Big tires for Raptor 700

[ccdhowell]

I recently bought an '07 Raptor 700 for XC racing. I have two races on it and like the quad and how it races, but have been thinking about something fairly radical for the Raptor.

I've been thinking about putting big utility sized wheels and tires on it, front and rear for racing on almost every kind of track except very dry and fast stuff.

I race in the ATVCCS series down in east Texas and the terrain is often better suited to the utility quads. Lots of mud, ruts that get so deep during a race that you can't get through and i the last two races, rocks.

I am currently running 22x7-10 front and 20x11-10 rear Pirelli Race Rail XCs and was looking at something like 25x8-12 and 25x10-12 Maxxis 4speed front and rear on Douglas .190 wheels. Seems to me that with a small sprocket change that I should have plenty of motor and the tires will roll over many of the obsticles that are slowing me down now. Maybe it's just me, I recently replaced my old racer quad with the Raptor 700 and I almost bought a big engine utility instead. I like powering over and through obsiticles; I'm not much of a finese rider and I race in an age class so I can ride just about anything I want.

Anyway anybody ever done anything like this? How'd it work out? How bad would it upset the center of gravity, sliding ability, steering responsiveness and other things important to XC racing?

Throw me a bone here guys, stupid or brilliant?

Chris

[BlaineKaiser450]

it might work for ruts and stuff, but it would probly flip like no other

[450rJam]

sounds like it may work, you would give up a little handleing but gain clearance/traction

I would keep the stock rims (they are light and strong)
then just put taller tires (heavy sidewalls will help with tire roll)

I wouldnt add the heavy steel wheels that some utilities have

[ccdhowell]

Originally posted by BlaineKaiser450
...it would probly flip like no other


I just had to smile when I read that; funny stuff. I get a mental picture of me trying to race my first race with big tires and rolling on it's side coming into every corner. Now that I think of it, why am I laughing?

Chris

[ccdhowell]

Originally posted by 450rJam
sounds like it may work, you would give up a little handleing but gain clearance/traction

I would keep the stock rims (they are light and strong)
then just put taller tires (heavy sidewalls will help with tire roll)

I wouldnt add the heavy steel wheels that some utilities have




I think it just might work. If I get stuck in one hole, it costs say 1 to 2 minutes and maybe more. I admit big tires would be slower in many places. but on a sport quad like my Raptor how much slower would indeed be up for debate, and would differ rider to rider.

It is really only a weight issue. I can gear for the tires. I look at it like this: a 20" tire on a 9" wheel(most common combo) is 5.5" of sidewall between the wheel and the ground, give-or-take a smidgen. A 25" tire on a 12" wheel is 6.5" of sidewall between the wheel and the ground. Will the 1" in additional sidewall make that much difference, especially when the tire is designed for a heavier quad which means a stiffer sidewall.

I know I'm convincing many people with my argument. Well when the big tire on sport race quad revolution hits, just remember you heard (er, read) it hear first.

Chris

[ZSNOW]

the baja guys that race DS650's put 25's and 26's on there. if a DS650 can pull it why can't a raptor 700?

[ccdhowell]

Originally posted by ZSNOW
the baja guys that race DS650's put 25's and 26's on there. if a DS650 can pull it why can't a raptor 700?

That's what I'm talking about.
Didn't know that though, good to know.
Do you know if they ran 26 front and 25 rear? I plan to run 25 both front and rear, but usually run a taller tire in front, at least when I run "normal" size tires.

[ZSNOW]

idk exactley wat sizes they run. i know it used to be 25-8 holeshot atrs... not sure anymore tho

[ccdhowell]

I ordered big tires and wheels from Rocky Mountain today. There weren't many choices in wheels for what I'm doing, but the Douglas .190 I ordered will do the trick. Front: Maxxis 4speed 25x8-12 on 12x7 4+3 wheel. Rear Maxxis 4speed 25x10-12 on 12x8 5+3 wheel.

I'm thinking it's gonna look awesome, if not a little bit funny. I'll keep ya'll posted as to how tires affect performance and handleing.

Chris

[ccdhowell]

Today I put my crazy idea into action. A week ago I ordered A set of Douglas .190 aluminum wheels, 12x8 rears shod with 25x10R12 Maxxis 4speed tires and 12x7 fronts with 25x8R12 Maxxis 4speed tires. They came in today and I couldn't get them on fast enough. Got'em on and took a quick ride around the neighborhood to see how it felt...feels tall, real tall. Looks kinda funny at first, but there seems to be plenty of room for the tires, no rubbing and seems like the Raptor engine will turn these big meats with no trouble at all without even a gear change.

I might me crazy, or I might be on to something...I'll let ya'll know next week; I intend to run these tires/wheels in our race this weekend up in Oklahoma. Supposed to be rocky, hopefully it will work out.


This may be the start of the next big thing in XC racing.

Chrishttp://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/345/345135/folders/287640/2318368DSC06797.JPG

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/345/345135/folders/287640/2318369DSC06798.JPG

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