tough and very durable.

Jim

 

I don't know, man. I put a set of 26" Bighorns on my 700 (and those are radials), and so far I absolutely love these tires. I often ride on some pretty nasty terrain, and so far (knock on wood) not even a hint of damage, sidewall or otherwise. They seem to be extremely rugged, and just grip the earth like they have have claws or something. They are even surprisingly good in deep mud. The PXTs I took off the 700 were also very good tires. I put them on my 600, and they seem to be performing well, although that machine does not normally see the extremes that the 700 does. No punctures so far, but I agree that the sidewalls are suspiciously very soft. I normally run them at 10 lbs. to keep them a little stiffer. LOVE the Bighorns, though. Anyone else have any experience with them?

-Steve

 

Thanks for the input. I was considering the bighorns at the top of my list so far. Ill have to look into the goodyear rawhides.

Thanks

Ty

 

Ya, my 600 came with the Rawhides on it. They were pretty decent. Plenty tough, but not that great in the mud. I took those off and put on some Titan 589s. Now, those are hands down the toughest tires on the market. Those things are so stiff, you can't even tell when they're flat. Awesome in the mud, but made the machine handle like a tractor on hardpack. Honestly, I'm now a true believer in the radial tire. The difference in handling and traction is definitely significant. Don't know what part of the country you live in, but their performance on ice and snow is awesome, too.

 

i like the ITP 589's. they are about as tough as they come. supposedly the best mud and snow tire made. very hard sidewalls and lug.

 

Only reason I said stay away from radials are because in rocks they are susceptible to sidewall pinch and flats.
I personally have had no problems yet and love the ride.

The Rawhides were a great durable tire also, just not as good and smooth on hard pack but one of the best stock if not the best in mud. Of course if you go to a pure mud tire like the 589 or mudlites they will be better especially with the larger lugs.
I wouldn't recommend them for anyone not spending MOSTY of their time in the goop.


Jim

 

check out this link i have pictures of the Wetlands, Rawhides and Badlands side by side.

http://photobucket.com/albums/y148/jimmypsp700/SP%20700%20-Wetlands%20on%20%20Vision/


look at Elkbows photos for the 589 and mudlite side by side comparisons, he has both.

Jim

 

Thanks for all of the input from all of you guys. Very helpful. Haven't completly made up my mind but will here in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks

Ty

 

POLARISSportsman500HO,

I ride on rough rocky trails with some hardpack and coal dirt areas and ride at a fast pace.
These are some of my tire results:
Goodyear Rawhides: 2 flats in 100 miles. Ok on rocks and hardpack. Great in mud & snow. Thin sidewalls. Got @ 1400 miles out them.
Badlands: 5 of us riding new 600's & 700's rode a rockey 26 mile loop. Everyone had at least 1 flat. Badlands = bad tires.
The new PXT's: got 3 flats in 36 miles. Soft ride but too much lean in the turns. Soft sidewalls. (for sale $100)
ITP 589's: Rode a friends 700 with em. Super mud/snow tire. Strongest sidewall but roughest ride in the rocks, couldn't stay on the seat.
Bighorn Radial: The best tire for killer rocks and hardpack dirt. 1100 miles till first flat. Still using them at 3600+ miles . Fair mud tire.
I would also like to mention that the the Bighorns outlasted the factory chrome rims.

Disclaimer: Tires were tested at a mostly insane pace! Your results may vary.