Just got a 99 Polaris Sportsman 500, it has a 2 inch lift already, but stock wheels and bald 489 style factory tires. I need some tires, and since it's already lifted I'd like to upsize, but I don't want to kill the thing since it's only a 500 non-HO. I'd rather not incur the cost of wheel spacers for the front if I don't have to, but I don't know what will fit. I've been looking around at used tires on craigslist, and thought I might stay stock size, but I just realized my wheels are two different sizes. I had forgotten they did that, stupid 10 inch wheels in the back, and all the good used deals I find are 12 inch.

I had an 02 700 Sportsman, which I lifted, put spacers in front, and ran 28 inch Mudlites on the stock wheels. I don't think the 500 will handle 28s as well as the 500 did, so 26 or 27 would probably have to do. I also don't need a crazy mud tire; I like them, but in reality my riding is now going to be easy trails with the family along. So pretty much anything will be sufficient tread-wise.

I'm wondering if I should put taller tires on because of the lift, with my 700 I blew up the front axles by lifting it and running stock 25s on it. Hung the frame in deep snow and overextended the axles. Do you think stock tires are a risk at all?

Newer Polaris 12" rims should fit my 99, right? So if I find a good deal on stock rims I can use them, then tire size wont be so hard to find. I cant seem to find much new thats upsized for a 10 inch rim. And I'd rather buy used to save money, since I'm poor.

What should I do? stock tires, 26? 27? Change rims, or buy tires to fit what I've got? I just don't know which way to go. If it wasn't already lifted I wouldnt even be considering bigger tires, dont need them, but I do love lifted trucks and quads, I've lifted every truck I've ever owned.

 

If the lift had axles replaced to fit the lift then larger tires wont be that bad on it,but if its stock axles then you might start breaking things with the larger tires. Going with a whole new wheel and tire is nice also. if your in a snowy climate and plan on plowing then its nice to switch the wheels out so the new ones dont get worn out on the pavement. (Thats what i do.) Plus when you get new wheels you can order them with an offset,so you dont need spacers,just ask about it when you order so they get you what you want. Remember that bigger tires mean more worn out parts sooner like,ball joints,U-joints,bearings,bushings,ect...The more modifications,the more parts get less reliable. I have no room to talk,i run 28's but no lift on my bike. LOL.

 

If it were me, i'd find a set of 12" wheels for the rear. That would give you a larger field to choose from for tires. Then a set of 27" of your choice. Good luck

 

well, I found a set of wheels and tires for a really good price. Supposed to be like new, they are stock steel wheels and factory Polaris PXT 26 inch tires from a 2005. I am hoping they fit my 99, some of what I've been able to find online shows 98-06 being the same.

I found some pictures of the PXT, they look cool and plenty aggressive enough, especially compared to bald 489s, which are about the lamest looking tire ever. A little bigger than my stock ones, so they should look cool and work better, without being so big they dog the motor out. Little reading I did, people say they arent as rugged as aftermarket tires, which is bad but in reality my riding is now going to be on trails with the family, so they should work fine for what I am going to be doing.

 

I wouldn't go any larger than 26" if you want to retain any of the low end power of your 500