So I just recently bought an 01 sportsman 500HO and am thinking about new tires.
But on a more basic note...what are the disadvantage to going from a stock 25" size up to 26's ?
I know on my f-250 the bigger stole a fair amount of torque...not something that would seem good when trying to climb up a vertical creekbank or over a large log.
the ground clearance would go up obvioulsy but how about steering and suspension components? any issues with the bigger sized tire?

Not really wanting to get into tires choices more the mechanics of upsizing.

 

I am by far no expert in clutches but from my knowledge of these machines, I doubt you would feel much difference by going only 1" larger diameter...Their could possibly be a slight feel of power loss but I feel it wouldn't be very noticeable...I am sure other guys with personal knowledge of this will chime in soon...


John

 

I doubt going from a 25" to a 26" will be noticeable. The big thing to note is the weight of the tire vs. the stock tire. Some mud tires are very heavy vs. stock. My 07 500 deluxe LE came stock with 26" PXT radials on aluminum rims but I know the base models came with 25" 489's on steel rims. Not sure if the clutching was different between the two. If you feel that it does create a loss in power you could always do a clutch kit which will dramatically (in most cases) improve the machine. I've been considering a clutch kit even with stock size tires just for a little more response and performance.

 

You won't feel any difference in power only going up 1" in tire size. I went from 25" stock to 26" Zilla's. You will be fine on the clutch as well as long as you only stick around 1" (maybe 2") taller tires. One downside (and I think this is where, if any, power loss comes in) is the added weight of larger tires. That is why I went with the Maxxis Zilla's. They are the lightest all terrain/mud tire you can find. My setup from 12" steel wheels and 25" stock tires to these 14" aluminum wheels and 26" tires, it added about 45lbs to the ATV. A little over 10lbs per wheel/tire. So you have to factor in each axle turning over 10+ more pounds each. I've seen plenty of people run 27" and 28" on newer ones with no clutch kit and no problems, but they are the ones that say they could feel "a little" power loss. I didn't feel anything only going up 1".

 

I agree with 1" not being a big deal considering what tire you go with. Zillas are a great tire and pretty light. If top speed is not a concern then I would hit up EPIChad and clutch it. Not that expensive and the benefits of more low end torque/less strain on the drive system/belt is worth it.

 

10-4 Switzomatic...what is "EPIChad"? a member here? a company? Would be interested in a clutch kit...or at least learning more about it fer sure.

Thanks for the replies...sounds lke 26's may not be out of the question.

 

 

EPIChad is a member here but also 99% sure he's one of these guy's. EPI: Clutch Kits

 

He's a member and works for EPI. Should be able to answer any questions you have. I have always been happy with their clutch kits on my machines.