1. Only one spare needed
2. If running the same size rim width all around, the tire will balloon the same which is easier on the awd system. A 11" tire on a 7" rim is taller than a 9" tire on a 7" rim theroitically and balloons differently! Also the 11" is more likely to pull from the bead at lower pressures without bead locks. Thats why the stock rims are not the same width front and rear. To compensate for the ballooning.
3. Cosmetic preference

 

There are no downsides to running the same size tire/rim combo period! DO IT!

 

These are 26.5X9X12 on 7" - 4:3 rims without spacers or lift. Pitbull tires actually measure 27" so U should be OK

 

Pro- less understeer. Front tires cost less then rears. Less rotational weight, accelerates faster.

Con- With less traction in the rear, the tires spin more requiring the fronts to do more work because they are engaged more often. These front diffs are weak and may not last as long. This wasn't scientifically proven just my opinion. However I have had more front problems then anyone I know.

I like it. I would recommend 26X9x12 or if you want the absolute maximum acceleration get 25x8x12. There is a very large acceleration difference.

 

There is a very large acceleration difference.

I just got 26x9x12 Reptiles on STi X Series Type 4 rims. I haven't mounted them up yet (too windy to bother), but this is something I did not know.

I might not be winning any more drags with my cuz-in-law in his Buick GS.

 

It is the way to go for the way I ride.

Also if you get a non directional tire, you can do full rotations, get much more miles out of a set.

 

Hi Everyone,

I want to run with 12 x 7 wheels with 4+3 offset with Kenda Bear Claw tires on a std. 2011 rzr. I forgot the most important thing, what the tire size is. I want to run 27 x 9 -12. I hope they will work in the front.

Please keep the input coming,

 

Here is a 27x9 Zilla setup with 4+3 offset wheels and a two inch lift. I also have 1 1/2 inch wheel spacers for looks and stability with the lift.

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I run 25x10x12 all around on 12x7. I haven't had any problems and I love the ride.

 

rotten-rzr

I run 25x10x12 all around on 12x7. I haven't had any problems and I love the ride.

Do you have power steering ? How is your rzr to steer with 25x10x12 in the front ?

Thanks for the info,

 

I do not have PS on this model. It steers fine to me

 

Hi Everyone,

I have been doing more reading about the same size tire in all 4 corners. It looks like this set-up is good for the mud. How well does the same size tire work for climbing loose rock and shale ? Is it a good over all combo, for mud and rocks ?

Thanks for the input,

 

Running 26X9 Big Horn 2s all around mine, kicks butt in all respects IMO, especially climbing,

I prefer to avoid mud, but these are not good in snow, the dig like a badger.

 

Can somebody who's gone "skinny" comment on ride quality... Does the ride suffer with the loss of the nice fat balloon rears to absorb impact? I'm takin' about machines without suspension seats and $2500 shock upgrades

 

Ride did not really change. I can slide the rear around easier though which I like
26x9x12's on 4+3 offset all around

 

I don't notice any ride difference.

 

I had skinny laws all the way around and went to wides in the back.The rzr does much better in the mud and sand with the wides.

 

I run 26 x 8 r 12 Kenda bear claw htr on mine. 2 inch lift and 4 and 3 rims. The Kenda 26 inch bear claw is really 26.6 high and the 27 is 27.1 so only 1/2 inch difference. The radials are much easier to steer than the stock bias tires. they have been excellent in every situation for me.

 

26x10-12 Grim Reapers on 4+3 wheels for me - no rubbing, 54 in. wide.

 

That looks really good! No rubbing with a 10" wide huh? Hmmmmmm Any spacers?

 

I drive mainly hard pack roads and tight trails. I have been giving this lots of thought lately. Is it really that much better for the clutch, transmission etc? I currently run Big Horns 26x9x12 front and 26x11x12 rear. I have heard the argument that the “skinny” tire actually sits higher. If both tires are the same height they should sit the same but with the fatter tire is does seem to square off or balloon at the edges so which is it? What about bead separation? More with wide or skinny tires? What about plowing with skinny's in the back? Skinny tires give less rim protection? (I currently have 12x7 rims but the Big Horn seem to sit flush with the side of the rim on the front tire. That could just be my style of rim. ) With less tire will the ride suffer those fat rear tires seem to absorb the bumps better? I am all about maximizing the life of my RZR like everyone else, if there is an argument that it is better on the components I’ll be changing for sure. I’m not for or against I just want to clarify some issues I’m wondering about before I spend the money on 2 tires and if I am unsure then maybe someone else is too. This is a great thread and I have been following it since it began. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about my RZR from this forum. Thanks for your input.

 

Mounted my new tire/wheel combo yesterday afternoon, and here are some thoughts -

First, the setup: 26x9x16 Interco Reptile Radials on 12x7, 4+3 STi rims (forgot which ones)

First impressions:

Acceleration took a pretty big hit even though the new tires & wheels seem to weigh less than the old fronts, and a whole lot less than the rears.

The 9's on the back get pretty squirrelly when pushed on a gravel road-- no more lazy high-speed drifts through turns. Instead, you gotta stay on top of it all the time to avoid swapping ends.

They ride really nicely. Less unsprung weight? Giant, shock-absorbing knobs? Radial construction? Don't know, but you gotta put more "O"'s in the word "smooth" to describe 'em.

That's about all for now: it was getting dark, cold, and thirsty out, so I didn't ride very long. I think I made the right decision, but I'm not absolutely sure yet.