Took them out today. Spacers did not arrive in time, but nobody died, so all is good.
First impression on the tires is that there is a marked difference in responsiveness on pavement. There is a noticeable loss of torque, but it's not dogged down. Just doesn't have that jerk off the start like it does on stock tires. Also on pavement, the taller sidewalls allow for much more body roll on turns.
Now for off road...The loss in torque is less noticeable - at least in terms of ride ability if that makes any sense. For example, there was nothing I was unable to do and the machine did not feel under powered. However, I did use first gear in some places where it would have been overkill before. Now, my perspective is based on this being only my fourth ride and this is the first time to ride where we did. There was more sand and clay and less rock at this place than other places I have ridden. The ride was definitely smoother than with stock tires, 10 psi both cases. Traction was great. I am not too sure on ground clearance. the skid plate is now about 1.25 inches higher than stock. But, everywhere my wife hit with her stock machine, I also hit. Probably not as hard. I think it helped, but I didn't ride hers at all to make a direct comparison. That is because I did not wish to experience the harshness from the stock tires that is much reduced from the bigger tires.
Now for spacers...I'll get them during the week and will put them on before my next ride. I didn't feel more tippy with the taller tires today. The only "high speed" turns I took today were very bermed. Considering the increased body roll on pavement, I suppose the tippyness may show itself on a different trail. I actually had more confidence in and around deep ruts today. That could be a result of having more time behind the wheel. Maybe some placebo affect from the bigger tires. As mucky as it was today, I was glad that the wheels were under the fenders though. Will be a little dirtier with the spacers as I don't foresee fender extension in my future.
