Is there a difference between front and rear tires for an atc?

[Zach]

I realize the models more on the sport end of the spectrum had different size front tires but I am talking about models like the 200s or 200m most specifically the 250es Big Red. I have had smaller three wheelers with cheap tires I never cared about so this was never an issue. Now I am looking at some tires on ebay to replace the worn front tire on my Big Red and notice some say for REAR. Since all tires are the same size on a Big Red is there really a front and back tire for them? Here are two examples of what I am looking at to put on as a front tire for my Big Red

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350999953624...84.m1423.l2649

I really like the look of this one but it says rear so not sure if there is a difference

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390590117327...84.m1423.l2649

[wonderboy]

Go to the OEM parts sites and look up part numbers. That will tell you which machines originally came with the same 3 tires all the way around. The ones that I know had the same tire on front and rear: The Big Reds (200E, 200ES, 250ES) and the 250SX. I think the unique front tires were the exception, not the norm.

As for aftermarket tires, I don't see what the issue would be as long as the tire has the correct dimensions for the front.

[honda200x1987]

The 200S 200M 200E ES 250ES BIG RED models all have the exact same tire and size front and rear, the rear rims and tire will bolt on the front also. Not that a 200S wheel and tire will fit a 250ES though

[dougspcs]

Have you considered the rim/tire swap idea? I posted a thread with detail about a couple of 250ES and my 250SX that I played around with alternate rim/tire setup..

A lot of other members have tried it and seems to be catching on..pretty inexpensive option to give your BR a new look and shed off some of the negative handling issues related to that big fat front tire.

The rim you will need to buy is : ITP Steel 12x7, 2+5 offset with the 4/110 bolt pattern. Last I saw on 'rockymountainatv.com' it was $35. This rim is a dead nutz fit for the 250ES with proper offset and bolt up.

Then your choices for front tire suddenly explode since the 12" tires are much more common..I personally installed the Bear Claw 26x8x12.

This idea won't work for the ATC 200 series machines due to the fact they don't use the 4/110 bolt pattern.

Here is how it looks now:


I did the black rim to match the format of my 'back in black' build..but it also comes in silver.

As a caution note of the tires you've chosen as possible candidates..some of the replacement "OEM sized" tires on the market are considerably bigger than the OEM and many have had them rubbing on there front forks with some pretty serious consequences!!

They say 'REAR' because they are drive tires and most quads use a smaller front tire..since they would most certainly rub when turning as a front tire, it is quite likely the reason they state them as rear tires. Of course it really doesn't matter if they fit for clearance.

Oh yeah, BTW..if you use the rim/tire idea above and the tire happens to be directional. Load it onto your rim as a right hand tire to get the tread pattern correct.

[MojaveRider]

Have you considered the rim/tire swap idea? I posted a thread with detail about a couple of 250ES and my 250SX that I played around with alternate rim/tire setup..
A lot of other members have tried it and seems to be catching on..pretty inexpensive option to give your BR a new look and shed off some of the negative handling issues related to that big fat front tire.
The rim you will need to buy is : ITP Steel 12x7, 2+5 offset with the 4/110 bolt pattern. Last I saw on 'rockymountainatv.com' it was $35. This rim is a dead nutz fit for the 250ES with proper offset and bolt up.
Then your choices for front tire suddenly explode since the 12" tires are much more common..I personally installed the Bear Claw 26x8x12.

I did the black rim to match the format of my 'back in black' build..but it also comes in silver.
As a caution note of the tires you've chosen as possible candidates..some of the replacement "OEM sized" tires on the market are considerably bigger than the OEM and many have had them rubbing on there front forks with some pretty serious consequences!!
They say 'REAR' because they are drive tires and most quads use a smaller front tire..since they would most certainly rub when turning as a front tire, it is quite likely the reason they state them as rear tires. Of course it really doesn't matter if they fit for clearance.
Of yeah, BTW..if you use the rim/tire idea above and the tire happens to be directional. Load it onto your rim as a right hand tire to get the tread pattern correct.

Any issues running those 12" wide tires on the 7" wide wheels? That seems like quite a squeeze, especially compared to stock.

[dougspcs]

Any issues running those 12" wide tires on the 7" wide wheels? That seems like quite a squeeze, especially compared to stock.

The rim is 2" thinner, the tires are 4" thinner than stock..

You'd think you were on a different machine!! Like a 200x on Steroids!

Most of the turning sideslip is gone, it's more agile and manageable on a rutted quad trail..a beautiful change to the machine.

Best of all it requires no mechanical modifications.

Just bolt on and ride!!

[MojaveRider]

The rim is 2" thinner, the tires are 4" thinner than stock..

You'd think you were on a different machine!! Like a 200x on Steroids!

Most of the turning sideslip is gone, it's more agile and manageable on a rutted quad trail..a beautiful change to the machine.

Best of all it requires no mechanical modifications.

Just bolt on and ride!!

I thought you were running a 12" wide tire on the back?

These Mud Sharks that I have on my rear wheels are 26x12x12 and they are great..too bad they are obsolete. I lucked out and picked them up locally from a guy that was getting out of dirtbike racing. He had stacks of tires given to him by his sponsors over the years. I got 4 of them at that time, 2 went on this machine and the other 2 are still sitting on my tire rack in the shop..

I say experiment a little..don't be afraid to go outside the box a bit. I'd stay under 26", but then I'm 240lbs and like to climb and mud bog..I need the torque. You may feel differently..

[emmie357]

A lot of the tires listed as front or rear tires are listed that way based solely on the tread pattern.

You wouldn't want a kenda max on the rear, or a paddle on the front...

[dougspcs]

I thought you were running a 12" wide tire on the back?

I am, no issues mounting the 12" tire on the 7" rims..

12" is the tread width and has little bearing on the bead width.

[MojaveRider]

I am, no issues mounting the 12" tire on the 7" rims..

12" is the tread width and has little bearing on the bead width.

Any issues turning the 26's? I've got my eye on a set of 26x11x12 Bear Claws. They are actually 26.2" tall according to the spec sheet, with an 11" section width. The 25x12.5x9 Bear Claw is only 24.6" tall and 11.2" section width.

[Zach]

You guys are awesome. Doug that is a good looking machine I would love to do that but it will probably have to wait until next year before I can drop that kinda coin for all new tires and wheels. I am dead set on finding a 350x before the big camping trip all my 3 wheelin buddies go on every year that means I have 2 more months to sell my 200m and find the 350x.

Also Doug would you mind taking come closer shots of that wheel tire combo that looks really good. Who knows maybe I can convince the wife its a good idea before the trip!

[dougspcs]

Any issues turning the 26's? I've got my eye on a set of 26x11x12 Bear Claws. They are actually 26.2" tall according to the spec sheet, with an 11" section width. The 25x12.5x9 Bear Claw is only 24.6" tall and 11.2" section width.

If I had to do it again I'd stick with the 25"

Combination of me being a big guy (250lbs), having the larger 26" tire, and the SX engine with the lower gear ratios..I often have to run one gear lower and let the higher RPMs do the work to prevent the lugging!

But do I concern about hurting the machine? No..it's still good.

But for a guy running the stock ES engine, and weighing in at 150lbs the 26" would be great..bear in mind that not all 26" tires are created equal. Some have a considerably larger outside diameter than others!!

[dougspcs]

You guys are awesome. Doug that is a good looking machine I would love to do that but it will probably have to wait until next year before I can drop that kinda coin for all new tires and wheels. I am dead set on finding a 350x before the big camping trip all my 3 wheelin buddies go on every year that means I have 2 more months to sell my 200m and find the 350x.

Also Doug would you mind taking come closer shots of that wheel tire combo that looks really good. Who knows maybe I can convince the wife its a good idea before the trip!

Thanks Zach..here is a shot I found in my home PC of another one of my trikes I did the same thing with.



As you can see different tires and silver this time..I've done this tire/rim combo three times now, including two of mine and 1 of my brothers. All with different tires as I've experimented a bit..

They are all awesome.

The great thing about this is you can do the front wheel which is what you asked about, then replace the rear later..no need to hit it all at once.

I'll see if I can score some more pics of the black if you still want..I just need to find them in my work PC.