Wheel size

[sprayedgt]

Quick question. What are the reasons you would use a 8" rear wheel over a 9" wheel? Given the tires are the same size are there any advantages to a smaller rim? I know in drag racing we use 15" wheels to absorb the side wall flex and drive train shock from a 7,000 rpm launch on 10.5" slicks. Is this the same principle in the ATV world? I found a sweet deal on some brand new Holeshot's mounted on 8" wheels and want to know the pro's/con's of a smaller wheel.

[sprayedgt]

No one has an idea about this??

[AZ440ex]

It depends on the tire size. I run 8" wheels with 18" tires because 9" wheels make the tire too stiff.

[sprayedgt]

They are 20/11/8's. Right now I have 20/10/9's.

[AZ440ex]

Originally posted by sprayedgt
They are 20/11/8's. Right now I have 20/10/9's.

8" with the 20's will give some sidewall flex in hard corners but will also give a little more protection against rock etc..

I doubt you will be unhappy with that combo, besides then you will have a set of 8" wheels if you ever get 18" tires for MX

[sprayedgt]

Thank you. I probably will never MX competitively just for fun here and there. I think I'm going to jump on the deal. The extra rock puncture protection is great for the places I ride in.

[400exrider707]

Usually 8" wheels (for the rear) are used cause the smaller tires have less sidewall. Its nice to have more sidewall flex to prevent damage to the wheel.