rear wheels for MX 9" vs. 8"

[troybilt]

Any advantages of one or the other? I see most run 8" rears. I've read a few things about each, but want to hear what you all have to say. Thanks. T

[Chino886]

I think most people run 8" rears for the increases side wall flex and bite.

[socal]

Chino is correct,sidewall flex...Average air pressure for most MX guys around me is 8lbs rear and 11 up front for MX.I used to practice with Kory Ellis at Glen Helen and Wayne,mastermind behind PEP would come out to setup his suspension and he emphasized the importance of correct tire pressure in order for the shocks to work properly!Makes complete sense,rock hard front tires will transfer all energy to the shock and vice versa,not good!I know,too much (very important)info you may already know!:p

[troybilt]

What are the positives with the 9"? There were a few Pro's that ran them as well, a few years back...

[socal]

9s are used under real muddy conditions at times with a taller tire.I know some guys were running 9s on really slick,somewhat flatter faster tracks where they did not want so much flex to allow the tires to brake loose easier in corners.All in all,its clear the 8 is the favored setup overall.

[250Renvy]

Troy, to be honest, I don't think you'll notice a difference. The weight savings would be minimal.

The only advantage to running one vs the other for you would be tire selection. In the 9" rim there are not very many 18" rears. Much more selection in the 8" rim.

[socal]

Troy,wondering if you found any Shamrocks?Have you decided on another wheel if not?

[troybilt]

Yeah, I've found some, kind of waiting on selling my Hipers. I have tech 3's dual beadlock rears and Tech 3 single fronts, but they are 9" rears that's why I was asking... I could slap some new rings on there and they would look sharp. But I want a good MX setup.

I'm really leaning at this point to go with the G2's single beadlocks, and do some powdercoating.

[socal]

Yea,the G2 is a great looking wheel!I like the notches in the ring!

[Mrs. SFRacing]

Troy the shocks will perform best with 8 inch tires and are setup for them as well.

[250Renvy]

What tires are you going with?

If you are going with ITP then you are limited to MXR6 for 18". If you are going with Maxxis there are lots of choices for 9" rims.

I would figure out what tire you want and if it's not available in 9" then sell and get an 8" otherwise I'd just go with the hipers with new rings.

[troybilt]

Yeah, I'm just going to sell them and get 8" wheels. I want to run Goldspeed tires, or Maxxis Razrcross.

[oldschoolr]

Hey Troy I went the mx nationals few weeks ago and dwt had a trailer set up selling goldspeed tires and he said he sold out of the mxr 2's the first day. That's what I was going to buy too but had to get mxr's instead. Still haven't had time to try them tho. Mxr 2's seem to be the hot tire right now.