Bigger tires--anybody try this?

[doc_speeder]

So I use my Blaster mostly for trails. The trails around here can be pretty gnarly, with more than an occasional carb-deep stream crossing, lots of ruts, rocks tree roots, fallen logs etc. I went riding with a couple buddies last Friday, and they both ride Scramblers. Still solid rear axle, but higher frame, bigger tires etc. I did pretty good, and the 250lb advantage helped out but, I'd like to make the Blaster WAY more trail capable, (more than the common 22" rear tires gives) so here's my idea.

10" rims are easy to come by for the rear of the Blaster, and allow a choice of 23, 24, 25" rear rubber. Polaris Sportsmans have the same front bolt pattern as the Blaster and are 12", and would allow tire choices of 24, 25" etc front tires. I'm thinking a 24x10x10 on the back, and a 25x9x12 on front. Raptor 660 shocks would be a good cheap upgrade that would give me some height on my +3 arms, and with my YFZ rear shock and custom shock mount/+4 swingarm, I've got loads of sky-jacking potential on the rear. Probably go 12/41 gearing or so. Any comments?

 

[mr_3_0_5]

i dont know if anyone has tried it but i dont see whty it wouldnt work you may need to gear it higher thats all...

 

[super noober]

ive wondered the same thing, are big tires too much for a blaster to handle? i would be interested in some pics/vid when you get it done.

 

[mr_3_0_5]

i dont think the blaster will spin a 25" tire in mud..
but i think it would work.

 

[darealblaster]

Clutch killaaaaaa!! lol, you would need to gear it really high for those big ass tires and rims, bigger tires and bigger rims= more weight. So in mud dont think that the blaster will spin the sh*t out of em to get you out, ive seen blasters in my town with 20'' not gt stuck while other with 22'' brand new stuck just cuz theres not much spin for the traction.

 

[Awk08]

you'll definately hav'ta loose your black plastic heel gaurds and possibly the floor boards, i just saw pics on here lately, that someone put some 22's on, and only had about an inch of clearence between the tire and these parts???

 

[burnin'_oil_2001]

you'll definately hav'ta loose your black plastic heel gaurds and possibly the floor boards, i just saw pics on here lately, that someone put some 22's on, and only had about an inch of clearence between the tire and these parts???

Yes, but he is using a +4 swinger. I think that it would work if you calculate the change in rolling diameter of the tires and gear appropriately. like if the new tires are a 30% increase in rolling diameter then you would need to gear down by 30% to keep the same gearing, but with the extra weight you might want to gear down more like 35-40%. I am interested in how this turns out...post some picts and comments after you test the combo. I:I

 

[specialized7]

iv thought about this to, but since the front end has plenty of clearance i think i would go with a 23" front tire because a 25 would be damn close to hitting your pipe, bumper or something.
10" rears would be nice, give you a lot more selection.
24" would probably be alright, like i mean my blaster with 20" tires has not even 4" of ground clearance

 

[rjschi21]

If you're after ground clearance you can get some 14" or 15" Ford Escort wheels and tires for big ground clearance. For the rear only though. I have put 13" wheels with 185 65 R13 tires and they were right at 22" in total height. It did some mean doughnuts in the grass!

 

[jbblaster]

get some 22" razrs. pretty good ground clearance.

 

[Paulie B]

You will burn the clutch with any kind of big mud tire.
Even the Pro-lock Banshee clutch in my 400 gets toasty with my 22" Bear claws.

 

[xjma]

I run 22" mud lites and with stock wheels in hard turns the tire deflects and hits the edge of the metal heel guard a tad. I would clearance it but I want to get some spacers to fix not only that problem.

Clutches are meant to be replaced, haha! I run the stock gearing with the 22s and it's good for me but I'm not that picky. I may try a different gearing when I get new chain/sprockets. As said before, you'd definitley need a longer singarm for larger than 23" tires. I think you could probably fit 23s (although I'm basing this off running 22s) in there but it would be close. Plus, the higher you go up the longer you want the wheel base anyways....

 

[doc_speeder]

Thanks for all the input. I'm just in the planning stages at this point, and as the $'s are significant, I want to do some more thinking/research first. I likely won't even do this this season.

To address some of the issues that you all have mentioned:
1)Gearing: according to an online gear/tire size calculator, a 12/44 sprocket combo should get me pretty close to stock gearing.

2)Power: getting the gearing right will be crucial, but I'm not really too concerned with mud. I don't really care for deep sticky mud. I am concerned with overall ground clearance for rocks/ruts/roots/logs etc. I figure the more clearance I have, the better. Most of the stream crossings are just rocky and clear, not muddy, and the mud pits are mostly avoidable.

3)Clutch: yes this may be an issue. However, I am running a pretty mild motor, (as opposed to a 400cc beast!)and with the gearing corrected, the only added stress on the clutch will be the additional traction and weight of the 24's vs the 20's that are on there now.

4)Steering clearance: I may have to look at this, but I don't think it will be a problem. A 25" tire is only 2" bigger in radius than what I'm running now, and I have +3/+1 A-arms.

5)Rear clearance: not an issue due to the +4 swingarm and Banshee axle with spacers.

I think it would be cool to have the ultimate trail setup on a Blaster, I've never seen this before B)

 

[Blasterdude27]

Sounds like you got it thought out well. I say go for it!

 

[crazy4wdracer]

I have 22" Mud Lites on my Blaster and my clutch isn't slipping yet and I am extremely hard on clutches. I ride some gnarly trails too and my Blaster gets through most of it. I am running stock gearing too and it is fine even though I'm not very picky. One thing I have noticed is you really have to have it revved up and you can't lug it as much with the bigger tires. I'm looking forward to seeing pics and how it turns out for you.

 

[chrisroberts916]

If you're after ground clearance you can get some 14" or 15" Ford Escort wheels and tires for big ground clearance. For the rear only though. I have put 13" wheels with 185 65 R13 tires and they were right at 22" in total height. It did some mean doughnuts in the grass!

Are you saying ford bolt pattern is the same? If so I might have to try that just for the hell of it.

As far as the fronts go I've been running 22" and there great for going over down trees and stuff, just pull up to it bap the throttle and it pops you right over. I prefer my 18" rear, if you ride it right you can go thru some sh*t.

 

[doc_speeder]

Blaster rear is 4x100mm spacing. Lots of cars used this pattern. VW's, Honda's, some Mazdas etc. That doesn't mean they will fit necessarily though. Most cars are hub-centric, Blasters are lug-centric. It might be tough to center them properly, although you can likely get them close enough for off-road purposes.

 

[Iconic]

get some 22" razrs. pretty good ground clearance.

Do they make such a thing?

 

[stephen12091985]

sounds like it would be a nice project

 

[rjschi21]

Are you saying ford bolt pattern is the same? If so I might have to try that just for the hell of it.

There are many foreign cars with the 100mm X 4 lug pattern. To get them centered it works best to use tapered lugnuts. Mine worked fine, but I didn't go over 30 MPH though.