I'm looking to replace the stock tires on my 2002 Yamaha Blaster. I mostly ride on trails with some mud and hardpack. I want something that grips well but won't break the bank. I've been looking at Maxxis Razr and Kenda Klaw. Anyone have experience with these on a Blaster?
Thread
I've run both on my Blaster. The Maxxis Razr is a solid all-around tire, good on hardpack and moderate mud. The Kenda Klaw wears faster but grips better in loose stuff. For trails, I'd lean Razr if you want longevity. Check your rim width too, stock rims are narrow.
Make sure you get the right size. The Blaster uses 20x11-9 rear and 21x7-10 front. Some aftermarket tires are slightly taller and can rub. I learned that the hard way. Measure clearance before buying.
I swapped to ITP Holeshots and love them. They're a bit pricier but last forever and hook up great in corners. If you ride aggressive trails, they're worth the extra cash. Just my two cents.
Don't forget to check the ply rating. Stock tires are 4-ply. If you go to 6-ply, they're heavier but more puncture resistant. For trail riding, 4-ply is fine unless you're in rocky terrain.
I had a set of Cheng Shin tires on my Blaster and they were terrible. Slipped everywhere. Spend a little more on a name brand. The difference in grip and ride quality is huge.
I run Maxxis Razr rear and Kenda Klaw front. That gives good steering bite and solid rear traction. Mixing brands works if the tread patterns match your terrain. Just keep the same overall diameter.
If you're on a tight budget, look at SunF tires. They're cheap and decent for light trail use. Not as durable as Maxxis but they get the job done. I've had a set for two seasons with no issues.
I'm a mechanic and see a lot of Blasters. The most common mistake is buying tires that are too aggressive for the stock power. A heavy mud tire will bog the engine. Stick with a light trail tire.
I ride mostly sand and hardpack. The GBC Dirt Commander has been great. It's a directional tire that clears mud well and rides smooth on hard trails. Not too heavy for the Blaster either.
Make sure to check the valve stem location when mounting. Some aftermarket tires have a different sidewall shape that can cause clearance issues with the brake caliper. I had to grind a little off my caliper once.
I've heard good things about the Sedona Coyote tire. It's a budget option that holds up well. A buddy runs them on his Blaster and says they hook up better than stock. Worth a look.
If you do a lot of climbing, get a tire with a taller lug. The Kenda Klaw has a nice bite for hill climbs. But on flat trails they can feel a bit bumpy. Trade-offs everywhere.
I second the Maxxis Razr. They're predictable and last. I get about two seasons out of a set riding every weekend. Just rotate them front to back halfway through to even wear.
Don't forget to balance your tires after mounting. Unbalanced tires cause vibration at speed and wear out bearings faster. A simple stick-on weight kit is cheap and worth it.
I run the ITP Mud Lite on my Blaster. They're great in mud but on hardpack they slide around. If you ride mixed terrain, go with a more universal tread. Mud Lites are too aggressive for most trails.
Check the date code on tires. Old stock can be dry rotted even if they look new. I bought a set that were three years old and they cracked within months. Always buy fresh.
I swapped to 22-inch rear tires for more ground clearance. Big mistake. The Blaster lost a lot of acceleration and felt sluggish. Stick with stock height unless you have engine mods.
For trail riding, I recommend a tire with a flat profile, like the Carlisle ATV Trail. They wear evenly and handle well on packed dirt. Not great in deep mud but fine for most trails.
I've had good luck with the Duro Desert Hawk. They're a bit hard compound so they last long but can be slippery on wet roots. Fine for dry conditions. Good value for the price.
Before you buy, confirm your Blaster's year. Some early models have different bolt patterns for wheels. Also check if your rims are steel or aluminum, as that affects tire bead seating. Measure twice, buy once.