OK. I admit it. I can turn a wrench and fix most anything on an ATV, but I am not the sharpest tool in the shed in regards to tires for an ATV. Anyway.....my 2001 Honda Rubicon has the stock tires/rims and I am "tired" of getting stuck in the slime/snow/clay/mud swamps of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during deer season. So, here is my question. I really like the ITP Mudlite Tires.

My tires and rims are stock (25"). What I want to do is to put ITP Mudlite (or Mudlite XL) 26-10-12 tires and new rims on the front and ITP Mudlite 26-12-12 tires and new rims on the rear of my Rubicon. Will this have any negative effect on the four wheel drive train? Will this result in a negative aspect to the drive ratios and add extra wear or tear to the drive drain system? Also, will I have to install some MOOSE or other lifter kit going from a 25" tire to a 26" tire with an aggressive lug tread design to increase tire to fender distance? MAN....I would really like to hear from you experts on this and would save me more head wear (beating my head on a rock). Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much, KECH from Michigan.

 

ok well ur moving up one inch in the tire size from a 25 to a 26 this little bit of a size change wont effect the four wheelers performance at al.l Now if you were going with lets say a 27' or a 28' then thats when you might want to put heavy duty cv shafts on because with the tire being so big when you get stuck and you are spinning you might blow or break a half shaft. Useally the bigger the tire the more top end speed and less power because it takes more power to turn such a big tire. But in your case u shouldnt have to worry about any drive trane damage with it being such a big bike. But the only thing you might want to consider is a fender kit because with going with a big lugged mud tire the luggs could rub on the fender mount when you turn and could cause damage to your machine you can get a fender kit on www.highlifter.com for about 50 or 60 dollers cheap price to pay compared to new fenders and mounts. If you have any questions email me at, (hondaman300x@yahoo.com)

 

Just going to a 26" tire, you won't need a lift or fender kit at all. The 26" will still allow plenty of clearance. Any increase in size of the tire will affect your gearing a little, and add wear to your drivetrain. It's hardly noticeable with a 26" though. I put 26" Mudrunners on my '01 Rubi, and it still has plenty of grunt. Not quite as easy to pull the front wheels up, but it can be done. You could go with a 27" and up and compensate with mods like a clutch kit, jet kit, K&N, etc...

 

Thanks much for the help guys. I ordered and received FOUR brand new Mud Lites XL tires with Series C Type 5 wheels, axle caps and the lugs. Tires sizes are 26 X 10-12 (Front) and 26 X 12-12 (rear) Found a great price, with free shipping from EXTREME OUTDOOR PRODUCTS on eBay (Buy It Now Price). They have many different items/tires. Best price I found on the net at $539. Thanks...these will look great and work perfect on my Rubicon. KECH. Any questions, email me.