OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Jesco]

Gday All,

I need new tyres, because of this I thought now would be a good time to also perhaps get some new wheels as well. As with my other vehicles, I can't seem to help but want to go for a bigger wheel size... :)

Obviously its not wise to go too much bigger - but perhaps just one size up would be okay if it doesnt negatively impact on the gearing and engine?
Is this a common modification with quads or do most stick with orginal sizes. I'm very new to ATVs BTW, so I know Jack-Sh*t at the moment :eek:

My ATV is a Polaris Magnum 2x4 with the 330 engine.

[Overlord]

Hi Jesco, mate the main advantage of bigger tyres and wheels is more ground clearance and a bit more traction, since you have a Polaris Magnum go for it. If you had a full sports quad I would tell you not to do it as it can raise the center of gravity and make them a bit tippy, but it depends on the riding you do. Just be carefull you do not go to big as the poor little 330 might not have the grunt to drive them. It will also change your gearing so be carefull. You usually go down in rim and tyre size when you race MX to get a lower center of gravity to corner faster, you usually only go up in tyre size when you use paddles on the dunes. Everyone is different and will have there own idears on what works for them and there quad.


Regards Bad Banshee

[bullet]

Agree with above.
If you are killing swamps and river crossings, big wheels are cool.

If you want a sportier feel go the other way.

Manufacturers usually try to choose the most appropriate type of tyre for the market they are aiming at.
So if youve bought a bike to best fit the type of riding you do...
For average riding, the tyre size on there is probably ideal.

But then it's always nice to have something different and a bit of bling.
About 4 completely different sets of wheels and tyres should cover you for every type of riding
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[Jesco]

Bad Banshee wrote:

Hi Jesco, mate the main advantage of bigger tyres and wheels is more ground clearance and a bit more traction, since you have a Polaris Magnum go for it. If you had a full sports quad I would tell you not to do it as it can raise the center of gravity and make them a bit tippy, but it depends on the riding you do. Just be carefull you do not go to big as the poor little 330 might not have the grunt to drive them. It will also change your gearing so be carefull. You usually go down in rim and tyre size when you race MX to get a lower center of gravity to corner faster, you usually only go up in tyre size when you use paddles on the dunes. Everyone is different and will have there own idears on what works for them and there quad. Regards Bad Banshee

Yeah, I am a little concerned about centre of gravity - with stock size wheels/tyres it is already a bit too easy to tip over (in my opinion) hence I only wish to go up one size - but a little more clearance would be good.

I guess my real concern is the effect on gearing and the engine.
Example, I put 285R75/16's on my Landcruiser - great in every way except on good roads, there is now a noticable 'hole' between 3rd and 4th gears.

My usage is generally just bush-bashing around and hunting, no racing/competing at all. We have just about every kind of terrain here - from greasy clay to sand dunes, and everything in between. But I do get around a lot of very low-lying wet areas.

Thanks for the reply BB :)

[Jesco]

Gday Bullet,

bullet wrote:

Agree with above. If you are killing swamps and river crossings, big wheels are cool. If you want a sportier feel go the other way. Manufacturers usually try to choose the most appropriate type of tyre for the market they are aiming at. So if youve bought a bike to best fit the type of riding you do... For average riding, the tyre size on there is probably ideal. But then it's always nice to have something different and a bit of bling. About 4 completely different sets of wheels and tyres should cover you for every type of riding :+:

As mentioned to Bad Banshee, I'm not into racing or competition (for now at least - the ATV bug has bit be HARD :)

Yeah, so basically a lot putting around on tracks, bush and hunting.
Theres plenty of wet areas I frequent, particularly around Mathinna river, so a little more traction would be great.

The greatest shortcoming I've noticed so far is on loose rocky or gravelly areas going uphill - she'll lose traction fairly easily. But being a 2x4 - probably not a lot I can do about that.

Cheers

[Quad]

big chunky tyre, like kenda bears on the rear.

They may work for you.

[Jesco]

quad wrote:

big chunky tyre, like kenda bears on the rear. They may work for you.

They look like just the ticket, thanks :)

[bigjon]

I've got the Kenda Bear Claws on my 600 Grizzly and they are great for mudding, etc... Probably the cheapest price of the utility tyres as well.
_________________
Don't close your eyes during the crash, you'll miss the best part

[Jesco]

bigjon wrote:

I've got the Kenda Bear Claws on my 600 Grizzly and they are great for mudding, etc... Probably the cheapest price of the utility tyres as well.

Sounds good to me bigjon, thanks.

I've given up on the idea of new wheels. I can't seem to find anyone who can give me a definite assurance that any particular wheel will definitely fit the Polaris correctly. To many "shoulds" and "probablys" and asking me to measure offsets etc. Been down this road before, and the outcome is never good.

But certainly I'll go for some new tyres, particularly for the front since they're literally bald :)

[bigjon]

Jesco wrote:

I've given up on the idea of new wheels. I can't seem to find anyone who can give me a definite assurance that any particular wheel will definitely fit the Polaris correctly. To many "shoulds" and "probablys" and asking me to measure offsets etc. Been down this road before, and the outcome is never good.

That's because your talking to tyre shops or motorbike shops that have no idea about quads. Ask any supplier on here for quotes on the wheels you need. They'll know what your talking about.

Might want to PM Austraco, he's into 4X4 quads and could probably source the wheels and tyres for you.
_________________
Don't close your eyes during the crash, you'll miss the best part

[Jesco]

bigjon wrote:

Jesco wrote: I've given up on the idea of new wheels. I can't seem to find anyone who can give me a definite assurance that any particular wheel will definitely fit the Polaris correctly. To many "shoulds" and "probablys" and asking me to measure offsets etc. Been down this road before, and the outcome is never good. That's because your talking to tyre shops or motorbike shops that have no idea about quads. Ask any supplier on here for quotes on the wheels you need. They'll know what your talking about.

Unfortunately not so far, bigjon. My comments were actually mainly referring to one of the suppliers found here (I didn't want to mention that).

I won't worry about new wheels for the time being.

I've done a fair bit of searching again this morning for Kenda retailers either in Tas or interstate, found fmr racing and just sent an enquiry.

Cheers.