Ive been searching the net trying to find info on tire sizing and I think I know what I'm doing now. But it's nice to hear from some who has been through buying new tires for stock rims.
What my question is..
Will Mud Lite XL 26x9x12 and 26x12x12 fit my stock rims and will there be any clearance problems. My machine is a 2005 SP 500 HO with stock 26" tires. The stock rim widths are 6" Front and 8" Rear.
Now this is one of the statements I found on the net and I just wanted to know what everyone thinks about it?

"When buying tires for existing rims, never buy tires more than six inches wider than your rims. A minimum also applies where you should never buy tires less than three inches wider than your rims. The difference between tire width and rim width is needed to insure the tire bead is seated on the rim with the low tire pressure that ATV tires operate at."

 

Sorry I just realized something, I forgot to mention the tire sizes on the bike right now. The tires that came with the bike are 25x8x12 and 26x11x12. I know,
I shouldn't run mix matched tires but this is why I need new tires.

 

yes they'll fit, u may want to make sure the fronts don't rub on the tie rod end, if they do u can put a 3/8 washer on the studs before the wheel goes on and that should give u enough clearance

 

most likely as stated above there shouldnt be any issue.

 

i have an 05 800 and a 9" tire in the front rubbed had to put my tie rods under instead of on top that worked for me not sure if the 500 has different rims think mine are all 7" wide

 

How much room between the tire and tie rod should there be just to be safe?

 

there doesn't need to be much even after i flipped my tie rods it was real close to rubbing mostly on the front spring

 

th biggest thing to worry about is something being caught in between the 2 while riding and causing damage. but this can happen what ever the gap would be. imo

 

So what tires did you get? and was all fine?

 

So I got ITP Mud Lite XL's 26x9x12 and 26x12x12 and put them on stock rims. The fronts rubbed so I flipped the tie rod ends and gave the bike an alignment. WOW What a difference!!!!