Sorry in advance for the length, but I'd like some help from you knowledgeable and experienced riders!!!!

So I'm in need of 4 new tires for my 98 Sportsman 500 4x4.

What size tires would you suggest?
Current ones are 25x11x12 Rear and 25x8x12 Front. I'd like to go up in size a little bit (am also contemplating a 2" lift).

Are 27's too tall for stock in case I decide not to lift it?

I've heard that the ITP mudlites are great in snow and mud as well as dry trails (good all around tire) but which model should I get or what other suggestions do you have?

Mudlite
Mudlite XL
Mudlite XTR

Any suggestions on where to get these tires for a good price? Or how much a dealer/tire store charges to mount them?

Thanks guys and gals for any and all help!

 

I dont like anything over 26", they are hard on drive train parts, Rocky Mtn atv .com has good prices on all kinds of tires, as for tread type that depends on your riding, lots of mud go with the xt or xtr.

 

I don't have much experience with other tires. I have always run mudlites. They are great in the snow and mud and fairly smooth on hard pack. However, they do tend to get cut on the sidewalls in rocky terrain. I think I'll try some other tires next time I need new skins, probably an 8 ply tire for better sidewall protection as it is rocky around here. There are some really good tires coming out recently that would be worth looking at.

I have 26's on my 800 and 27's on my x2. I reclutched them both, and would suggest you do the same if you step up in tire size or you may be disappointed with the "loss of power".

As for price, it should be much cheaper to order a tire/wheel kit. Most tire shops want around $15 a piece to mount them, not an easy job. Just shop around on the net, many offer free shipping. Expect to pay around $800 for a package.....

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Kerbbirds

I dont like anything over 26", they are hard on drive train parts, Rocky Mtn atv .com has good prices on all kinds of tires, as for tread type that depends on your riding, lots of mud go with the xt or xtr.</end quote></div>

I do have to agree with kerbbirds about the larger tires. If you ride mostly mud, than a larger tire would serve you right. I like the look of the larger tires, but they come with a price!

I have purchased a lot of stuff from rocky mt atv. They are excellent to deal with and have recently been offering large discounts. If you decide to order from them, pay attention to the promotion, it may save you more money to order the front set separate from the rear set....

 

Who makes an 8 ply tire that will do well on snow and mud and hard packed? I'm checking out rocky mt atv right now........ Thanks for the suggestion.

 

GBC makes a grim reaper tire that is 8 ply....I'm sure there are others.....

 

I got 25" ITP Terracross and love them. The ITP XTR would be my choice besides the Terracross. Very common tire on the trails with an excellent reputation..