Newly registered to the site but have been searching around for awhile now.
I have an 2004.5 Polaris Sportsman (not the square nose, but the 2005-2008 model) 700 EFI Hunter Edition with the original Polaris tires, 26x8X12(front) and 26X11X12(rear) and I’m in the market for a new set of tires due to blowing the side wall out of the front left on a rough trail ride a few weekends ago. I decided on the Kenda Bearclaw HTR but cannot decide on what size. I hear some mixed reviews on what size fits and what size doesn’t so I figured Id ask the question in hopes of a good response.
I use the machine very seldom but when I do I run a 52" Glacier Plow for my driveway, use it to get to my deer stands and haul deer, the occasional trail and fields ride(can get pretty rough with rocks, sharp rocks, loose dirt, snow and creeks.
Ive been reading a lot about the newer machines being able to handle the 26X9X12 tire but I am not sure about my older 2004.5 machine. Looks like it may rub the tie rod. BUT i’ve also read that the Bearclaw HTRs 26X9 are really a 26X8.5 at 5psi. I don’t want to run spacers and I know i can run ITP Delta Steels 4+3.0 offset, but I’d like to keep the original camo wheels if I could fit the 26X9X12 Kenda Bearclaw HTRs fronts. Sounds like the Rears fit no problem.
What do you all think?
