P500 12" or 14" wheels...that is the question!

[doolin64]

We all know the P500 is no Cadillac. Logic tells me 12" tires and wheels will ride better. 14" looks better.

If my stock wheels weren't beat up and dented from the previous owner, I'd just swap new tires on those with some wheels spacers. The 14" aftermarket wheels that came on my P500 are fairly beat up. Fortunately I have a buyer in line for them. So I could do a half price upgrade that will let me sleep better at night.

I'm just stuck in the debate of which way to go? 12 or 14". I have 27" tires on it now. I'll most likely stick with that size or 26's. Which size and wheel/tire come would be the lightest? For example 26" Bighorns on 12's vs 26" Bighorns on 14's.

 

[solrus]

Myth busted - P500 is a Cadilac with WE shocks , just proved it to myself last night ))

If you are going to keep stock suspension and not even change to 2017 model OEM shocks then 12" would be the way to go , especially if going over rocks. If trails only nothing to climb over then 14" will be better to steer.

I prefer 12" regardless any scenario and terrain, because I can adjust my ride to the terrain by inflating or deflating tires and the tire shoulder is bigger on 12" wheels.

Since you bought already with 14" wheels and tires, cost effective solution will be to wear those tires and then sell wheels get 12" package. Or if you have good buyer for current tire/wheel set then sell and buy 12".

And ultimately if you do shocks, just front mod, then you set regardless 12 or 14 " wheels.

 

[Gator]

IMO.

The argument for 12" tires goes something like this: A 26 inch tire on a 12 inch rim has more sidewall than the similar tire on a 14 inch rim, and more sidewall means more flexibility.

A good tire like the Bighorn (6 ply) is stiff and I just don't see where the little bit of extra sidewall is going to provide much of a smoother ride.
There is 1.3 lbs difference in the weight of a 12" tire verses 14" tire. I don't see the weight of the rims listed, but I seriously doubt there is more than 3 lbs difference. That's less than 5 lbs per wheel/tire. I carry more ice than that. Don't worry about weight.

I say go with the rims you like the most and don't worry about the folks that would talk bad about them.

But... Select an offset wheel so you don't have to use spacers.

EDIT: What do you mean "beat up"? He (previous owner) beat up two sets of rims? Many of the aftermarket rims have a great warranty.

@solrus is right. 12" tires and wheels will be cheaper.

 

[Sweetroll]

I haven't researched it at all (we just got our P1000 a month ago and I haven't quite worn through the first set), but the salesman mentioned that there would be more tire options on the 14in rims than for the 12's. Just two cents.

 

[solrus]

That's why he is salesman )), 14" tires/wheels , a bit higher price but 12 and 14" are very popular sizes so options are abundant in those sizes.
And for P500 12" are very good fit, for sure better comfort on rocky trails, since wider side wall absorbs better with proper pressure.

For P1000 different story bigger machine so most of P1000 owners step up to 28" tires on 14" wheels, that make more sense in this combo then using 28" on 12" wheels, if even this possible to do.

Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire 26x11-12 - 119$

Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire 26x11-14 - 125.50$

4/115 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 12x7 5.0 + 2.0 Machined - 75$

4/115 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 14x8 5.0 + 3.0 Machined - 80$

 

[SBuckJ]

After having a 50" wide RZR that had 12" rims, and then going to 14" rims and noticing the difference (both had the same tires Kenda Bearclaw HTR's) I went to the 12" on my 500...they both ride pretty similar on the 12" but definitely was rougher on the 14" rims. Hope that helps!

 

[doolin64]

As for the beat up comments. The stock front wheels had the typical trail dents that can happen. They've been biffed and scratched. The ITP wheels have a good chunk out of one wheel lip. Another wheel looks like it was spun in a mud hole for a good long while. All the black is scratched. The other two just have some rock hits that left them scratched. They're completely serviceable. But I feel like taking the money for these now cuts my wheel and its purchase in half.

 

[JTW]

12x 26or27

 

[solrus]

12*26

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[chrisC]

Check actual tire sizes too. Not all tires measure their advertised OD size. Many are smaller !

 

[moparornocar]

I'm gonna jump in the 14" band wagon, I love the added steering response, and on such a small machine they look bad ass. If you were after ride quality Honda makes a really nice ride, the Accord lol!

 

[doolin64]

How about 12" Steelies? Too bad they don't make 14 steelies too

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[Dp5hunter]

Here in sentral and sentral south Mississippi we don't have or I've not yet found trails like u guys have up north and west USA so what we have is creeks to ride in and for this tip of riding 14in reems are best bicous of the sand and gravel that can acumulate arond the brack calipers. The larger reems give more room for the sand and gravel to not get jamed bitween caliper and wheel. 80% of ower riding is in water another good reason for snorkels and high mounted winches. and I'm spiking for my P 500.

 

[jawquin]

How about 12" Steelies? Too bad they don't make 14 steelies too

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I been eyeing those ITP Steel and like them. 135.96 from Motorcycle-Superstore this week free shipping. Will need to check lug nuts and centers if you want them.