Just wondering the opinions of people that have run a 27" or larger tire and what consequences they have had if any.
I am more looking for the opinon of the 500 sportsman crowd but all opinions and stories welcome.
I have a 500 HO stock as far as drivetrain goes and want to know if I can turn 27" Zilla's without breaking axles or suffering huge power loss. I don't ride faster then 45, Maybe 50 on a asphalt section. so top speed isn't my worry.
Thanks in advance guys,

P.S I put in a relay 3 headlight mod this weekent. Went smooth as silk. (HID in the future once plow season starts.)

 

In response to your other post in my other thread, I didn't notice much of any power loss, and I was just trying to get a little more low end power. as far as your bike goes, you "shouldn't" have any drivetrain issues what so ever, and far as power goes, especially with the zilla's since they're so light, you shouldn't have any problems at all, and if you do, find you need more you could always get a $30 or $40 clutch spring

 

You will notice a power loss with the 27's. I had a 500 HO with 26" 589's and didn't have much problems. I did break two shafts, but it was more driver doing stupid stuff then anything. Put about 5000 hard miles on. A lot of it depends on your driving style.

 

Clutch it and you'll be good to go!

 

when i bought my 800 sportsman it came with 27" 589 mud tires.... the 800 has plenty of power to push them but i didnt realize how much power they soak up...

i put my brothers 25" 489 carlisle tires on (about 45 lbs less altogether) and i cant even keep the front end down with half throttle lol... rolling at 10 mph floor it on pavement and up comes the front end almost uncontrollably.. needless to say i like a light tire. It trail rides so much better/smoother and just explodes when you hit the throttle...

I bought a set of 26" carlisle act tires (used 75% tread for 60 bucks all 4!!!) and cant wait to get them mounted on the fancy aluminum rims those 589 tires are just to heavy and aggressive. They're great in the mud ive found though... but ive never gotten stuck with stockish tires anyway.. ive never come across ridiculous mud in my riding areas that a stock tire cant handle... so no reason to put up with a huge mud tire.

 

Nice Buy! I agree the 589's are awesome in mud and snow but not the greatest on hard pack and handling. I put 27" MudLite XTR's on my new 800 and love them for all around use.

 

27" tires is going to cause some power loss. in take off is where you will notice most of the loss. i would put some sort of clutch kit in to help w/ low end for sure and w/ this most likely you will suffer top end speed/power a little.

 

I have a SP500. Bottom line is that it really depends on what kinda of riding you do. Aggressive 27"s are great if you ride mud 75%+ of the time. But, the cons quickly outweigh the pros if you ride generally dry trails that only have an occasional mud hole. You're going to lose power due to the effective gear ratio... and adding weight... and raise your center of gravity.

If you had a SP800, that would certainly alleviate some of the power loss concerns. A 500 doesn't have that much extra power to give though.

Again, I think your decision should be heavily tied to what kinda trails you ride. I've got 25" ITP Mudlite XTRs on my SP500 now and still have occasional days where I wish I had the OEM's on - mainly tight trails, etc.

 

Most of my riding is 50% trail, 40% mud and 10% hard pack (if on a long ride) Most of my trail system is littered with mud holes and sometimes there isn't an out. Go through or turn around and go back the way you came.
I hear Zilla's run a little small (27=26.5 / 26=25.5) and I don't want to regret going too small.
What am I looking at for clutching? Can I get away with just a spring or is there more to it.
I see Dalton's kit is around $240. I don't want to spend that kind of scratch if I can avoid it.

 

I have to vote HeelClicker clutch kit and Big Horn tires. #1 with me......