2002 polaris sportsman 400 power loss with big tires

jac42779 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2012, 12:43 PM

My question is about tires that I am about to purchase for my 2005 Sportsman 700. I apologize if this should have been posted in the tire section but I thought it would fit here since it's about the power of the machine.

I'm wanting to get Pitbull Growler tires in either 25.5 or 26.5 size. I'm leaning more toward the 25.5 for less weight and cheaper but the 26.5 will have more ground clearance, deeper rim protection and look better.

Any thoughts on these different sizes?

bobx2 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2012, 06:40 PM

I saw this in the tire section, but I will copy my post here also. I would say it kind of depends on what kind of riding you do. If you spend a lot of time in high riding at high speed you would notice a drop off with the bigger tire. If you trail ride and aren't looking for top speed then the 26.5 shouldn't be any problem. You also have the option to go with 6 ply or 8 ply with the Growlers, so there is a weight savings to be had there as well.
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utvatv800 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2012, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jac42779

My question is about tires that I am about to purchase for my 2005 Sportsman 700. I apologize if this should have been posted in the tire section but I thought it would fit here since it's about the power of the machine.

I'm wanting to get Pitbull Growler tires in either 25.5 or 26.5 size. I'm leaning more toward the 25.5 for less weight and cheaper but the 26.5 will have more ground clearance, deeper rim protection and look better.

Any thoughts on these different sizes?

I have the 25.5 rockers on a 2002 500 and the power loss is not that noticable. You wont be sorry either way you go.

jac42779 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2012, 10:47 AM

Thanks bobx2 and utvatv800 for the responses. utvatv800 do the 25.5 look to be about the same size as stock tires or are they a little bigger?

utvatv800 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 06:21 AM

They do look bigger, they measure about 3/4 of an inch taller over the stock tires.

jac42779 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 02:00 PM

Ok Thanks! I think that I'm gonna get the 25.5 size to save on power.

WIscrambler · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 08:50 PM

I rode a 700 efi with 27" tires and it was a dog compared to my SP600 with stock tires. I'd say the tires make a noticeable difference in power.

muddywaters · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2012, 06:16 PM

Heavy/bigger tires also wear your mach. out prematurely. Check the weight on some tires and you'll be surprised. To each his own, but when I'm out in the middle of no-where, some times solo, reliability is more important than anything else, tires included. I have an 05 SP500HO that came with 26" tires, when it was time for tires I went with 25" Carlisle 489XL's. 15lbs front 19lbs rear and their 6ply. On a previous mach I put a set of GBC Dirt Devils 40lbs front 44lbs rear, it was like having 2 sets of tires on the mach and things failed quickly. I'm more interested in putting miles on than playing in a 50 foot mud hole all day and go no where except to the dealer for parts so I don't need agressive tires, like I said to each his own. Before anything else happens, your mach has to turn your tires first and heavier/bigger tires are definetly power robbers.Enjoy

TJM · #9 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddywaters

Heavy/bigger tires also wear your mach. out prematurely. Check the weight on some tires and you'll be surprised. To each his own, but when I'm out in the middle of no-where, some times solo, reliability is more important than anything else, tires included. I have an 05 SP500HO that came with 26" tires, when it was time for tires I went with 25" Carlisle 489XL's. 15lbs front 19lbs rear and their 6ply. On a previous mach I put a set of GBC Dirt Devils 40lbs front 44lbs rear, it was like having 2 sets of tires on the mach and things failed quickly. I'm more interested in putting miles on than playing in a 50 foot mud hole all day and go no where except to the dealer for parts so I don't need agressive tires, like I said to each his own. Before anything else happens, your mach has to turn your tires first and heavier/bigger tires are definetly power robbers.Enjoy

I will 2nd his opinion..
I went from 25" Carlisle 489's to 26" Mudlites (that are not as lite as I had hoped!) Slowed me down big time. And I am on an 800. The mudlites are way better in the mud, but I dont see as much mud as I do trail. Wish I would have just gotten new 489's.
Good luck!