New tires for the atv?
 

I'm on the verge of buying a new set of tires for the atv and was wondering what you guys prefer. So far, the ITP Mudlites are at the top of my list, but am open for suggestions. Another one I'm looking at is the Kenda Bear Claw. Looks pretty good as is a little cheaper than the Mudlites. Also, where is the cheapest place on the web to buy them? Thanks for any replies.

Carter

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

hey t/c i'd shop around and see who gives you the best "out the door" price, those things are a bear to mount[:@], i bought some mudlights mail order and was going to have someone else mount them, remember the old indian word "bohica", guy charged me almost 70$ to mount 4 tires[:@]......

btw "bohica" = bend over here it comes again

very good tires, stay off hard surfaces, and for sure no asphalt

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

T/C I have ran Kenda BC's for a few years, they have performed reasonably well in most situations (mud/snow, etc) and IME are extremely durable the lug seems to hardly wear down. However they do require in tough mud a bit of steering the front to get the side lugs to chew and pull you through...not a big deal but you should consider this. Ok being I am looking at a new quad I have been also asking about tires and had the opportunity to ride the Mudlite's. They do not require this over steering as their lug(XL version was what I tried) chews very well, it also provides a slightly smoother ride on hard pack (less vibration) due to the distance between the centre lugs is much larger on the BC's. From my research guys find Mudlite Xl's to be better in mud/snow/skeg but slightly less durable(slightly more tread wear, not puncture wise durability) than the bearclaw. I really liked the Mud lites and plan to give them run on my next quad (however I plan on running 26" XL's on the stock rims). Not sure what you'll require in tire size for your ATV but if you do need to go with 25's make sure to order or buy the new 25 XL version in the mudlites with 1 1/8" lug.

These guys offer free shipping in the US for Mudlites and appears to be a good price from what I have seen doing research:

Mudlites

If your looking for pure mud tires than the GBC Gators, Mud bugs, etc seem to get the nod. So if your looking for serious mudders you may find these better suited and the reviews I have seen/heard are most find them pretty good for all around use as well but their main premise is usually tough mud/bog/skeg situations.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Personally, I hate those mud type tires. All they succeed in is flinging mud the 90% you don't spend in mud. And to ride

The Carlisle tires are the best I've found. Not cheap...but the best.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Try tiresunlimited.com. They were the best price I could find for ATV tires. I also went with the Carlisle tires.


http://www.tiresunlimited.com/default.htm

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

The best tire for you depends a great deal on the terrain that you ride.I ride swamp,mud,snow and rock and have found the goodyear mudrunner to be the best overal tire with the gator a very close second but at a lower price.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Thanks for info guys. mthands, I used to race atvs and know how much of a pain it can be to mount them, but I have a good buddy that owns a tire store and all I've got to do is buy him a case of cold ones and he'll mount them for free.lol
Skeeter, the Mudlites I was looking at are the XL with the deeper lugs in 25in. The main reason I was looking at them is when I used to race, ITP was always the best in whatever they offered whether it was tires or wheels. I really am not one to go out and find the biggest hole and try to get through it, but you never know when you'll need that extra traction to pull out Bullwinkle.hehe I realize that they don't wear very well on hardpan, but I seldom ride roads anyway. Proline, the reason I'm looking at a mud type tire is, a couple months ago, I was doing some turkey scouting with a buddy that rides a 2wd with Mudlites on it. He was going through stuff that I was getting stuck in before switching to 4wd.(keep in mind, my rear tires are in pretty good shape) Before that, I was considering an all-terrain knobby tire like the Carlisle Trail Wolf, but that experience changed my mind. Once again, I appreciate you guys replying and hope to hear more before I make my final decision. From what I've read and heard, its either the Mudlites XL's or the Bear Claws. Keep 'em coming.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

T/C, just an FYI so your aware 2 versions of 25's exist. Sound like your pretty similar to me, however we do hunt in the forest and that does bring in some more difficult terrain like muskeg or bogs. Other than the odd instance I have never really seen where my usage would warrant a true mudder tire, like SJ requires. So in my case thats why I have a winch for that odd situation....lol! If this is the style of tire you'll require then I think the Mud Lites are the better of the 2. My reasons are less vibration, good handling and over 1/4" deeper lug for when you do find that sticky hole (either by mistake or on purpose).

Seeing mounting them isn't a issue check out that link, when you factor no cost for shipping Mud Lites may turn out to be very close to the BC's price wise.

However either tire will provide you a noticable difference over stock or knobbies, so choose whichever fits your situation.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Thanks stubble and PLB for the replies. As for winch Skeeter, I've got one, "just in case", too. Comes in very handy to hoist one up for skinning. Looks like I was looking at the right ones after all. after looking at several sites, looks like www.pvrpowersports.com has the best deal. free shipping to boot!! Thanx again for the replies.

Carter

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

He he he, wanna try em out, go here!! This'll break em in!!merango

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I actually don't spend a great deal of time in the swamps or deep mud,but when I do have to drag a moose or elk through these conditions the extra traction is very welcome.The mudrunners and gators do wear well and do perform very well in all other conditions including snow.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

lol hhgirl. Actually, I do my best to stay away from crap like that. Those guys must have alot more money than I do to put their atv's through stuff like that. But, I must admit, it looks like a ball!!;)

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I bought a set of 25 inch xl mudlites for my praire 700 at a place called precision power sports in Imperial Mo. Also bought a set of itp delta rims. They order and mounted the tires for $420 that was rims and tires. There web add is WWW.precisionpowersports.com

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

you may want to look at the 589's. they are great in the mud and snow. plus you can run them flat if you have trouble. i have had them for two years with no problems.:)

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Do yourself a favor and dont buy mud lites

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

mrwake, please feel free to explain a bit further!

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Mrwake what is the problem with the mudlites? I Know a bunch of people that have them and the only complaint is that the rubber is a bit soft and they wear out a little faster than a harder rubber tire but they will still last a decent amount of time. Please give me a reason why you think they are bad

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Yep, this is the only consistent I have heard as well, other than that most find them to be a good to excellent tires. Many state they pull very well through tough conditions (ie: mud and snow), yet offer a better ride/handling compared to ITP 589's.

Any ways please tell us what your referring to mrwake, since some have never actually ran them and maybe considering mud lites (like the original poster of this thread!).

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I too would like to hear what mrwake has to say. Like you guys have already said, the only negative thing I've heard about the Mudlites is the softer compound causing shorter treadlife. missed_another, the 589's are great tires for deep mud and snow, but may be a little overkill for the type of riding I do. I'm still up for more suggestions, so keep 'em coming. Thanx

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

The 589's are very agressive and I did not like the ride or their performance on harder surfaces.The mud bugs ,gators and mudrunners were better as all terrain tires in my opinion.I have not used mud lites.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I would take a mud bug over any tire yall have listed so far. Mud lites are well lite, punture easy, and wear easy. The have little traction for mudding. Let me clarify when I say mudding I mean MUDDing. Mud over the seat and such, I did not think that mud lites were very smooth ethier. I really like the new outlaw msts. The look like a swamp witch but stomp the competition due to a few minor but major changes! I have done alot of riding with tires and this is just my opinion so carry on.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I have Mud Bugs on my Kodiak and really like them, very tough tire that works great in mud and snow with
a good ride on hardpack.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I've still not made up my mind. I've narrowed it down to two, but was wondering who makes the mudbugs and can you give me a website where I can see them? thanks

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Thanks mrwake for adding further comments much appreciated!

T/C, maxxis makes the mudbugs tires.

Here is a link to there site for you:
Mudbugs

FYI here is a link to Highlifter Outlaw MTS as well.
Outlaw MTS ATV Tires

FYI link to SJ suggestion of GBC Tires. You may want to consider the Dirt Devil XT's they have also got good reviews for all around tire from my research, haven't seen them in person though!

[link]http://www.gbctires.com/[/link]
Best of luck

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Dunno about their ATV tires, but I use these guys SuperSwamper LTB's on my truck and they are outstanding offroad tires.

You might want to give their ATV stuff a look.

http://www.intercotire.com/html/tsl___atv.htm

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

In case you haven't noticed the gators are virtually identical copies of the mudbugs but are usually priced lower.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

You are right stubble, the Gators have an almost identical tread pattern to the Mud Bugs.
The only advantage with the Bugs is that you can get them in a 25" and still have the deep lug.
With Gators if you get a 25" tire, the lug is smaller.
If a person was going to buy a 26" or bigger tire, definately go with the Gators and save some $$.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Man, I started out with two in mind, but things are a changing.lol For the record, I'm not into MUDDING as mrwake put it, just would like a tire thats a good all-around tread that will hold up. So far, the Kenda Bear Claws are at the top. But, still am open for more suggestions. keep 'em coming.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Ain't that the truth.

I saw a set today of XT's(26" or larger) they are worth considering, the lugs are stiffer(compound) than the mud lites, so should provide better wear on hard pack while providing the same deep lug. AT's (25" or under) would be similar tread depth as the BC's, haven't seen them.

Good Luck!!:D

Edit: That would be the GBC Dirt Devil XT's I saw, sorry[&:]

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Thanks for starting this thread - I need some tires and there is a lot of good info here.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

In the last four or five years I've had a set of Super Swamper Vampires, Goodyear Mudrunners and now a set of ITP Mudlites. I've seen other tires (Bearclaws, 589's, etc...) in action on some of my friends' scooters. For instance, one friend has Bearclaws and in mud they would tend to get stuck faster than any of the other aftermarket tires mentioned.

For an all around tire I think the Goodyears are about as good as it gets. They're pretty good in the mud and give a good ride on just about everything else. I don't have the Mudrunners on my Honda 450 now because I don't use my ATV much except during hunting season and by then things are really muddy in the Mississippi delta. I tried the Vampires for a couple of years and while they do go very well through the mud, I didn't like the fact that they were so heavy. I thought the Mudlites would be a good compromise, they're not as heavy as the Vampires and are more of a mud tire than the Goodyear Mudrunners. I've been happy with them so far.

For you I think the Goodyears would be your best bet.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I got my Mudlites on ebay and had them mounted at Wally World for 3 bux each :)

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

The vampires are a much more offroad tire than yalll have mentioned but the laws are cream of the crop. I also think ssu tris and biclaws would be great. Just depends on how smooth you want them. I have delt with tires for years so give me some info... What size type and any mods to your ride, what terrian you ride, what you want out of the tire. That way I could better suit you. Mudlites are so popular I believe because their itps and they say mud. Lets get this straight so yall that think your gonna go twice as offroad, they dont have alot more treat than a stock tire! Mudrunners are a good comprimise from what I hear, they mud good, self clean, and are smooth!

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

for the record mrwake, here's the scoop. 450cc 4X3 as I call it.(no locking front diff) stock machine, no mods. Will be replacing the factory tires with the same size(25in) Usage is mainly for hunting. Condititions can be muddy or dry, depends on the weather at the time. I live in Ky, so there's ALWAYS a hill or two to climb. As I mentioned above, I'm not into mudding, but could encounter a mudhole or two while riding or dragging out deer. I also take a zip up the road from time to time, so I want a tire thats not too soft. OK, there you have it. I'm still leaning toward the bearclaws. Enough traction for what I need and wear good. keep in mind, I do have a winch.;) once again, I'm still not dead set, so keep 'em coming. hell, I'm kind of enjoying this.lol thanks again for the replies.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

I would consider increasing the tire size to 26" and adding a little width as well.This will not rob much power but will add floatation and traction and a touch of ground clearance as well.I have 10x26 and 12x26 gators on my 500 rubicon and the difference in traction over stock tires is simply amazing.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Bear claws are great tires, but I would get a set of gators. They may not be quite as smooth but they are alot better tires. You will go places you never dreamed of. I know a guy with a honda 450 stock spinning 26 outlaws. I would recomend those 26 gators highly, or if you dont want something as aggressive then get the dirt devils. The dirt devils are smooth. Oh yeah and do your self a favor and buy a set of good rims. Stock rims bend easily and will have to be replaced, plus they come mounted!:)

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

If you do a lot of hard riding in rock,rims can be bent.However,I have used the stock rims on my last three quads and have yet to bend a rim.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

Riding around trees bends them. Shoot I bent my stock rims with the ramps hitting them while going down the road.

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

you've obviously never run Mudlites then :) Numerous guys in our ATV club have them and love them.

There are 2 (well, 3 now) types of Mudlites. Originally, the 25" versions DIDN'T have the larger lugs, but you can get them now. It was 26" and up for the large lugs

here's some pics of mine with mudlites
http://www.krawdaddy.net/atv/images/kimpex_3.jpg
here's my stockers
http://www.krawdaddy.net/atv/images/griz04.jpg

RE: New tires for the atv?
 

kraw, how do you like the kodiak? What about the kimpe rear bumper, do you have the T3 front brush bumper on her?? Reason I ask buddy just picked up an 05' and we were playing with it this weekend at our camp. BTW I was impressed with it and the Mud lites he through on it. Any way we were looking at the info the dealer gave him one evening over a few and I said I kind always liked the kimpe stuff vs OEM...cheaper and usually not so gawdy!! Just wondering since you appear to have the same bike your thoughts...Thanks.

Oh yeah 1 more question do you have 26's on? If so, did you notice any loss in low end power/torque? Seeing you've ran stockers as well. He made mention about putting in clutch kit to regain is lower end and throttle response, just curious what you may have found or done?

Sorry to hijack your thread for second T/C !!!!

Lites are getting popular here as well now, the only knock is tread wear as I mentioned. Never heard anybody say they don't chew (I'm talking the 26" or the new 25 XL - 1 1/8" lug). I spoke with the owner of Daveys tree's(just happens to live down the lane from me), he runs a large fleet of quads putting on big miles per year he said the Lites are the guys favorite but a set may last 5000KM. He is trying the Dirt Devils XT's on few just to see if he can manage a year, he said so far feed back is good but still to new to determine longevity. Also uses bearclaws he said they last slightly longer but don't chew as well and they have had puncture issues in few cases. Any way I am not sure it really applies here but thought I'd pass on his comments.

As far as the stock rims, never had a problem personally either.