I wouldn't put bigger tires or different wheels on it. It doesn't have enough power to turn bigger tires or heavier wheels. Just put some more aggressive tires on the back. I'd suggest putting stock size Mud Lite AT's on it. They weigh only slightly more than the stock tires but give you a lot more traction. Don't seem to affect performance at all. Though now I realize this was from 6 years ago so most likely he doesn't even own it anymore. It is a Honda though so I'm sure its still running whoever has it now.

 

I got my Mud Lite AT's from ATV tires|4WO last week. So far I like these tires. I can say that the ride is the same with the XL series. They have good traction on most kinds of trails including moderate mud.

 

Big difference between (AT) and (XL) The "AT" have 5/8th" lugs the XL are aggressive 1-1/8th" lugs.

I call (ATs) XL that come half worn out. I tell people to buy XL before ATs because they will turn into ATs after 1500 miles anyways.

The good thing about 2wd is you don't care if the front ties are almost bald.

 

Its a Honda Recon, super aggressive tires like the mudlite XL are not a good fit for this machine. The ATs are a much better choice since it has maybe 20 hp. The heavier XLs would really make this little engine sweat. You need something much more powerful like a Foreman to get good use of aggressive tires like the XLs.

 

I'd try 350 rancher tires, 4x4, even if your bike is a 2 well drive, and from the same year. 12 inch rim, 24 inch tire on a 250 recon is better than the stock tires, I promise you. You can ride a whellie on it

 

I have a 2002 Recon 250 cc too, not es, and I have 350 rancher 4x4 tires on it and it works great

 

I had a 250 Yamaha Moto4 with rear 25" tires and stock front tires (Forgot the size) and it went OK.

 

I think standard rims are 9" on Recons. We fit chevron tyres made for the 200 ATC. These fit the rims and are about as big as the arches will take, in fact if you blow them up too hard, they touch. Can't remember the size off hand.