Chaparral has very good prices on ITP Bigwheel Kits. I was thinking of putting one on my Rancher 4X4. I think I'll spend the extra money for the Magnum Billet 12X7" aluminum wheels, just because they are so pretty and a little lighter. I would get the 9" wide for the front, and 12" wide on back. I ride mainly in the San Bernardino Mountains and Sierra. The soil is decomposed granite with a high sand and low clay content. There is lots of hardpack and mud isn't usually a big factor. I know I will lose some bottom end by going from the stock 24" diameter to the larger 26". The trails in the San Bernardinos are TOUGH, with steep rock-strewn climbs, so bottom end is important (and it's not like you can change to a smaller front sprocket like you can on a sport bike)! Plus, the Blackwaters are heavier than the stock tires, even on aluminum wheels. Anyway, my question is, is this to much tire for the little 350?

 

no. The difference between stock tires and any aggressive tire it absolutely HUGE!!! Get the tires...you'll go places you could not go before.

 

So there isnt going to be any power loss that is noticable? I have a rancher also and i am thinking of investing in some better tires also. i like the dirt hooks on there but we do a lot of mudding and i could use the extra hieght from a bigger tire and also the better grip. I was worried about the power loss.

 

you can bet on a power loss because you are adding so much weight to the bike. On the otherhand, the added amoount of traction will FAR outweight the loss in power.

can't wait for 26" mudbugs!!!!

 

Yes, there will be a noticeable power loss, but the Rancher can handle the 26" tires just fine. You just may find yourself using 1st gear alot of times when you used to use 2nd. I recently put 26x9.50 TSL's on my Rancher 4x4 and they are great. You will really enjoy the extra ground clearence and the extra grip. Also, i'm in the process of ordering me a SuperTrapp IDS II exhaust. I've been told by several that it will restore my lost low end power.

 

Rancher328 - how do you like your TSL's? I am assuming those are on your stock rims? I am thinking about getting some for my 350 S and would like some opinions. Big power loss? How is traction on hard pack? Most of my riding will be hardpack and steep hills. Some mud. Thanks!

Ben

2000 350 4x4

 

I also ride my Rancher ES 4x4 mostly on hardpack but occassionally in mud, and they perform great. Yes, I am using my stock wheels and am running 26x9.50x12 on front and 26x9.50x11 on rear. I run the 9.50 all the way around because it keeps all of the mud and rocks inside the wheel wells, and still allows my Rancher to turn great. I do alot of riding in steep rocky terrain and the grip combined with the added ground clearence is great, and they also ride just as smooth as my factory tires did. The power loss is very minimal. The easiest way to describe the power loss is that "sometimes" when you might have been able to use second gear to perform a task you "might" have to use first. I would describe it as minimal power loss, but the advantages of the 26" TSL's more than outweigh any of the loss of power that you may encounter. And the TSL will fit your requirements alot better than any of the "MUD TIRES" etc... MudBugs, Vampires, Outlaws. I have a friend who has Vampires and they will shake your teeth loose on hardpack plus they are VERY heavy. You will not be dissappointed with the TSL's.

 

My brother has the Vampires on his 97 King Quad.I dont know what folks are talking about when they say how bad they ride on hardpack.I have rode his quad in all types of terrain.I dont think his Vamps ride much worse than my Muddrunners on hardpack,and they ride excellant on hardpack,
Bill