I just bought a Rancher 420 4x4 ES. The stock tires just aren't cutting it. I'm thinking about putting 26" Mud Lites and ITP 7 series wheels. Is this a good choice? Am I going to lose a lot of power? What will help boost power if I'm going to lose a significant amount?

 

I have an 08 420ES with 26 inch Maxxis Zillas. The little Honda handles these tires quite well and there is very little power loss. On firm ground I never use first gear but it is definatly needed in the mudd. It will run with the big dogs until it high centers and in sloppy slick mudd it has gone places my friends with 750s couldn't go. I have had this baby on her side in over knee deep mudd and seat deep in the water and it just keeps going. Get you some good tires and you will love it. If I can figure out how I will post a couple of pics. Until then you will have to click the camera to see pics.

 

I hand weighed those Zillas at the dealer and they are super light. I believe the 27" Zilla was lighter than a 26" ITP Terra. It's all about weight. If you can keep it light the quad will be fine. With that said, I may stick with the 25" Zillas, unless I decide to go with 14" rims (which I seriously doubt).

 

I went with the type 7's and 26" Pirelli Mudwisers and my 350 4x4 pulls them great, I was actually suprised! Your 420 shouldnt have any problems with them.
you know I gotta post a pic!

 

I traded my Rancher wheels tires for some Foreman takeoffs from the dealer. They are some Dunlops that are ok for what I ride. I did get stuck once in some wet sandy clay. That combined with the 1' dropoff that I tried to go up were too much for the takeoffs. But to be fair, this stuff was like quicksand. I almost lost a boot stepping in it. I think I will go with the Zillas or the Terras on stock wheels. I may paint them black or charcoal. I like the stock offset for now.

 

Those Mudwisers look great. Some people say that 26's are just to much for a Rancher, but I don't really see enough difference in the 420 and the Foreman.. It doesn't really have a big gap in the power department. I thought the 26's would be fine, but I had to get some good opinions.. Thanks guys..