polaris 800 big tires

NickS · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 06:18 PM

I have an '05 Sportsman 400 4x4. I'm looking at getting some new wheels and tires. Factory is 25x8x12 up front and 25x11x12 in the back. I'm thinking about 26 inch tall tires at least and either 12" or 14" rims. Is this going to put much more strain on the clutch. How big is too big on a 400 before I need to start looking at getting a new clutch. I just want to go a little bigger without having to alter anything else on the ATV.

NickS · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2010, 07:14 PM

No help?

The Kid · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2010, 07:20 PM

26's will be fine 27's maybe 28's no no

phil · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 05:03 AM

Just as a note - I replaced the stock tires on my '10 550 EFI (they were:26-8 and 26-10 14s) went to Bighorns 26-9 and 26-11 14s originals (not the Bighorn 2); Now these tires are nearly 1" taller than the stocks (regardless of the number "26") and wider and heavier. I really like them a lot BUT I do notice (feel) the difference in performance. It is just a bit sluggish (and I mean a bit) not sure if it bothers me enough to get into a new clutch. Top end also suffers a bit but I don't drive at 60 very often.

racer37l · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickS

I have an '05 Sportsman 400 4x4. I'm looking at getting some new wheels and tires. Factory is 25x8x12 up front and 25x11x12 in the back. I'm thinking about 26 inch tall tires at least and either 12" or 14" rims. Is this going to put much more strain on the clutch. How big is too big on a 400 before I need to start looking at getting a new clutch. I just want to go a little bigger without having to alter anything else on the ATV.

I think that the Kid is right, 26's will be fine. The only thing that might change that is how you use your bike (mud, sand, trails, rocks, hauling). If you still have any concern about the clutch, then contact some of the clutch manufacturers to see what they say. Just my $.02

bfbill650i · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickS

I have an '05 Sportsman 400 4x4. I'm looking at getting some new wheels and tires. Factory is 25x8x12 up front and 25x11x12 in the back. I'm thinking about 26 inch tall tires at least and either 12" or 14" rims. Is this going to put much more strain on the clutch. How big is too big on a 400 before I need to start looking at getting a new clutch. I just want to go a little bigger without having to alter anything else on the ATV.

26" tires you should be ok. But anytime you upgrade you tires for bigger and heavier not to mention the load put on your engine with the impoved traction. A clutch kit would be a good addition. The machine (usually is) is designed to work best with the traction given , when we alter it by adding tires that have better performance we should add a clutch kit to offset what we have done or even better add to the "stock" setting.

With that being said. Most if not all quads will turn a size bigger (tire) with no trouble. So real world 26" you should be good. 27"s maybe a kit but you could get away with no kit depending on the tire , to be safe we should use a kit.28"s+ a kit.

NickS · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 06:08 PM

OK, thanks. I think I should be ok it seems. Definitely not going bigger than 26" tall. Dont want to put too much strain on a 400cc.

NickS · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 07:28 PM

Also, what about the wheels size, is it going to make much difference going to a 14" wheel and 26" tire from what I have stock. I'm just stuck on the wheels now. I know that i'm not going bigger than 26" on the tires, but I'm not sure if I want to stick with the 12" ITP's or go to 14" ones. I just can't decide. Wondering if the bigger wheel would put too much stress on the clutch, because i'm not interested in replacing it right now at all.

PolarMud · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2010, 09:56 PM

26"s should be okay on your 400. However, one thing to consider is the overall weight of your wheel/tire package. For example a 26" Mudlite XTR is about 11 to 14 lbs heavier each than a 27" Maxxis Zilla. Believe me weight can be an issue. My XTRs hurt the power on my 500 right much due to the weight of the tires. I'm in the process of putting a clutch kit on it. I had an 04 400 Sportsman and I must say that you don't want to get too carried away with a heavy aggressive tire on it cause that 425cc engine is not the most powerful mill in the world. Its a very solid engine, but its just not the kind of engine thats gonna turn some big ole meats in a powerful efficient manner.

NickS · #10 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the info, hell I may just keep 25" tires in there and go a little wider in the front. Still not sure on going with 12" or 14" wheels. I need to search the weight of some of the tires. I'm wondering what the difference in weight would be between the stock setup I have now and maybe a 12" or 14" wheel with a 26" maxxis tire or another light aggressive tire.