I have a 06 Sportsman 500 EFI with stock wheels(12") and tires (26"). I plan on staying with the 26". I like the bighorns, but I here folks say it kills the torque. I'm thinking a few different scenario's. (1.) 26" bighorns, 12" ITP. - (2.) 26" bighorns, 14" ITP's, less weight? - (3.) 26" Terra Cross, 12" ITP. - (4.) 26" Terra Cross, 14"ITP. - (5.) 25" as above tires with 12" or 14" wheels? Which would be my best bet by not killing performance, ground clearance, wear, etc?

 

I don't have any experience with the bighorns or the terracross tires...the general consensus here is the the bighorns last forever...the terracross have mixed longevity reviews. Weightwise, go to www.denniskirk.com and look at the tires and wheels you are interested in. If you put an item in the cart, it will give you the exact weight (i can't remember if you have to go to checkout or not). You could also weigh your stock front/rear combo and compare where you're at with the different options. Personally I can't think that you'll be hurt much if any by going with the bighorns (they're a little heavier than the terracross). I have Kenda Executioners on ITP Delta wheels on my Kawasaki Prairie 300. That combo is HEAVY (wheels 13.5 lbs. each - front tires 21 lbs. each - rear tires 25 lbs. each) It does hurt me some performancewise, but the traction is worth it. With a 500 EFI you should have plenty of power whatever you decide on. Also, the general consensus here is that the Bighorns run larger than most. Perhaps the 25" Bighorns might be similar in size to the 26" Terracross? Go here for a good tire test of these two tires, plus some others: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cartwheelin.com/articles/tiretest.html
">http://www.cartwheelin.com/art...s/tiretest.html
</a>

I'm thinking of putting the Duro Powergrips on my Prairie 400. Good test results and a lot less money at http://www.rockymountainatv.com.


Good Luck

 

I went to Maxxis and ITP webites and found tire info. Bighorn 14" tires were lighter than 12". 22.9/27.7 lbs vs. 25.7/30.6. The Terra cross were opposite regarding wheel size. 23.6/30.5 for 14" vs. 22/27 for 12" wheels.

 

I've been looking at the same tires on my 05 500 HO. One thing I've become more aware of is the Big Horns are taller then the PXTs - so I am now thinking of going with 25s as they are about 26" - if I went with the 26s they would be closer to 27"