looking for help on what tires to purchase for my kodiak y2k. best all around. I see alot of owners have Bearclaws. I need some hands on advise. thanks

 

There are 2 styles or versions. An early mold number and a new improved mold. They beefed up the lugs on the new ones. I found this out when I purchased a set of 4 @ OEM sizes. All 25 inch tall. The fronts were shorter. Concerned about the 4x4 drive train I called Kenda and they asked for the mold number and said I had an old mold on the front (4899 229) in size 25x8x12. I then noticed that the lugs were smaller than my rear mold (5199 211) in 25x10x12. They sent me 2 new mold front tires (0600 212) and let me keep the others to sell.
The 2000 Kodiak is not really suited to oversized tires. The machine is purpose biult and is awsome in OE configuration except for the Dunflops.The Kenda Bear Claws are a little taller than the Dunflops that come on it. My OE size front nicks the upper A-arm in a full lock turn in revers only. Not enough to even mark the tire. If you have a Warn winch and try to go bigger than OE size, the tire will rub the end of the motor in full lock left turns.
You can go wider on the rear if you like Mud on your arms.
I now have the new molds on the front and all are the same in height. If you can't see before you buy, so to make sure the lugs or molds are the same, order from, http://www.us23.com/tires/ . They are in Kentucky I think, reliable and priced right. He knows about the molds so tell him you have a 4 wheel drive ATV and you want the new molds..
AC

 

I have BearClaws on mine, stock sizes. I love 'em. Don't ride across the lawn on them though.

 

I forgot to mention in my post above that I really am pleased with the tires performance. I feel that they are a tough compound and will last.
Kenda told me that it is their best selling tire to date.

 

For those of you that can weld,you can move your Warn winch over to the left. It is a real pain to do. The end of my winch motor now sits directly behind the front tube bumper and brings the engagment switch out for better viewing/funtion. For those who want to try this send me a e mail and I'll fill you in on the details. By the way, Warn says there working on a new off set winch plate.