Ok so I've only had my new 500 Touring a couple of months, but after a couple of flats I'm contemplating upgrading to the Bighorns (while RockyMountain still have their sale on). So I'm curious about those of you who have upgraded from the stock 25" tires to 26" Bighorns (from what I've read is sized more like a 27") on your 500 or 800 sportsman. I upgraded my old Magnum 325 last year (now sold) and loved the tires, but they would hit the fender when the suspension bottomed out.

Did you have any clearance issues? How about power drop off? What kind of pressures do you run?

Probably going to go with the originals not the 2.0's, but interested in input on that also.

Thanks for the input, Mick

 

w/ just 1 sixe up you shouldne have any bottoming out issues or too much power loss w/ 1" bigger tires. heard good things about those tires. imo

 

You will need to switch rim's add spacers or flip your tie rod ends as the 26 in fronts which I assume will be 9 in will rub . I put 25 in Terracross on my stock 500 rims and they are close because of the side tread design . Terracross is a great tire along the same line as the Big horns .

 

I'm thinking the same thing, just realize Big Horns run about an inch taller than rated so you actually will be running 2" taller with 26's, plus they are heavier. I'm still trying to figure if I want 25's or 26's. Thing i don't like about 25's is you end up with a 10" rear width when stock is 11", I don't like going narrower than stock. I'm just not sure if the extra weight and height of the 26's will be too much for the 500.

 

I dropped from the stock 11 inch rear to the 10 inch you won't notice a difference those Big Horns are nice tires , check the Terracross out also mine feels like I have power steering now I love the radials . Pictures in my photo gallery .

 

Reno, I have the same concerns as you about the width, I want more traction/grip not less in the desert and rocks where we ride. I think the extra weight is partially offset by the alloy rims on the Touring which are a few pounds lighter than the steel wheels my buddy has on his x2. The extra weight is also what is giving the extra durability and toughness. I read somewhere else that the original Bighorn has a lot tougher sidewall than the 2.0 and it was also mentioned that the deeper lugs gave better snow performance - still plenty of that around here, and the stock wheels just suck in snow.

I'm concerned about what Spdecat brings up about needing spacers and/or new rims.

Anyone else out there who has actually installed the Bighorns on their rig?

 

ATV Obsession - Maxxis BigHorns Tire Review

 

The 25" Horns are 1" taller and 1/2" wider than stock 26s. 26" Horns are 2" taller and 2" wider.

25s will fit nice 26s will need spacers/tierod/flip or differant wheels.

25's will run like stock.
26s will zap some power.

 

Thanks Rick