It's funny you'd post this thread now.. I've been looking at tire/wheel combos for the last week or so. Your Terrabites are one of the lightest DOT 8 ply tires available (from the list I've looked at) I have a buddy that is running them on his Polaris 900 trail, and really likes them.
Here's what I found;
Tusk Terrabite 28/10R/14 =33lbs
STI Roctane XS 28/10R/14 = 33.8 lbs
EFX Motovator 28/9.5R/14 =41.8 lbs
EFX MotoClaw 28/10R/14 =36.2 lbs
My current EFX MotoHammers; Front 27/9R/14 =28.8 lbs, Rear 27/11R/14 = 36.3 lbs
Keep in mind, these weights are JUST the tire. If your 12" OE's were 33-35 lbs..... do the math.
I'm like you though, I will NOT deal with crappy 4 ply tires. I dealt with OE 4 ply stuff on my Brute Force, and sold that thing with plugs all over the dam things. I hate interrupting a ride with a flat. I won't do less than 6 ply ever again. I don't need big tall tires. The Pioneer has more ground clearance than the Viking did, and besides.. that's what skid plates are for.