I have a 2006 sportsman 500 that has 25 inch stock tires. I am looking to purchase some tires and am looking for opinions from those of you that have went through this. I am debating on keeping a 25 inch tire with a 1.2 inch lug or a 26 inch tire with a 7/8 inch lug. I do a decent amount of mudding and am looking for the best option. Please tell me your thoughts on pros/cons of 25 inch vs. 26 inch. I am thinking itp mudlite xl's or dirt devils. Also want to make sure that a 26 inch tire will not damage my clutch/machine. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

i went with 26" mud lites on my 2001 500ho sportsman...and they have the 1"+ maybe 1 1/4") deep lugs..not 7/8" deep...the 25"ers have the 7/8" lugs. No issues and still has plenty of torque and power. Do the 26"ers in a mudlite and you will not be dosapointed. if you go with another brand thats cool too but GO BIGGER you'll be happier and not regret it.

 

I went 1" bigger on my 700 (26's) and it wont matter much unless they are much heavier tire or more than 1" for clutcing.
A lot more aggressive will effect the 500 too.

I would look into the ACT/PXTs/Ducks Unlimited radials or Sligshots in standard lug.

 

I got 26" Mudlite XTRs. Great tire for the mud. Only drawback going up a size is that it may end up being wider and rubbing your tie rod ends. I spaced my stock rims out 3/8" to get the clearance between the tire and tie rod end back.

 

Awesome feedback. So pretty much set on getting 26" tire. Most of them are 9 inch wide(front) vs the 8 that I have. I might have to get spacers like moose had said. I would love to get the XTR's, but they are spendy. Am I still ok with going a 26inch tire with a lug of 1" or better, or should I stick with the 7/8 inch lug with the increased tire size? Again, dont want to negatively affect the clutch. Most of the riding I do is in low gear anyways. Slow trails and mud. Thanks guys.

 

Especially if you're in low range most the time, I don't think you'd even notice the difference as far as engine/clutch performance goes. If it gets you a deeper lug I'd go with the 26" tires. I used a nut on each lug bolt to space the tire out to clear the tie rod ends.

 

Zillas are another option for tires. Great all around tire, light, and not too spendy!

 

Sti black diamonds. Go with 27 if I would do it again. Not much difference between them and the 26. Friend and I compared them when we bought them.

 

Ok. So my next question is would you guys go with the 12 or 10 inch rear tire? Currently they are 11 inch.

Thanks

 

Mine are 12" rear width. Stick out a tiny bit beyond the plastic and are great for shoveling sticky mud onto my rear view mirrors.