[MICA]

I bought an 2011 RZR LE with the 12" Aluminum Wheels and would like to upgrade to the Bighorn tires which will add a little width to the 50" RZR. My question is, should I get 12" bighorns for the stock 12" Rims, or buy new 14" rims and 14" bighorns to go with them. I ride mountain trails in WA. If the money wasn't an issue, which will have a better ride, the Bighorn 12" or the Bighorn 14". Conventional wisdom tells me that the 12" has more air and less wheel and should therefore have a better smoother ride over rough rocky trails. Anyone know the truth?

 

[FJK]

i will not run 14" i need more tire under my ride ,i have never dented or broken a rim with the 12" hitting rocks .i have seen a lot of damage to 14" riding the same trails .jmho.

 

[jmattor]

i will not run 14" i need more tire under my ride ,i have never dented or broken a rim with the 12" hitting rocks .i have seen a lot of damage to 14" riding the same trails .jmho.

x2....and Frank should know, he's probably posting from out in the desert right now.

I've been surprised at times how much abuse those 12" tires will stand up to!

 

[TJT-Rav]

More rim = harsher ride, and less cushion to protect the bead. In this case I'd choose function over fashion, jmo.

 

[chopperbill]

I ran 14" for about 3 years. Took 'em off and put on 12" wheel to get to 50". Was going to keep the 14's just in case. I sold 'em. NEVER will go back to 14" The 12's made whole new machine, rides much better, seems to handle better. Can get through things I couldnt before.

 

[MICA]

Thanks everyone for the advice. It sounds like for the kind of riding I do, the 12" will be the best. Will the 12" BigHorns make it too wide for trails ?52" or ?54" Any other recommendations for tire models?

Thanks again.

 

[johnnycat8]

i will not run 14" i need more tire under my ride ,i have never dented or broken a rim with the 12" hitting rocks .i have seen a lot of damage to 14" riding the same trails .jmho.

soooooooooooo tru

 

[MTW]

I lived in Washington Before Alaska (hours ferry ride west of seattle) Kitsap county.. I was raised in that area.. Lots of good packed trails but rockier than ever.. I will not run 14" wheels as there is not only more to damage, but your also looseing a lot of rubber for a smoother ride, the option to air down in muddier conditions. The ride on 14's feels much stiffer..I just cant see any reason and/or benefit other than racing with flat style racing tires on a hard packed course where you want the least amount of sidewall as possible.. IMO they introduced the 14's for looks, The average Buyer that walks into that dealer and see those nice big "rims" are just taken by them...
Oh I forgot..14's do have less sidewall, so in "extreme" rock crawling conditions you have a smaller chance of a side wall puncture.. Just a torn up wheel..
Cheers, Mike #9

 

[MICA]

Thanks Mike. Great Advice.

 

[kedi]

Bought mine with 14" rock crushers and have since installed 27" Grim Reapers. Very pleased. 14" wheels work for me .... have no intension or interest in going to 12". To each his own, I guess, as the saying goes.
Ken

 

[MICA]

If I buy 26" Bighorns for my 12" in rims, should I put 9" or 10" wide on the front? And what about 11" or 12" wide on the back? Will I need to buy wheel spacers if I buy 10" on the front and 12" on the back for the standard RZR?