tire size?

[X2rider]

I have a 2011 550 X2 and Im wanting to run a bigger tire than stock, what is the biggest I can go without lifting it?

[racer37l]

The largest I would go is 28"! But, as you go larger with the tires, you also will have to consider a clutch kit and heavier axles. This will depend on how you ride and where you ride.

Most of the time you could go one size larger and have little to no problems. However, the weight of the tire along with the height will have an impact on what else you'll have to do to the bike.

[Amccoy]

If you go bigger at all, you'll probably run into the "rubbing the bracket" issue that has been discussed here in the past. Can't remember what part of the forum that was discussed in, sorry.
I have a 2011 550 X2 as well and finding tires looks as though it might be an issue- without significant modifications that I am not willing to make ($$$ and it seems as I watch others, more mods=more problems).

[Amccoy]

Originally Posted by racer37l

The largest I would go is 28"! But, as you go larger with the tires, you also will have to consider a clutch kit and heavier axles. This will depend on how you ride and where you ride.

Most of the time you could go one size larger and have little to no problems. However, the weight of the tire along with the height will have an impact on what else you'll have to do to the bike.

From what other X2 and Touring owners have said, 28's will not work. Most have had issues with aftermarket tires that were listed as the same size as stock. Those specific tires actually measured a bit taller than stock though.

[jshields]

Yea one of the other concerns is the tread pattern. With a really aggressive tread pattern i have noticed that more often that not they will require wheel spacers. Either way once you get up a couple inches in tire size you will get a few inches of lift of the machine also, so keep that in mind. A clutch kit would also be something to look into because the larger/heavier tires will effect the performance of the machine even if only slightly., if this machine were a 800/850 you would probably have a larger threshold before needing to mess with the clutch.

[stomper]

Just thought I would let you know that I put 27 itp tires on and rub with a 2inch lift. looks like I will have to put wheel spacers on to stop the rub. My parts guy said they would work. I have a 2011 550 x2

[Hawkeye 007]

X2 and touring riders...until the aftermarket tire makers produce stock sizes 26x8 and 26x10x14 tires you're pretty much stuck with the Pitbull 25.5x8 and 25.5x10x14's, but that's not a bad thing because they are a top quality all around trail tire. There are probably none any better. You can go with larger and wider tires if you want to modify your atv. The width is the biggest problem with the aftermarket tires (26x9 and 26x11), that's where the rubbing issue starts. I have the Rockers myself. They are 8 ply where the Growler is 6 ply.

[stomper]

Hi Hawkeye mine don't rub on the sides it's when I hit bumps running about 25mph they hit on the inside fender wheel well where the footwell brace is for the passenger the highlifter kit works well but still have that small rub . I have itp tires that are 27 inch tall . I wish they were 26 though.

[X2rider]

ok, I ride pretty hard and in rocks alot and love rock crawling so I dont want to lose my flexibility. So yall recommend stay with stock sizes? I put the stock size Duro Powergrips on and they rub.... Im getting wheel spacers for the back. I am also getting the clutch reworked for my altitude. I appreciate yalls input.

[Hawkeye 007]

Duro powergrip 26x8 and 26x10 14's are only 4 ply tires. That's pretty weak for hard riding and lots of rocks.