Has anyone installed larger tires or tire and wheel combination on their Kodiak?

I know it was discussed a while back, but didn't see anyone post who had done it.

I was looking at 26" bearclaws to mount on my stock rims, but now am considering 26 or 27" bearclaws on after market rims. I am concerned about getting the proper offset. I want to keep the over all width of the machine close to stock if I can.

Any advise appreciated.

2tall

 

I was thinking about doing exactly the same thing on my 01 Kodiak. I like the Dunlop tires that come stock, but wish they were a taller profile. I think if you keep to close to stock width, you won't need to change wheels, and accordingly, won't have to worry about the proper offset. I have looked at the Goodyears that are stock on the new Polaris 700. They look quite tall and have an aggressive tread pattern. I haven't read any reviews on them, and hope someone here will be able to pass on some of their thoughts. It's likely that the Goodyears are expensive, and probably at least as much as some of the other high quality tires (ie; Blackwaters, 589's, etc.)
Have you had any problems with your Kodiak? The only problem I had with mine was a loud buzzing sound at low speed that was caused by inner front fender plastic guards/mouldings vibrating against each other. It took me quite awhile to figure out where exactly the noise was coming from, and when identified, it was an easy fix with some all season foam weather stripping.
Other than the the buzzing fix, and the need for taller tires, the machine is great.

 

2Tall, I installed 26x10x9 Bearclaws on the front and 26x10x12 rear, mounted on ITP Mags. No rubbing on inner front at all. So far they bite very well and to me dont ride as hard as the Blackwaters do.

Mac
Y2K Red Kodiak stock added on 2000lb warn winch,a cabela rear storage box,speedo,brake light,and tow hook and had to modify the rear rack to carry a Kimpek 2 1/2 gal gas can rack.

 

Thanks Mac
Sounds like the same set up I'm looking at. No rubbing at all?
Mine occasioally rubs with stock tires on very hard, right hand turns while compressing the suspension.

You didn't need wheel spacers or a lift kit? Do the tires stick out a lot more than stock? Do you know the part number of the wheels you used? Do you have any pictures by any chance?

Sorry for the million questions.

2tall
'01 Kodiak

 

ps
Mac you said 26x10x9 and 26x10x12...
Did you change to 10 inch wheels from the stock 12 inchers? I'm looking at 26 (H) x 9 (W) x 12 (Wheel) fronts
and 26 x 12 x 12 rears

 

I have 26x9x12 Mudrunners on the front and 26x12x12 on the back. I have them mounted on Douglas aluminum rims. I did not need wheel spacers or a lift kit and i have not had any rubbing problems. The tires do stick out a little more than stock. I got the tires and rims from Treadepot.com. The Mudrunners are a GREAT all-around tire,hope this helps.

 

If you have a chance, could you measure the overall width front and rear. I'm curious as to how much wider your machine is now.

I don't know if I can get Douglas rims here, but I will ask around.

2tall

 

I had the 27" bigwheel kit on my 200o kodiac, and had no rubbing until I let my kids use the thing. Then it started rubbing making hard right turns. Bolted the inner fender on that side to the exhaust shield, and that fixed the problem. They were 300% better than the stock dunflops that came with it. I have since traded it in on a 2002 Grizzly, and I'm looking for new tires for that. I think I will stay with 26" tires on that don't need the extra cleance.

 

2Tall Sorry about the wheel size, yes 12 inch wheels with 26x12x9 on front and 26x12x12 on rear. No spacers, measurement about 1 1/2 inch wideron front and 2 inches on rear vs stock approximately. I only weigh about 190 and I don't ride that hard in turns so I only can vouch for myself vs other hard core riders.
Mac The Red Rhino

PS MMcguire Mind if I ask you what you got in trade for your Kodiak and the selling price of the Grizz. Zambons price here is $6900.

 

2Tall~

I had the same question, but then my better half solved the problem; didn't want a lift kit for 27" tires to not rub. So I didn't go with the 27" tires, but went with the 25" Bi/Tri Claws. The fronts are 25 x 9.5 x 12 & the rears are 25 x 12.5 x 12. They're coming on ITP C-series Aluminum rims. I understand the offset is the same as stock, I think 2/5 and 5/2. The Kod's rear has a lot of offset on the OEM rims, so don't think you could actually find more offset in an aftermarket rim. (I could be wrong on this, but haven't seen it yet) The actual height of these 25" tires, though, is 25 7/8" which is quite a bit more than the stock 25" dumflops which actually measure out on ours at 23 1/8". I got mine at www.4atvtires.com.

SilverBear