14″ wheels on 2002 sportsman

I picked up a set of Big Horn 2.0 tires yesterday for a sweet deal ,knowing they were 14" tires ,figured today I would go shopping for a set of rims for them .1 particular shop told me that if my bike didn’t come with 14" rims that these tires and rims would not be compatible for my bike ,that my bike did not have the suspension for a 14" wheel kit. I am riding a 2002 sportsman 500 HO .Now I’m in a pickle ,sell the sweet deal of tires and go to a set of 12" or continue to shop for a set of 14".. Can anyone give me some advice on this ,I need to act soon .Thanks

John