I'm looking to buy a new set of tires/rims for my 05 650 and I'm curious about the rim size. I know that they should be 12" diameter, but what about the width? Does it matter? Seems that all the rims I've looked at are 7", but I think the stock sizes are 7" for front and 9" for the back? Is it wise to put a 9" front and 12" wide rear tire (589's) on 7" rims?

Also, about rims...The aluminum rims seem to come in "type" 4-7. Is there any major difference besides looks? I know the type 5 or 6 says it has a wider lip for more strength, but other than that, who knows??? Any recommendation on rims? Is it wise to put the aluminum rims on for hard trail riding (rocks/logs)? Any recommendations on where to purchase for the best price (I've seen type 5 aluminum wheels with 26" 589's for 600 incl shipping)?

Guess that's enough questions for now...leave it to the newbee to continue to be in the dark. Oh yeah, I'm looking at buying new rims so I can just swap tires out when I want. The goodyears seem like a good hardpack tire, so I don't want to toss them out.

 

For your rim questions I don't have any answers. But yes you can put a 9" or 10" wide tire on a 7" wide rim just fine, most of us with oversize tires are running the stock rims.

 

my dad and i have the exact same tires he has his on the stock 450 honda rims and mine are on aftermarket rims i believe mine are 2 inches wider but with his rims they sit taller but with my rims the tire appears to be widder so it depends on and in all reality it really doesn't make that much difference if you like the stock rims on the arctic cat go wtih that rim