P1000 Why are stock tires different size front/rear?

[OnTheJob]

Someone checking out my machine and stock tires set up and asked me, "Why are the front and rear tires different sizes?" I didn't really know. I said more traction in the rear and easier to steer with smaller tires up front but he came back with, "It's 4 wheel drive right?" My next response was some engineer somewhere designed that for a reason I'm sure.

Anyone have better explanation? I know most upgrade to same size wheels/tires X4

 

[Admin]

 

[Smitty335]

Someone checking out my machine and stock tires set up and asked me, "Why are the front and rear tires different sizes?" I didn't really know. I said more traction in the rear and easier to steer with smaller tires up front but he came back with, "It's 4 wheel drive right?" My next response was some engineer somewhere designed that for a reason I'm sure.

Anyone have better explanation? I know most upgrade to same size wheels/tires X4

Thats a good question! But I have busted the stock front tires three times, running same all the around now!

 

[JTW]

Someone checking out my machine and stock tires set up and asked me, "Why are the front and rear tires different sizes?" I didn't really know. I said more traction in the rear and easier to steer with smaller tires up front but he came back with, "It's 4 wheel drive right?" My next response was some engineer somewhere designed that for a reason I'm sure.

Anyone have better explanation? I know most upgrade to same size wheels/tires X4

I once asked a similar question and @ohanacreek made the most sense with “load rating”. Look at the load rating specs on a 9 vs 11 inch tire. Anything with a hitch... 4 wheeler, sxs, 3 wheeler. They’re all going to have more weight in the rear or on the rear tires at some point. Now you can make up with that with a heavier ply tire but then the manufactures are spending more on tires

 

[swsebek]

Someone checking out my machine and stock tires set up and asked me, "Why are the front and rear tires different sizes?" I didn't really know. I said more traction in the rear and easier to steer with smaller tires up front but he came back with, "It's 4 wheel drive right?" My next response was some engineer somewhere designed that for a reason I'm sure.

Anyone have better explanation? I know most upgrade to same size wheels/tires X4

Smaller tire up front will give you better steering,and larger tire in rear will give more traction.

 

[Smitty335]

Smaller tire up front will give you better steering,and larger tire in rear will give more traction.

????? I am guessing, but I would say curb appeal and MGF. $ savings, most come with 4 plys, most replace with 8 plys. I replaced mine and actually went from a 11 inch tire in the rear to a 10 inch front and rear, 8 plys, never going back

 

[ToddACimer]

Smaller tire up front will give you better steering,and larger tire in rear will give more traction.

This seems the most likely. The narrower front tire gives you the feeling of understeer which makes most operators slow down when driving aggressively. The wider rear tire helps with traction. I personally am really happy with 28x10s on all 4 tires and a higher ply tire

 

[swsebek]

????? I am guessing, but I would say curb appeal and MGF. $ savings, most come with 4 plys, most replace with 8 plys. I replaced mine and actually went from a 11 inch tire in the rear to a 10 inch front and rear, 8 plys, never going back

Yes 4 ply is ridiculous and dumb... Honda makes them selves look bad by doing this... And Maxxis should have never made a 4 ply for them. Cause now a lot of people will think all Bighorns are crap...I could let it slide by on my 700 But come on......... The 1000???? Just stupid

 

[Smitty335]

This seems the most likely. The narrower front tire gives you the feeling of understeer which makes most operators slow down when driving aggressively. The wider read tire helps with traction. I personally am really happy with 28x10s on all 4 tires and a higher ply tire

Have you checked your toe in/out, most come with toe out for more confidence. You'll probably find 1 inch plus if you haven't set yours. I'm running 1/8 inch toe in.

 

[Smitty335]

Yes 4 ply is ridiculous and dumb... Honda makes them selves look bad by doing this... And Maxxis should have never made a 4 ply for them. Cause now a lot of people will think all Bighorns are crap...I could let it slide by on my 700 But come on......... The 1000???? Just stupid

Maxxis makes good tires, just not the ones that come on all MGF.'s stock rigs.

 

[ToddACimer]

Have you checked your toe in/out, most come with toe out for more confidence. You'll probably find 1 inch plus if you haven't set yours. I'm running 1/8 inch toe in.

Yes. I've set my own alignment, tire pressure and shock settings based on payload and trail conditions. Honda had to set the machine up for an everyday user without a clearly defined load or terrain.

 

[Smitty335]

Yes. I've set my own alignment, tire pressure and shock settings based on payload and trail conditions. Honda had to set the machine up for an everyday user without a clearly defined load or terrain.

YEP!