Maybe you are looking at changing your ATV tires, or perhaps you were recently riding when you noticed the difference in the front and the rear tires. While they generally share the same diameter, and, thus, height, their width can vary.
ATV tires are typically the same height in the front and rear, but the front tires are smaller in width. Narrower front tires on an ATV provide increased maneuverability with decreased tire rub. Meanwhile, the wider rear tires increase traction and stability- enhancing the safety and performance.
So, to be clear, the “smallness” of the ATV front tires refers to the width measurement and how this changes the overall performance of the vehicle. Interestingly, while you can have the same size ATV tires on the front and rear, this is rare because of the many benefits of having the staggered wheel setup. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of smaller front tires on ATVs as well as why ATV tire size matters.
Why ATV Tires Are Smaller in the Front
As mentioned above, there are several reasons why ATV tires are smaller in the front. By smaller, of course, it is meant that the front ATV tires are generally an inch or two narrower (8-9in) than their rear counterparts (9-10in). This is done intentionally, but unless you know about the reasons behind this, then it might seem a bit confusing and strange.
ATV tires are smaller in the front for several reasons, but the main reasons include increased maneuverability and decreased tire rub and handlebar whip.
There are several factors that go into the maneuverability, and these include steering as well as getting your ATV to come to a quick halt without overturning.
Of course, the smaller front tires on an ATV also contribute an additional safety component to the vehicle creating all the more reason to enjoy this component of your favorite ride. Especially if this is the favorite ride of someone you love- and tend to worry about driving recklessly- like your young adult children or another close family member.
1. Increased Maneuverability
Smaller ATV front tires create an easier platform to steer through a wide variety of terrain.
Consider if you were trying to guide your bike or your car through a bumpy or rocky terrain- or if you were just trying to navigate one or the other through your driveway into your garage.
2. Decreased Tire Rub
As an added bonus for smaller front tires on your ATV, you will find that the tire will not press against these components in the same capacity. Having a decreased surface area in terms of tire space will decrease the amount that is pressing (rubbing) onto the suspension components among others.
3. Decreased Handlebar Whip
Why ATV Tires are Wider in the Rear
While we have discussed a few of the reasons why ATV tires are smaller (or more narrow) in the front, there are additional reasons why wider rear tires on an ATV have their advantages. In learning about and understanding the effectiveness of ATV tires, it is important to know about these reasons, too.
Mainly, ATV tires are wider in the rear to increase traction and stability, thus enhancing the safety and overall performance of the vehicle. This complements the narrower front tires that are configured in the staggered setup of the ATV tires. Not only do the wider rear ATV tires help in navigation, but they can help ease your mind on safety concerns, too.
Through their wider dimensions, the rear tires are able to help the vehicle balance on a wide array of terrains. Particularly, the wider tires help to provide the stability needed while the front tires dig into the surface ahead. This helps to propel the vehicle forward and ultimately help the driver to reach his or her destination.
Additionally, the traction that is added through the wider rear ATV tires comes in the increased surface area that the tire provides against the surface it is being driven on. As the driver navigates through wet, dry, paved, or rough terrain, the ATV tire is able to cling to (without getting stuck to) the road.
Not only do these advantages help with navigating the vehicle, but they also help to increase the safety of the ATV experience. While it is important that the driver reaches his or her destination, it is also imperative that this is done safely. Wider rear tires on an ATV are just one simple mechanism that can help to make this experience possible.
Why Tire Size Matters on an ATV?
Tire size matters on an ATV because they distinctively balance the weight of the entire vehicle. Additionally, the varying sizes on ATV tires help to increase navigability and overall safety of the vehicle. The right tire size for your ATV will help you to navigate through rough terrains safely and efficiently as they provide traction and efficient steering capabilities.
