Hey folks, I'm building a new 8‑inch rim for my 2022 sport ATV and I'm stuck on tire sizing. The rim width is 8 inches, but I'm not sure what tire width and overall diameter will give the best balance of grip and clearance. Some sites suggest 2.5‑3.0" width, others say go wider for off‑road. I’ve got about 2" of clearance around the fender and the swingarm. What tire size do you recommend for a solid mix of on‑road stability and trail traction without rubbing?
Thread
Ryan EdwardsJun 15, 2026, 5:47 PM
I ran a 2.75×8 on my Yamaha Grizzly and it works great. The sidewalls are stiff enough for highway cruising, yet the extra width gives decent float on loose terrain. Make sure you get a tire with a reinforced bead to handle the larger diameter; otherwise you might see wobble at high speeds. Also check that the tire clearance is at least 5‑6mm all around to avoid rubbing on rocks.
Tom HarrisJun 15, 2026, 5:47 PM
I wouldn't go wider than 2.5" on an 8" rim. I tried a 3.0" on my older ATV and the sidewalls collapsed under cornering, making it feel mushy. Plus the larger profile ate up the clearance I had, causing the tire to brush the swingarm on bumps. Stick with a 2.5×8 and you’ll keep the handling crisp and avoid premature wear.
Sarah CollinsJun 15, 2026, 5:47 PM
From a safety standpoint, the tire's load rating matters as much as width. Look for a tire rated for at least 800 lb if you plan to haul cargo. A 2.6×8 with a high‑load rating gave me confidence when pulling a trailer. Also, double‑check the tire’s bead seat diameter; a mismatch can cause the tire to slip off the rim under heavy loads.
Kevin BrooksJun 15, 2026, 5:47 PM
If you’re mostly on trails, consider a knobby 2.8×8. The extra width gives a larger contact patch for better traction on mud and sand. Just be aware that it will raise the overall diameter a bit, which might affect your speedometer reading and gearing. I swapped to a 2.8×8 on my older model and had to re‑calibrate the odometer, but the grip improvement was worth it.
Dan WalkerJun 15, 2026, 5:47 PM
One thing I learned the hard way: don’t overlook tire pressure. With an 8" rim, the recommended pressure range is often 30‑35 psi for street use and 20‑25 psi for off‑road. I ran a 2.65×8 at 28 psi and felt a nice compromise—stable on pavement, yet still cushioned on rocks. Over‑inflating can make the tire “balloon” and reduce traction, while under‑inflating can cause sidewall damage.