In all the tire treads, weight always gets mentioned as a major factor. I am planning on purchasing the Mud lites XTR 27-9.11-14's and am wondering what effect it will have on my XP850. For those who have changed to a heavier tire, is it a big deal or not? Can you tell the difference?

 

I switched to the ITP Terracross which are slightly heavier than the stock PXTs. I cannot tell a difference except that the Terracross have better traction and handle better/smoother at high speeds. With an 850 you will never notice a difference but the larger the tire /weight the harder it is on the tranny/cv joints. I do not think the 27 XTRs will cause much of a problem. I have been VERY impressed with my ITP tires.

 

Weight of a tire is unimportant as it is unsprung weight. It does however, increase the overall weight of the quad.

 

I thought unsprung weight affected performance much more than sprung weight??

 

I guess it depends on what you are trying to achieve. Unsprung weight can help if the machine is driven quickley over a rough washboard type surface but it can be hard on shocks, struts, or springs because of the captured energy when you hit a bump. In my opinion, the way most quads are driven, heavy tires would be of no consequence other than to add to the overall weight.

 

w/ th 850 and that size tire, it won't be that big of deal for weight. but any increase in size a little loose in power depending onthe size of the wire for added extra weight. imo.

 

On a Polaris, weight of tires is insignificant.

 

Anyone that has gone with a heavier tire like the XTR to a lighter tire like a Zilla will tell you that tire weight is very significant.
Maybe if all you ride is water and mud, then it really doesn't matter, but it makes a very big difference on the trail.
I had 27" MST's on a brute force and went to 26" bighorns (both measured the same), and it was amazing how light the bighorns were and how much more I enjoyed them.

 

anyone know what the stock terrathons weigh in on the 850?

 

The 850 can handle the extra tire weight with ease. If you want to "drag race" use the shorter and lighter tires. No problem turning the XTR's on my bike. Just need to lighten the driver's weight!