Which 18" tire for MX at TF?

[350Xhilaration]

I'm trying to decide which would be better...a Kenda Klaw MX 18x10.5x8 on a steel wheel or a turf tamer 18x11x8 on steel?

I already have a new set of 20" Knarlys on .125 rims. I'm looking for opinions on a MX tire/wheel combo that I can swap with my trail wheels/tires.

Other choices welcome as well.

I am looking at Rocky Mtn and either of the above are $118 to the door.

Trying to keep the budget around 100 bux.

Other option would be a 18x9 tire that I can mount on my other set of OEM rims. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance. If you find prices and sites that sell them, please post links.

Thanks.

[350Xhilaration]

18x10.5x9 Klaw MX tires are 100 shipped from Rocky Mtn.

Responses anxiously awaited.

[TimSr]

Im going to assume this is for a 350x. If its an MX only tire, Id go with the Turf Tamer, but Id suggest the 18x9.5x8 instead of the 11" wide. They wont grab quite as much, and should break loose for corner slides a little easier. I know you are trying to keep the price down, so Id also suggest buying a used set of aluminum OEM 300EX or 400EX or similar rims on ebay or something, and then going with the 9" tires instead of 8". If you go with the steel and 8", youre not going to notice the difference though, just a weight advantage.

For some reason, I dont see Kenda Klaws being used by the racers here. I have no personal experience with them, but the fact that I dont see them being used much by MX racers leaves me with a lot of doubts. Most are running Holeshots or similar types, but your trikes needs a much less aggressive tire in order to slide.

[NOS_350X]

Turf tamers or RAZR's. Had tamers for a long time loved them, just when through a tire swiching spree holeshots, shredders, kenda's. and like the razr's (not the mx i's or 2's) and there CHEAP also. Tamers or Razr's for me.

[Derrick Adams]

I agree with Tim. 18x9.5x8 Turf tamers will be a good all-around MX tire. I run these same tires on my R and am more than pleased. I believe Tim runs the 11" wide ones but probably just because he got a smokin deal on them!

You will have great forward traction with the turf tamers and decent slidability. You definately won't run them on trails though. They puncture extremely easily! Make sure to get rims with the most offset you can get! You'll need it as wide as possible to keep from 2 wheeling around those tight corners.

[350Xhilaration]

Well, I already have a perfect set of OEM 9s that came on my X. They have the 22" Dick Cepek Spider Tracs on them. Once I remove the Spiders from the 9" wheels, I'll prolly sell them or trade if anyone is interested.

Do they make a tamer in an 18x9.5x9?

I have to dig around some more on the internet.

[Derrick Adams]

Well, I already have a perfect set of OEM 9s that came on my X. They have the 22" Dick Cepek Spider Tracs on them. Once I remove the Spiders from the 9" wheels, I'll prolly sell them or trade if anyone is interested.

Do they make a tamer in an 18x9.5x9?

I have to dig around some more on the internet.


I don't believe they make an 18" x 9"

[TimSr]

I believe Tim runs the 11" wide ones but probably just because he got a smokin deal on them!


It was because I didnt know any better at the time I bought them several years ago. Nothing like learning the expensive way!

Some of these old tread designs get bought and sold by different MFG's, such as your Spider Tracks. Im looking in the DK catalog now, and the only Turf Tamers they show are now made by Carlisle, which means they are probably a lot harder rubber compound now which isnt something Im crazy about. They dont show a 18x9, so you might be limited to going with the 8". As I said, though, 8" on a steel rim adds more weight, but you wont notice any different in performance.

[350Xhilaration]

Yeah, I've not seen any 18x9 in the tamers. I don't care about the weight, I would like the best case scenario of finding a good 18" tire that I can put on the nice alum rims I already have for two reasons: First, save money, Second, Alum looks better than silver painted steel.

I may have to bite the bullet and buy a set before June. It would be nice if I could find a gently used set, but I doubt that will happen.

Anyone else feel free to chime in.

[NOS_350X]

It was because I didnt know any better at the time I bought them several years ago. Nothing like learning the expensive way!

Some of these old tread designs get bought and sold by different MFG's, such as your Spider Tracks. Im looking in the DK catalog now, and the only Turf Tamers they show are now made by Carlisle, which means they are probably a lot harder rubber compound now which isnt something Im crazy about. They dont show a 18x9, so you might be limited to going with the 8". As I said, though, 8" on a steel rim adds more weight, but you wont notice any different in performance.

The Carlisle turf tamers are a softer compound than when Titan produced them. I got sets of both. :w00t: With my X i can the the 11's (wide) to slide just at will?? Not enough power in your bikes guys???

[350Xhilaration]

These are the tires that came on my trike when I got it. Probably 70% or so tread left. I don't think I've ever seen a set of Spider Tracs completely worn out...I think they were constructed with steel.

One tire has one plug.

The rims are what I'll mount the new tires on if I find a set cheap enough.

If anyone is interested, I would sell them (tires only). Shipping would probably cost more than the tires though.

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires1.jpg

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires2.jpg

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires3.jpg

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires4.jpg

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires5.jpg

http://www.350xriders.com/tires/tires6.jpg

[350Xhilaration]

I do believe my dilemma is solved. Check the spreadhseet...a 400EX and a Bombardier DS90 share bolt patterns for rear wheels. I just so happen to know where one of those machines live...my shed.

It has 18x9.5x8s with Kenda Scorpions...:w00t:

ITP Wheel Chart (http://www.itptires.com/2006wheelchart.xls)

[Derrick Adams]

That's AWSOME! Can we see a pic with the tires on the trike?

[350Xhilaration]

They're still in the shed on the quad. The wife is working and I've got the 3 girls + 1 friend over. No time for trike related stuff. When I get them mounted (X-fingers that they fit) I'll get pics up.

[TimSr]

Those little quads about all run 4/110 bolt pattern, but you better double check to see that the holes are big enough for your studs.

[350Xhilaration]

hmmm...didn't think about that...crap. I bet the holes are too small. I'll find out soon enough.

[Bryan Raffa]

Im going to run scorpions I can get them for $30 a tire and remove some knobs with a grover there a good cheep tire!

[SpeedBump]

Hey, Bro... if that doesn't work....buy a set of cheap aluminum rims...8" and you can have the Maxis tires I got here for $10. That will cover the cost of my new ones! http://www.www.motosport.com/product.jsp?path=-1|31987|31174&id=31444

As for shipping, I need a couple things too, so let me know, and we can combine the orders to get over $100 for the free shipping! :w00t:

[350Xhilaration]

Problem solved.

link to thread (http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?p=347262#post347262)