Are beadlocks necessary or highly recommended?

Doomsday · Apr 7, 2016

I have no prior experiences with ATV and UTV trails & riding whatsoever. I have narrowed it down to two tires, Tensor Regulators or STI Chicane. Anyway I plan on getting new wheels as well. Beadlocks really necessary? I currently ride gravel & dirt backroads along with grassy & wooded paths, 63 miles on the odometer. I don't plan to ride anywhere that requires low PSI(under 10) for rock crawling or sand, but you never know. My current and future plans would have me staying with All Terrain type tires.

I guess from y'alls previous experience, did y'all regret or encounter any experiences where beadlocks would've been a good idea? So far from what I gather, you can run lower PSI. If you get a flat a beadlock will help keep the tire on the rim while driving. Obviously, the beadlocks cost more and so not sure if the upgrade wheels would be worth it. Regardless, I will be swapping wheels when I get tires. Considering Method 401 for beadlock route. The non beadlocks Method Standard or ITP Hurricane.

CORR2 · Apr 7, 2016

My first comment is that I just don't worry about my wheels and tires anymore. I hit what I want to hit, run over whats in the way and know its going to take a LOT to do damage. Our Racelines are awesome and the Arisun Aftershock XD's tough. Beadlocks are heavier though but ohhhhh so easy to swap tires if need be. Its a pros/cons list you need to make.

6gearz · Apr 7, 2016

You've pretty well got it right. Beadlocks will allow you to air down and will help keep the tire on the rim should you get a flat. Do you need beadlocks, not really, especially for trail riding. Are they better, for me they are. My trail rig definitely has beadlocks.

rsessions · Apr 7, 2016

I have two sets of beedlocks, stock SE's and a set of Raceline's. My similar comments are that if you get stranded out in the wild with a sidewall blown, you can limp back to camp and not worry about your tire coming off the wheel (most of the time). Around where I ride, beadlocks are fast becoming the norm.

Robertyoke · Apr 7, 2016

Don't forget to add.....beadlocks look cool!

Desertdog · Apr 7, 2016

For me it's simple. Its better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. The little bit of extra weight isnt an issue for the hp the YXZ has. The small added cost is well worth it the very first time you get a flat and dont have your spare with you. Then you can also run a much lower psi to get a better traction in sand or what ever terrain your in. So for me the positives far out weigh the negatives.

Reamer77 · Apr 7, 2016

Robertyoke, are those tires efx motoclaws? What size tire/wheel are you using? Do you know what the weight difference verses stock wheel/tire? Do you have anymore pics of your setup? I'm not trying to hijack the thread but I've been looking at the 27"x10" motoclaws and the ITP SD beadlocks to replace the stockers. Thanks

Robertyoke · Apr 7, 2016

Yes they are motoclaws in 30x 10 mounted on 14x7 raceline mamba's 5-2 offset (although they are more like 4.25-2.75 i measured) I didn't weigh them cuz I just didn't care that much how they weighed. But after I get my transmission back in this weekend, I'll weigh a stock wheel n tire and one of these and post back.

Doomsday · May 2, 2016

Went ahead and picked up Method 401 wheels. About 3-4 weeks on backorder, it's cool though I got them for $165 each.

Are beadlocks necessary or highly recommended?

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities