I just need to know if my 2002 Sportsman is capable of running 14" wheel and are there any advantages or disadvantages ? The reason I ask is a guy at a shop near me told my my 2002 sportsman wouldn't run 14" wheels because it doesn't have the suspension and the ride would be totally bad . I need advice fast because I got a good deal on a set of BigHorn 2.0's yesterday so I bought them knowing they were 14" tires ,figuring today I would go look for rims for them ,this was the news that I was told ,so I'm not sure what to do sell the BigHorns and buy a complete set of 12"s or continue looking for decent 14" rims.

Thanks in advance

 

i dont think the bigger rim size will matter...its the tire size

 

What size are the BH 2.0s? They are a light tire, you will be fine.

 

Too bad you couldn't borrow just to try em. Everybody told me I couldn't run 14" rims and 30 Mudzillas on my Arctic Cat 500. 2,000 miles later, I can say it was the best $400 I ever spent. Bought em from a guy with a Mudpro who kept breaking axles with em, haha.

 

I sold a set of 27" Mega Mahems 12" wheels and bought the Bighorn 2.0's in 14" and they are also 27" . From what I'm hearing that the wheel size shouldn't make too much of a difference then . I forgot to tell you's that my 2002 Sportsman 500HO has a 2" lift kit and a EPI clutch kit for the bigger tires .

 

I've never owned a quad with 14" wheels so I can't tell you if they ride better or not. It probably doesn't make much difference.

 

I've read on here that the 14" tires have less flex because there's less sidewall. That should help on cornering but you have less cushion against rocks. There are pros and cons but an inch less tire between the ground and the wheel shouldn't make that much difference. I don't personally know anyone who's had both wheel sizes on one ATV.

 

It won't ride as nice with 14's but will corner better. Ditto on what others said about tire size- a 26" tire is a 26" tire regardless of rim size. Just have less sidewall with 14's as opposed to 12's. Watch craigslist for rims. If you are ok with stock/OEM can always find them cheap from folks who upgrade.

 

Seen couple of sportsman on 14 without much issue, most are on lift though.