Tire talk

996 Views 29 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Steve'o82, 22 d ago

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Does anybody else out there besides me like a lightweight squishy-sidewall tire, like the stock Rincon tires?
I realize every tire has its advantages and disadvantages. Whether it’s a radial or bias ply, all terrain or mud terrain etc- they all have their place and excel in their intended categories. I can’t help but enjoy the nice comfortable ride the stock tires provide. They really fit the bill for slower pace recreational riding. I know they don’t last long, especially when run on pavement but they really seem to do well climbing rocks and logs as they flex and grab these obstacles. A stiff bar-type mud tire tends to bounce off things like this and just spin out on them (no sidewall flex) even when aired way down.
I guess I’ve just grown tired over the years of overly stiff, heavy aftermarket offerings that stress components and beat the heck out of the machine when running through rough ground.

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TaH

· #2 · 2 mo ago

Yes agree especially on the dunes.
Was considering mudlites but unsure if they pass the squishy criteria.
Radials seem to have more flex in the sidewalls but not tried lots myself.

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

I forgot to mention sand performance, and yes agree on that! They work much better in sand compared to the Zilla’s that I also have. Mud Lites are definitely going to be stiffer riding than stock.

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #4 · 2 mo ago

Typically radials will flex better than their bias ply counterparts- at least they did when were designed and made for ATV’s. It seems these days the tire manufacturers are catering to the side by side segment and producing new radial tires that are 8 ply construction. Not only are they heavy, but they’ve lost that nice flex in the sidewall area. Probably because they’re designed to support an 1,800 lb 200 horsepower tire shredding monster. Not the lightweight 38 horsepower Rincon! They’re great for racing through the desert at high speeds but for the average recreational rider they’re unnecessary.

JeffinTD

· #5 · 2 mo ago

I didn’t mind the way the stock Rincon tires handle, but in the places I ride they are very prone to puncture from sticks or from rocks. A buddy of mine loves them, though, so he got my take-offs.

I’ve been running Bighorns on both my machines for a number of years, and have never had a puncture and they are wearing like iron. They are both stiff and heavy, though. If I needed another set of tires in the future I might try terra cross radials.

Reactions: 1

Corndog

· #6 · 2 mo ago

I’m still rolling on Bighorns.

Reactions: 1

Harley Dog

· #7 · 2 mo ago

So am I. They have 1000 miles on them with no noticable wear.

Reactions: 2

Corndog

· #8 · 2 mo ago

Hey @Harley Dog . You still fishing? I live 10 miles from these.

Boat Cloud Sky Plant Fisherman

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Harley Dog

· #9 · 2 mo ago

Yep, still fishing. I live in Carson City, NV. So for 5 weeks in May and early June I take my trailer and boat up to the Sierras to June Lake, CA. I just troll for Trout. My goal is to catch one over 10 lbs. In 40 years my best is 9.8 lbs.

Reactions: 2

HighColorado+9k

· #10 · 2 mo ago

Recently had a slow leak on a rear Bighorn Maxis. Local Big O tire wouldn't patch it, they would only put a tube in it to repair it. I questioned this and 2 store employees, both ATV riders said this is the way to go.
They wouldn't patch it because they say the patches won't hold due to the tire flexing so much.
I had 4 tiny holes in the tire.
Is tubes the way to go?

JeffinTD

· #11 · 2 mo ago

I wouldn’t think so, in that if you get another flat you’d have to get the tire off the bead- tough to do if you don’t have a bead breaker.

Personally I use the rope/worm type plugs on ATV’s. I wouldn’t use them or any of the external type plugs on anything that does highway speed, though.

A friend did have a leak on the super flexy stock tires he couldn’t get to seal. A tire shop put an internal patch on it that at first didn’t hold. Then they used a super thick internal patch intended for commercial trucks, and that worked.

Anyhoo, for me I am often a long way from help and some plugs and a foot pump are a must have part of the tools I carry. A tubed tire would be a no-go for me.

Reactions: 2

JeffinTD

· #12 · 2 mo ago

P.S. As the tire shop likely deals mainly with vehicles used on the highway they might not want any possible liability for installing a worm or other external patch. If they fail, the tire could deflate pretty quickly, which would be hazardous.

For me, the ATV’s are rarely off the trail and I’m willing to assume any risk. Haven’t needed to plug a bighorn, but prior to those I haven’t had a plug come out.

On the big BMW adventure motorcycle, however…. Not going to try to dismount a tire out in the woods, but a worm is just temporary until I can carefully get to the nearest place to replace the tire.

Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if the tire shop would not install worms. It might be a do it yourself at your own risk kinda deal.

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #13 · 2 mo ago

I would use the sticky rope style plugs that you can find at any local hardware store. I’ve used them dozens of times over the years and have never had one come out.

Reactions: 1

Corndog

· #14 · 2 mo ago

I’m a plugger too. I keep a kit on my ATV to do field repairs.

Reactions: 2

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #15 · 2 mo ago

Has anyone had any experience with Kenda Bear Claw “EX” tires? I bought a set for my 2020 Rincon when the stock tires wore out. 25x8x12 front and 25x10x12 rear (same as stock size). I found these tires to be outstanding for the money. Think I paid $300 for all 4 tires back in 2021. They were lightweight and rode beautifully. Kenda offers them in 4 and 6 ply. I can’t remember what was delivered to me but I can only imagine they were 4 ply because they had really soft sidewalls. Probably not the longest lasting set of tires but they had excellent traction in all terrains. I’ll post a pic of them.

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #16 · 2 mo ago

Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Tread

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Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #17 · 2 mo ago

Wheel Tire Vehicle Automotive tire Tread

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Corndog

· #18 · 2 mo ago

@Steve'o82
Are those stock fender flares?

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #19 · 2 mo ago

@Corndog-no, they’re not stock Honda fender flares. I ordered them from an online distributor called theatvsuperstore.com. Think they’re in Canada. They work awesome at keeping mud off of you. I put them on my 2020, 2016 and now on my 2023 Rincon. They still keep the stock Honda “lines” while adding some much needed coverage. Springtime in upstate NY makes for some pretty slimy riding. When the ground thaws out, there’s usually about 3” of slimy mud to contend with. The stock fenders are just a tad too short and I take a mud bath. These completely solve that issue.

Reactions: 2

Steve'o82

Discussion Starter · #20 · 2 mo ago

Anyhow, I have a decent set of 26” Zilla’s on my 2016 Rincon. I have a brand new set of 27” Zilla’s on aftermarket rims (4x110) sitting in the basement-leftover from the Grizzly that I never rode lol. Thinking about selling those Zilla’s on Rims and buying some Bighorns for the new Rincon. Have to see what happens. It’s either going to be those new Bighorns or another set of those aforementioned Bear Claw EX’s.

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