[Mrgoodwrench35]

I'm looking to put tires and wheels on a 2017 rancher fm1. I want a little more aggressive, more puncture resistant tires and the wife wants 'cool' wheels. I'd also like to step up in size an inch, maybe 2 for a little more clearance. I'm ok with functional wheels, preferably lighter than factory.

I noticed the factory wheels are different size front to rear. Is it safe to assume that I can go with 4 of the same size wheels and same height tires without damaging the drive train? I'm thinking 25-26 with a 9/11 or 10/12 front/rear?

I'd also like the front to be a bit wider. An inch, maybe 2. I'd rather not use spacers and since I'm buying wheels, can I just get more offset fronts? The offset #'s confuse me

Any good deals going anywhere for tire/wheel combos? Any recommendations? I like the Kenda Bearclaw's and HTR's. Not sure about the need for radial tires on this particular machine. I've also read good things about the Sedona line up. Ripsaws and such. They look good but I have no experience with them.

 

[tbzep]

If you're doing it for ground clearance, remember that an inch taller tire only gives you 1/2" more ground clearance. The other 1/2" is above the axle.

 

[SteveStrick]

I went up to 26's on my 17 Rancher. Gained an extra inch of clearance, and you can definitely notice it both looking at and sitting on the machine. I like it much better!

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I went up to 26's on my 17 Rancher. Gained an extra inch of clearance, and you can definitely notice it both looking at and sitting on the machine. I like it much better!

Did you notice any substantial loss of power?

Are your wheels the same size all the way around?

What would be the correct offset for the front wheels?

 

[SteveStrick]

The only place I really notice a little bit of loss is on the top end, but if I wanted that much top speed I wouldn't have bought a Honda. Lol. Even still I probably only lost about 3 or 4 mph.
They're all 26", but 9" wide on the front and 11" wide on the rear. I think if you're doing a lot of 4x4ing the skinny/ wide combo is the way to go, but on a two wheel drive maybe same width all the way around would be just as good? Then you could always rotate them as well if the backs start wearing out faster.
As for offset not sure off the top of my head what mine is, I bought a set of aftermarket rims, and it's an IRS too.
Hope this helps ya a bit! Enjoy your bike!

 

[SamUK]

Front is 2+5 rear is 5+2 for offset

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

Front is 2+5 rear is 5+2 for offset

Is that the factory offset? I'd like to be a little wider, especially on the front with the aftermarket wheels. The offset numbers confuse me a bit. Does one number change, for example, 2+5 changed to 3+4, is that a complete inch difference at the wheel or are they half inch increments?

 

[SamUK]

Yeah you can get different offsets. Best thing to do is email a wheel and tyre supplier to see what they have available with 110pcd (stud pattern) It May work out cheaper to buy 1” wheel spacers you see.
I know that the ITP delta (steel rim) is available in stock offset and a plus 1” option, there a good wheel too. Just ordered mine today actually.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

Yeah you can get different offsets. Best thing to do is email a wheel and tyre supplier to see what they have available with 110pcd (stud pattern) It May work out cheaper to buy 1” wheel spacers you see.
I know that the ITP delta (steel rim) is available in stock offset and a plus 1” option, there a good wheel too. Just ordered mine today actually.

Thank you for the info. I'm trying to avoid spacers if possible. I know an offset wheel is much more friendly to the bearings than a spacer would be. I'll check out the ITP delta's. Thanks again.

 

[redtherocket]

do you have a straight axle?


I wouldn't go to a 26 if your asking about power loss...

stick to a 25'...


It is a substantial loss.... but I tow..

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

do you have a straight axle?


I wouldn't go to a 26 if your asking about power loss...

stick to a 25'...


It is a substantial loss.... but I tow..

Yes, it is a solid rear axle.

I don't want to lose a lot of power, the machine doesn't really have any to spare.

I went out and played around with some of the tires I have out in the barn. A 26 kenda bearclaw measures 5/8 of an inch taller than the factory 24 maxxis whatever they are's. Both mounted on 12' wheels and at 5 psi. I expected more of a difference.

 

[billy5221]

I have a set a itp Delta steel wheels that I haven't used yet, they're 12×7 the fronts are 5+2 in the front and 2+5 in the back, if I use them I would gain 2 inches in the front because the stock wheels in the front are a 6 inch on the width so the offset is like 5+1 or 4+2, would be a gain of 1inch a side, but the back I would lose 1 inch because they are 7.5 inch on the width so the offset is 2+5.5, I suppose I could get a 11 inch wide tire instead of the 10 inch wide tire that's on it to make up the difference. That's what I found out if that helps

 

[billy5221]

I forgot to to say I have a 08 rancher, I think they still have the same wheels as the new ones