I don't know how much this will help but I replaced the stock tires on my Sp 500 with blackwaters 26x12x12 all the way around with aluminum rims. The only power loss I have noticed is on top end a little bit, if you think about a Honda 300 has plenty enough power for what most people do I don't think your Rubicon will have any trouble turning bigger size tires and most of the factory tires really $uck. I don't think you would have any problems with turning and spinning the mud out of bigger tires, I really think 28" tires are kind of overkill but it is all in what you like but you must remember the larger the tire the more strain you are putting on the drive train...

 

Hey CHILLDADDY, awsome Rubicon! Did you need a lift kit to fit those tires on?

 

ChillDaddy--I think your wife wants her own!

Back on the original question--as you were told, there has to be a "definite" loss of power, but it is not "significant". When I went to bigger tires on my 300, the power loss was significant. BUT, instead of having to stress the engine by revving it so high to spin the tires, I could use a lot less throttle and just ride normally. The taller tires keeping you out of the ruts and keeping you from revving the engine and rocking and loading up the drivetrain so much. If I am going to be trail riding and climbing more, I will run the 26" Titan 589s. They are still outstanding in the mud, but the effect on power is not noticeable from the stock 25's. Hope that helps some.

 

XLR8,

I don't have a lift on right now. As soon as HL comes out w/ one, I'm going to put one on. I'm ordering the fender kit for it this weekend. I want a little more support around the floorboards. Also this will give me a little more clearance when turning so if I do decide to go to a 28" tire, (I really don't think this is necessary) I will be able to. At first the tires rubbed the fenders down towards the bottom on the back. I wound up trimming just a little bit on the back, (less than a 1/4").


TxDoc,

She does her fair share of riding!!! Right now this has her content! She would have a fit if I told her no, after spending that kind of money! Thanks for the info. on the service manual, I ordered it on Tues.

 

WARRENTY?-who cares it's a HONDA-it wont break.Get bigger ties(it'll be geared too high for work anyway)You'll gain top speed.Just get lighter rims to offset the weight difference and you should pull the same and gain speed.

 

what is the best tire for snow and mud not the deep kind just the real steep kind you run into going up hill after a bad rain.for a 450s.and you do you post a new topic,thanks,keith