XC tires chat

[ccdhowell]

I took the QR out for it's last shake-down run before the XC season starts on Jan 26. I took all three sets of tires that fit it's 4/110 bolt pattern that I have. First, I ran 20" Holeshots on 10" diameter wheels, every thing was fine. These are the tires that were on it when I bought it, but a rim was bent so I got a set of Douglas beadlocks and mounted the Holeshots on them. I run 10" diameter wheels on my Tecate and am used to the way a 10" wheel feels, thought they would be the best.

Next-up I put on some 18" Turf Tamers with some minor knob removal in the middle of the tread, mounted on 8" diameter ITP beadlocks. I haven't yet run these on the QR and boy did it really make the quad much better handleing and snappier on tight trails. First gear was a little short, but all-in-all I became addicted to the feel of these short little tires. And they look really cool on the back of the too tall Quadracer.

My third set, 20" ITP Trac Star tires on stock 400ex 9" wheels. I didn't even put these on. I was so happy with the little Turf Tamers that I didn't bother to run these today. I want to run the so I can see how a radial does on the rear of the QR, I'll get around to it one day.

Now I know everyone says 18s are too small for XC racing, but I rode everywhere today with the 18s that I did with 20s. It really is only one inch difference in radius, which lowers ground clearance one inch. I guess it will depend on the course that we're running on a particular weekend. If it's too rough, rocks, or roots it will cut-up the thin Turf Tamers or bang-up the bottom of the swinger or sprocket or rotor. Turf Tamers should be great on smoother courses, if there is such a thing. Kenda makes a XC tire that is 19" diameter, that may be a great compromise.

Anyway, share your ideas/thoughts on XC tire choice for different terrain/tracks/weather condition. Also, I've never run radials on a quad. If you run them are they noticably better and do you run them only on the rear or on all 4 corners?

Thanks,
Chris

[jason85atc250r]

the hot setup is 20" maxxis RAZR's on the rear and 21" RAZR2's on the front. RAZR2's hook up to much dont slide real easy. the ITP GNCC holeshots are awesome also. those two tire choices are what you'll see on 95% off the sport quads at the GNCC nationals.

don't run the Turf tamers they are 2 small and the track will get deep ruts in the single track section where you'll barely fit between trees. bad thing with the 10" wheels you will probably pinch the tires between a rock and rim and get a hole in the sidewall easier. not enuogh sidewall to soak it up. 9" wheels are the way to go with the tires mentioned above.

[ccdhowell]

I would have thought it would have been the other way around. Always thought the RAZR2's looked like more of a XC tire.

[jason85atc250r]

they are a XC tire. people dont like them as much since they hook up to good and you can't slide right in the corners. your quad wants to tip over easier due to the narrow width.

your holeshots are probably the old style ones that are rock hard like carlisle trial pro's. the GNCC and H-d model holeshots they make now are way softer compound. the RAZR's are soft also.

i ran 4 GNCC nationals with the same RAZR tires and did not have a flat last season. when i raced MX in the early 90's i had flats with the turf tamers on smooth MX tracks they are that flimsy

[SYKO]

I think the hottest XC type tire out right now is the Irazzr 's those things are sick! a bit pricey but SICK!

[ccdhowell]

I was looking at the GNCCs and really like them and I have a set of 9" wheels to run them on. I also like the look of the AMS Pactrax tire. Never seen them in person, but on paper I like them. Anyone ever run them.

I have Pirelli Race Rail XC tires on the rear of my Tecate and, frankly, they have too much traction for a 2-stroke machine. They were hard to break loose with the throttle before I put on the big bore kit so I don't think the almost stock, fairly tired topend on my QR will break these tires loose the way I like to. I like to steer with the throttle, especially on winding trails and this QR doesn't turn as sharp as newer quads either. Being able to blip the throttle easy and swing the backend a couple feet or so around makes it much easyier to ride. I don't want to have to slam the throttle open to slide it, just a little blip is better.

Syko, I like the look and idea of the radials, espcially the iRazors, but only have a set of rear Trac Stars, but haven't even rode them yet. Have you rode any radials and what did you think?

Chris

[jason85atc250r]

a set off the IRAZR's came on my 400ex with the 250r motor i raced at the GNCC's

the rears IRAZR's have good forward traction but have no side bite they slide out real easy. the front versions just tottally blow the dont work good at all pushes alot. you hardly see anybody using them at the nationals some guys use just the rears and RAZR 2's on the front.

i plan on buying RAZR2's for the front when they wear out.

ccdhowell just stick with the holeshot GNCC tires or the RAZR's or razr2's and you'll be happy. they gotta teel you something when thats what 90% of the poeple use and all the Pro's

[brapp]

i titaly agree with jason n the razr 2's up front and the origional razrs in back and i have always run a 22inch in rear with a 9 inch rim ruts get bad and rocks up her ein pa suck

[evand]

if your looking for a cheaper way out then the holeshots, look at the duro powertrails, theres 6 ply 20/11/9 hold up better then razrs and slide rlly good and have awsome bite. and there dirt cheap next to the holeshots.

[Yamada]

What exactly means XC? eXtreme Condition, X-country??

[edog]

Cross country......

[stealthduner]

Have any of you guys tried the Kings Tire Slasher? I have a set on my 86 250R, they look just like the Razr. So far they are lasting real well, took them to the dune ans they hooked up almost as good as paddles but you can still burp the throttle and break them loose. Mine are 20 inch on the 9 inch factory gold wheels

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g307/stealthduner/2.jpg

[SYKO]

so the Irazz'rs suck? the only radials I have to much time on is the dunlop stock style radials, witch on some machines work great and on other suck balls

[jason85atc250r]

the rears are not bad but the front's totally blow

[ccdhowell]

Alright, I made a decision. Bought a pair of 20x11-9 Holeshot HDs. Should be a good tire to run in almost any condition. I have several spare rim/tire combos to use is track conditions demand and 11, 12 and 13 tooth front sprockets to switch out as I switch tire diameters and adjust to track conditions. I'm all but done and ready for my racing debut next weekend. I have a spare reed cage with Boyesen carbon fiber reeds, think I'll put these in and use the stock reeds as my back-up cage.

Signing out and wish me luck, I'll post as to how it went.

Chris

[cody2]

Good luck. Your tires should be fine, but again good luck.