P1000 Best bang for buck for plush ride? Tires vs shocks...

[ayoung]

Hope everyone is safe!
I would like to improve low speed ride quality over roots and small rocks. I run 6-8psi on stock bighorn 2.0 on deluxe 14" rims.

I am trying to decide which is a better route..... 1) Move to 12" rims with 28x10x12 tires? or..... 2) Purchase front fox shocks.

Based on budget, I can only do one of the 2 options this year. I can't recall who posted, but I recall someone mentioning dropping the rim size for more sidewall was just as effective as new shocks......

Thank you for any thoughts/advice!

AYoung Ontario, Canada
2016 1000-5

 

[JTW]

Running 6-8 psi on stock big horns is a terrible idea. I would go the 28” berserkers on 12’s route if I could only do 2 shocks.

 

[DDDonkey]

Shocks made a world of difference to me, even the wife was happy with the money spent. I went with the 814's but the Fox shocks should be a huge improvement over the stock ones.

 

[ayoung]

Likely right, 8psi is more like is. Not riding aggressively and haven't had a problem with the low pressure. Have definitely considered berserkers, but have a few mud holes on the way to camp..... also considering blackwater evolution or even another set of bighorns.

I really should go the 814s... stop with the half measures. Thanks.

 

[Vikes79]

I second @JTW ’s comments about the 12” rims.

I purchased some deluxe new take offs with the factory Bighorns to upgrade from my base 12” tires and rims.

While the deluxe rims and tires look way better and have much better traction, the ride is quite harsh in comparison to the 12” rims.

More sidewall equals more of a plush ride.

 

[ayoung]

The blackwaters come in 28-10-12....but I have read they are relatively stiff with 8ply sidewall. If comfort is what I am after, and don't have to deal with sharp rock..... would the 6ply bighorn 2 in 28-10-12 be a good choice? I expect this is still an upgrade over the factory 4-ply sidewall BG2?

 

[HondaTech]

Dont go to 12 inch rims, not a lot of options for 27 or larger tires there. Also most 12 inch tires arent rated for utv weight.

 

[GWH]

Hope everyone is safe!
I would like to improve low speed ride quality over roots and small rocks. I run 6-8psi on stock bighorn 2.0 on deluxe 14" rims.

I am trying to decide which is a better route..... 1) Move to 12" rims with 28x10x12 tires? or..... 2) Purchase front fox shocks.

Based on budget, I can only do one of the 2 options this year. I can't recall who posted, but I recall someone mentioning dropping the rim size for more sidewall was just as effective as new shocks......

Thank you for any thoughts/advice!

AYoung Ontario, Canada
2016 1000-5

If ur running that low of pressure and are not happy w the ride,and have not destroyed a tire,then I’d have to say ur SOL

 

[GWH]

If ur running that low of pressure and are not happy w the ride,and have not destroyed a tire,then I’d have to say ur SOL

If ur going to buy shocks look seriously at Elka 3s ,start w the fronts.

 

[ToddACimer]

If ur going to buy shocks look seriously at Elka 3s ,start w the fronts.

My Elka Stage 4s were a huge upgrade from the Fox shocks I had. I'm glad I switched

 

[Schmeg]

While Honda tech is correct on all accounts, there are a few 12” options out there. Just not many. If your not planning to lift or do forward A Arms, 27.5” is about it without getting into a rubbing issue. I believe JTW runs a raven Berzerkers. They will more than handle the weight. I’m running Pitbull Growlers in 27x9x12 and they carry a 640 lb spec. Yes, your options are very limited. I’m sure there are other options out there. Just read the specs carefully.

 

[ayoung]

Thanks all. Does anyone have 28x10x12 evolution? How are they for ride comfort?

For the berserker..... does it handle mud very well? I can't avoid a few sections that have me winching with the stock bighorns.

 

[TripleB]

Thanks all. Does anyone have 28x10x12 evolution? How are they for ride comfort?

For the berserker..... does it handle mud very well? I can't avoid a few sections that have me winching with the stock bighorns.

I have the 28x10x12 evos on stock wheels. I added fox shocks before I added the evos. It rides good to me but I'm comparing it to the stock shocks and tire days.

 

[BBLASER]

do the 28x10x12 on stock steel look weird? I was thinking about doing it, but I thought I read that the rear wheel is 9" wide. Curious what the side walls look like.

 

[Schmeg]

I’ll snap a picture of my 27x9x12 Pitbulls later today.

 

[TripleB]

do the 28x10x12 on stock steel look weird? I was thinking about doing it, but I thought I read that the rear wheel is 9" wide. Curious what the side walls look like.

I dont have many pics. Here is sitting next to a stock machine. I have a 1" spacer on the front and 2" on the rear. I'm not really worried about looks, just function. I do rub the outside of the inner fender a little in the front if I hit a hole kinda hard. Not bad.

 

[Schmeg]

Here is mine with 27x9x12 Pitbull Growlers all four corners mounted on 12” STI beadlocks. The tires measure a true 27” and are a true 9.5” wide.

 

[BBLASER]

Thanks guys, those look great!

 

[ayoung]

It is challenging finding rims in stock in Canada! Haven't really found anything affordable in 12x7 with 5+2 offset. Maybe ITP ss212? Anyone run these?

 

[nitzo]

I would go the 28” berserkers on 12’s route if I could only do 2 shocks.

JTW shot me this lead awhile back and I went for it. Best thing I have done to the old girl yet. The FOX shocks are nice also