Good point there was an ** that said rim diamter will affect actual width of tire when mounted. That could be it right there. Maybe were they are taller they need a wider rim to actually make full use of the width?

 

heres another possibility..
Im assuming you had the 27" tires mounted on the same rims...in other words you took OFF the 26" and put ON the 27" to the SAME rims. If so, you are comparing 27" tires mounted on rims to 26" tires NOT mounted on rims. This may be the descrepancy.

 

Yes, My same rims. Those 12inch itp magnum billet aluminum rims. These rims are the correct rims for both the 26 and 27 inch tires. I am starting to believe the people that are saying that maxxis trimmed the tires to keep the weight down. After I brought my atv home with the 27's on. I was so busy removing the front tires and putting 2 washers on each lug bolt and then I was measuring my clearance under neath and then putting 26's up against the 27's. That I did not actually measure the tires with my ruler but I will do that to when I am back up north, not this saturday but next saturday..... I will give the 27's a gooood test. I can remember how my atv was with those 26's, so I will make mental comparisons in the same kind of terrain. If the 27's are not as good or better. then I wasted my money. rangerchet.. Our first ride is on april 1st.

ps: let me see if I can show you on this computer, some semblence of the difference.

the 27's on the front and rear are like
this: U
the 26's were like
this: |_|
27's more round and narrower.
26's wider and flatter on the ground.
27's are taller, but I how can I find out. 26's are off the atv and not mounted on rims. 27's are
now on the machine....... rangerchet