I have a 2002 sportsman 500 H.O.

Well I’m breaking down and finally buying a new set of rims and tire’s.

I really had no problem with the stock tires which seemed to be a good compromise between trail and mud & snow. But I thought it would add a little pizzazz so…………
After reading many posts on the subject I thought out all pros to the mud lights (I do about 50% trail riding)
And all the cons to the 589’s (that I really want because they look great)

So I think I’m going with the mudlites and am going to put them on 6 series polished rims in the 26 inch size.

My question is what offset in the rims should I order?

What size front tire (width) should I buy so I don’t have any rubbing issues?

I also want to know if I can get the center caps for a 2002 ……they really set off the look!

Any help or comments pointing me in the right direction as to where to buy or anything else would be greatly appreciated.

 

The Mudlites are a very good choice. Just make sure you order them in the XL series. The XL series starts at 25". If you order the regular A/T's the tread is less then half the depth of the XL's. They are a very good all around tire. Eventhough I do not have XL's the A/t's are good for me. Yesterday was the forst time I was able to try them in the snow and man they hook up. Just remember XL.s not A/t's.

 

take your pic, I have both the 589's and mud lites and love them both. The Mud Lites are lighter, but not by much. I posted a test on them awhile back. If you want me to dig it up I can. I also posted weights in another thread. Overall the 589s are better in Mud. The Mud Lites are alittle better on the trail, both have the same climbing capabilities, neither being as good as some other tires. Hard to call on this, if you are riding alot of soft or muddy terrain, than the 589s are you ticket, if a mix of this and more hard pack, then the Mud Lites....

Mine are all 27"

dave

 

I have the 26" Mudlites with type 6 wheels And you can get centers to. Look at the pics below.

http://community.webshots.com/user/sportsman70003

 

Thanks for The info I think the mudlites will work for me.

Good point about the XL and AT (I wonder what weight they give you on the chart)

I’m worried about what to get for the front tires some say the 9 inch is better for steering and clearense while the 10 inch has problems rubbing the strut.

I don’t want to put a lift kit on the bike and hope the 26 inch aren’t a problem

Thanks again

 

the 26" shouldn't be a problem, but on your '02 machine, even the 9" width could be a problem...I run 9's on my 2005 machine with no problems, but i've heard that earlier machines just clear or are just rubbing....do a search, alot of info on this...

dave

 

I am getting ready to finally order my new shoes for my 04' 700EFI, I am getting the 27" mudlites on the type 6 series ITP polished wheels with caps and lugs mounted and balanced shipped to my house for $550.00 from www.atvoutfitters.net I called them and they are beating www.atvdirect.com's price who beat my original price from discount tire. go through them they will give you a great deal.

 

Thanks again Guys!!..........more good info!!!

Elkbow ……WOW you put out a lot of info on tire’s …….good posts …….I think I will get the 9 inch just to be safe…………Also I’m interested in your 3 light conversion kit (can’t believe they don’t come like that)……….what’s the best way to contact you?.........by the way I bow hunt elk out in Chama N.M. ……and Colorado ……got a nice 5x5 this year……not related to post but had to throw it in …………it’s a hunter thing!

Silver bullet ………looked up that site and they have some good numbers………going to call back and talk to Mathew ……….was that really with tax and shipping?

Can’t wait to go play with the old toy ………….should make it like a new Quad …hope the increase in weight doesn’t affect performance to much!!!!

 

for trail riding the best tires you could get are close to stock. or stock on something else (wink wink). i have a set of PXT Radials off of a 2005 on my 2003 sportsman 500 and they work excellent. they are really good on snow and trails. i love them. light, great characteristics in the handling department. they have more traction than the tracker p's or the rawhide grips on the older polaris's. the rawhide grips were what i had and they were excellent for sliding all over the place. i really like my pxt's.

 

Brainiac 213....I have the Tracker P's and really can't complain .....anytime I get stuck it's NOT because of the tires.............but I figure new ones can't hurt.

Was interested in your rear mount winch ....I think when ever I get stuck I don't want to pull myself deeper into the $hit .I want to back out.........and if I want to pull someone else out ....I will turn around!!

I looked at the Polaris moveable set up .but was told it was crap buy the dealer and that's why they quit selling them. any info or pics of a rear mount would help.

Thanks again