Now that I have the new KQ450, time to get rid of those ^&*^&*%^ tires.
Before I ask my question, remember that this is the ride that I bought for my 2 teenage kids to share....so I DO NOT want to make it top of the line. I just want them to have something a little better than OEM.
I have been bugging Matt at ATV Outfitters with numerous quote requests adn Q&A, and decided I needed to slow down and ask a couple of questions here.
I would like to get the MudLite AT in the 26" size. My Concern is that the fronts are 26/9/12 vs the OEM 26/8/12.
Question: I want to keep the steering at near the current OEM 'lightness' for the kids. Does the extra 1" width in the MudLite fronts make any significant difference at all???

OK, I'm stupid. The Mudlite AT is not available in 26". Never mind. Matt told me that...I was just brain numb when I read his email.
I'll post Q&A about the +/- of Mudlite XL in the 'Tire Talk' forum.

Let's try this one more time....
For KQ450:
Kenda bearclaw K299, 26/9/12 and 26/12/12 on black ITP steel rims.

Does this concern any of you as far as fit (width) and performance on the KQ?

Reminder - I'm just trying to improve on the OEM at budget price....not trying to get ultimate performance.

If you're trying to keep costs down, why not use the stock rims. I think a wider stance could cause problems catching rocks and roots unexpectedly.

Lot of good tires, just make sure they are radials.

I did not realizes that OEM on the 450KQ were 26",...on the 700KQ they are 25". When I replaced my OEM tires with Big Horns, I stayed with the OEM sizes and OEM rims.

I had a set of Kenda Bearclaws on stock rims on my older Suzuki 500 and they were GREAT.

Stock is 25". Just interested in upping the height just a little so the KQ could stand proud beside the SP500

Yes, could save by using stock rims, but I'm buying from internet and don't want' to have to deal with taking to a dealer/WalMart to actualy mount. Also, my dealer highly recommended putting stock tires back on if KQ needed to come in for warranty work...told me that they have been getting surprise visits occasionally from Zuki reps inspecting to ensure that they are not cheating on warranty claims. A checksheet must be filled out with warranty work. Questions such as stock tires?, Stock air filter?, misc mods?, etc. service mgr. says he must be 100% honest...can't take risks.
A little bit of BS maybe? Dunno.

Hey....good excuse to get some nice rims!

Just watch the offset, I know NewZuki had some problems with the rear, but most likely was the Dumb Butt dealer.

Good Posts by the way, interesesting.

That dealer is a good man. He's being straight with you.

Be aware that the aftermarket rims will still run wider than your stock ones. ITP calls their 5+2 rims stock, but your Suzuki rims are more like 6+1.

Make sure you get a set of "4 front wheels" I learned the hard way that wide wheels on the rearend are a pain for many reasons. Just replaced my rears and I wonder why I waited so long.