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Running 26" by 14"wide tires on older Sportsmans

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Old Sep 16, 2009 | 09:05 PM
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Default Running 26" by 14"wide tires on older Sportsmans

I was wondering since the new XP's are now coming standard with 26" by 14" tires.
Any issues with running these sizes on its former predecessors?

I would like to go with this size tires/wheels with Bighorns or Terracross for Rock trails.

Please advise!

Thanks,

R'
 
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Old Sep 16, 2009 | 10:08 PM
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The wheels are 14" diameter, the tires are 26x11x14.

To be honest, you are probably better with 12's. They protect the rim better because of a larger sidewall, and you get more sidewall to flex on the rocks. This gives you a flatter footprint and more gripping edges. the 12's are also 12 wide instead of 11 wide like on the 14's. Hope I didn't confuse with the numbers.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 05:45 AM
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Agreed, the 14" just gives you less flex in the side wall, and maybe even a fuzz bumpyier sp? ride
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 06:36 AM
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I had heard that the 14" ride smoother? And yea I guess I was a little confused with the numbers. Thought it was 26" dia?

My take is that my current Mudlites while a great improvement in traction and I like the bigger tire cuz it soaks up the bumps a little better is that TO ME (can only speak for myself) it has more sideroll gving me a more wobble effect at the higher speeds.

I was also thinking if I had gone with the 14" maybe it would of increased my stance a little for better stability? Whats you alls take?

Thanks,

R'
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 07:44 AM
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Diameter of the tire is 26, second number is the width of the tire, third number is wheel size. 26x11x14 or 26x12x12.

Radial tires don't wobble, even with little to no air in them. The sidewalls flex when you need them to. With a 14" wheel the handling may be a tad better, but with radials it really doesn't matter. With a 12" wheel, it will probably give the better ride because there is more tire between the rim and the ground.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 07:45 AM
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Not trying to sway your decision that much.....either one works fine, it's just my opinion.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 09:09 AM
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The stock size on the 850 XP is 26x8x14 up front and 26x10x14 in the rear.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2009 | 08:20 PM
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R', I think stability wise, you wouldn't notice any difference, but you would have less roll and pushing through the corners, but you wouldn't have as near the smoothness, that that all the sidewall soaks up
 
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Old Sep 18, 2009 | 08:21 PM
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Sp700 et al,

Thanks for all the input! Anyone running these tire dims on the older Sportsmans?

R'
 
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