I was just wondering the opinion on these tires and what would be the best ones. I have a SP500 and ride mostly on trails and hard pack roads. I also like the challage of crossing mud holes, just to see if I can make it through. What tire would best suit my needs? I can't decide.

 

JWD121,I have the GoodYear MudRunners on my 99 Sportsman.I cant tell you enough good things about that tire.It's a totally awesume tire in severe mud,severe snow,and is also excellant for everyday trail riding.My bro John has the Super Swamper Vampires on his 97 King Quad and he dont get the ride I get on my Sportsman,BUT,I really cant blame that on his tires.Nobody out there seems to deliver the plush ride that the Sportsman seems to offer in a Utility 4x4..So the differance in the ride could be directed to the differance in the quads suspension ect,not the tires.I would'nt recommend the BlackWaters,they are as costly as the other two tires but dont offer nearly the traction in severe mud.My personal recomendation would be the MudRunners. Happy Trailing with either of em. BILL

 

JW,
I gotta agree with Bill on this one, go with the Mudrunners (if this is the only three you will be choosing between) Vampires are THE ULTIMATE when it comes to all out muddin' capabilities, BUT, when put on hardpack roads, high speed cruising, or taking on rocks (big or small) you're gonna be out of luck. They are HEAVY.. and offer nothing in the way of life on hardpack. I have Swampers on one of mine, and just riding to and from the mailbox on a gravel road has eaten the edges right off!!..
I don't have any experience with the Mudrunners, but as for the Blackwaters, don't waste your money. Their are alot better tires for the same or less.
If you are interested in looking at other designs, look at the Kenda BearClaw.. I have these on the back of my Scrambler and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM.. They look good, handle every condition that I've come across with ease...
Its Just A Thought!!!

 

These guys are right on target with the mudrunners just got a set a couple of weeks ago. Got my tire pressures from Bill C. his combination on the pressure works great . The reduction in steering effort alone was worth the added expense.I have a Magnum 500 but I think the same tire info would apply to the sportsman.

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Kevin Gowdy AKA-Kagey1999 Polaris Magnum 500

 

Bill Ciliberti, you may have already talked about this if so I missed it,so here goes.
I bought a new 99 SP500, good atv only had one problem with it, a bolt came out of the valve cover. My question is about the MudRunner tires since you run them on your atv(yes I have read your bad experience's with your SP500, hope things go better for you.)or did run them.
Since on the SP500 the rear is 25x11-10 and front 25x8-12 thinking about going to the mudrunners. Would the rider(ME) get any more muddy if I went to the mudrunners size: 26x12-10 on the rear and 26x9-12 on the front than I would if I went to 25x11-10 and 25x8-12 mudrunners. I am talking about getting mudd slung on me from having wider tires. Thanks
And again hope your atv problems get alot better.

 

HC,Polaris recommends on the 99 Sportsman that you go with 25x8x12fronts and 26x12x10 in the rear.I have no problems with extra mud slinging at me.I do wish I would of went 10 inches wide in the front though instead of 8.I went with what Polaris recommended so they could'nt give me any warrenty problems.

 

Thanks for the info, now, where can I get them at a decent price. I would like the tire wheel combo, but have not seen any dealers that sell combos. How much am I looking at spending? I found one place where the set of four would run $360. Anyone spend less or did I find a good place? Thanks for the info...

 

See the topic "Goodyear mudrunners best price" at the bottom of this page of topics.

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Kevin Gowdy AKA-Kagey1999 Polaris Magnum 500

 

Bill, How did you find out what Polaris recommends, through a dealer, the reason I ask , a dealer(he also sells muddrunners) told me that you have to have the same tire size in height but that the width could be changed up. Is there not too much height differance between 25x8x12 fronts and 26x12x10 in the rear,because the stock Goodyear Polaris tires are 25x8-12 fronts and 25x11-10 rear both tires being 25's.
Just want to know what size would be right for my SP500. Thanks

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Harold Cowley

 

Harold,I messed up when I bought my Mudrunners.I bought them straight from the dealer the same day I purchased the 4x4.I paid an extra 425. dollars for all four tires.You can sure get them alot cheaper than that from someplace else.Your question about sizeing them mudrunners is a question I asked my dealer as well.I allways thought that on any 4x4,either truck-car-quad or whatever,that the height should allways remain the same.But Polaris claims with their AWD system that 25s in front and 26s in the rear are the correct ratio for AWD systems.My Sportsman has 900 miles on it,and the AWD system is flawless,in fact I cant say enough good things about it.So maybe Polaris is right about that size.Sure is confussing though. BILL