Hey guys, I just ordered 4 new Bear Claws for my Y2K Kodiak, does anybody have any experience, good or bad with these tires? I got 26x9x12 on the front and 26x12x12 for the back. I live in PA and ride on all types of terrain. Thanks for any and all responses. I also installed a K&N air filter on saturday and WOW! It made a big difference! I bought one for a 99 Kodiak because K&N does not yet make one for the 2000. It is a little shorter than the OEM one but it fits in the slot in the front of the airbox and the lid of the airbox holds it in place. I talked with tech-support from K&N and they told me about this. I highly recommend buying this for the Y2K Kodiak. I ordered mine online from Rocky Mountain ATV for 34.99+ 7.42 S&H. Local dealer wanted 55.99 + state sales tax.

 

Dear Pookie,

I own a Y2kodiak also. I must tell you that I run the OEM Size's 25x8x12 & 25x10x12. I have 2 little problems but Kenda is taking good care of me on one. The other is not that bad. This is with OEM sizes. You may find the 26's to be worse than mine.
Don't Panic. I LOVE the tires. You will too.
But you MAY want to go back to the OEM size. Then again,I MAY be wrong.
OK. First I noticed my OEM Dunflops almost hit the motor end of my WARN Winch so I decided to stay with OEM sized Kenda's instead of the head-ache of moving the Winch over and having it off center. The Kenda's 25's are a little taller than the Dunflops anyway. The Winch thing is not really Kenda's fault. It's just FYI.
Problem 1.
I took the Dunflops on the rims to the tire store along with the un-mounted Kendas. Well you can't tell much about how the tires will size up untill they are mounted. Don't let the looks of them un-mounted fool you. So I had the Tire guy mount 1 front and 1 rear to compare the sizes between each other and the Dunflops.
The Kenda rear (25-10-12) is a little taller than the Dunflop rear of the same size. Good. The Kenda Front (25-8-12) was the same as the Dunlop front of the same size. Thus being shorter than the Rear Kenda. Well it was about 3/8" or so difference and being impulsive I let it go thinking that I would only be in 4X4 for short bursts and that it may not make that much difference.
Well one day I forgot it was in 4X4 and when I tried to gas it to catch a buddy I could only get 31 MPH. I have a Cateye.com, Enduro2, Mountain Bike Speedo. I thought something was wrong with the Carb. I almost felt like the brake was on a little. Then I looked at the 4X4 button. OOOOOhh!I seee! I took it out of 4X4 and she did good.
I called Kenda USA and upon a question & Answer session I was told that I had an older Mold number. They made it right. They even let me keep the older mold tires. So I sold them to help the pain and suffering and re-mountin charges.
Problem 2.
When I put the bars in a hard full lock left hand turning position, and move in reverse, the side lugs flick against the upper A-arm. It's not bad and it does not hurt the lugs. I can't even see a mark on them. But in the garage it is easily heard and your friends will raise their eyebrows. I told one that it was the more aggresive limited slip kit (no such thing)I put in it. He Bit.
So getting back to you. The 26's may not be mismatched in tallness. I think Kenda did better withthe 26's. And maybe yours will touch the A-arm softly. Good Luck and please let us know how it goes. If you need Kenda's phone number e-mail me.
About the tires. I love how they perform. I have been really abuseing them on some hard pack Gravel roads and they are holding up very well.

 

Pookie,


I have a set of 24" (Stock Size) on my '96 Foreman 400. I really like 'em. They have just the right amount of bite. Not too much that they tear things up (grass trails and most of all my bike) From experience I know that too much HP+Too much traction= too expensive repair bills. They are soft enough to keep a good ride, yet tough enough to resist punctures. I was set on buying a set of 25" vamps until this weekend when I met a guy that was t'ed off because they were killing his power. Anyway, I think you'll be pleased with them. Let me know how you like them and if you have any problems.

 

I have 22" Bearclaws on my warrior. I had know problems with them and they dig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have some on my Bayou and they are great in mud and climbing. You may want to invest in some extended mud flares because they really sling it!