If you're looking at these, you likely already know that the "2.0" version of the Bighorn was designed with one main goal: shedding weight. The original Bighorn is a tank—it's heavy, it's beefy, and it's almost indestructible. But all that weight can be a real drag on your suspension and your horsepower, especially on smaller or mid-sized machines. That's where the bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 comes into play. It keeps that iconic non-directional tread pattern but slims down the lugs just a bit to keep things light and snappy.
Why the 27x11x14 Size Matters
Let's break down these numbers because they actually tell a pretty big story about how your machine is going to handle. The 27-inch height is a great middle-ground. It's tall enough to give you some extra ground clearance over stock 25 or 26-inch tires, but it's not so huge that you're going to be snapping axles or needing a massive lift kit just to make them fit.
The 11-inch width is usually what you're looking at for your rear tires. Having that extra inch or two of width compared to the fronts gives you a much better footprint. When you're trying to climb a loose, sandy hill or get through some slick mud, that extra surface area helps you "float" and grab traction where a narrower tire might just dig a hole.
Then you've got the 14-inch wheel diameter. This is becoming the standard for modern UTVs. Going with a 14-inch rim instead of a 12-inch one means you have a bit less sidewall, which sounds like it might be a bad thing for ride quality, but it actually helps with "steering feel." You get less of that squishy, rolling sensation when you're taking corners at a decent clip. Plus, 14-inch wheels allow for larger brake calipers, which is a nice bonus if you've upgraded your stopping power.
Performance Across Different Terrains
I've taken the bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 through just about every type of dirt you can imagine. One of the best things about this tread design is that it's non-directional. If you're ever in a pinch and need to swap tires around or mount a spare, you don't have to worry about which way the "V" is pointing. It works the same in forward and reverse, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to back out of a tricky spot.
Handling the Hardpack
On hard-packed trails or fire roads, these tires are incredibly smooth. Because they are radial tires, they have a much more flexible carcass than older bias-ply designs. This means they soak up the little chatter bumps and rocks rather than bouncing over them. You don't feel like your teeth are being rattled out of your head when you're doing 40 mph down a groomed trail. The lug spacing is just right—it's tight enough to provide a consistent contact patch, so you don't get that "vibration" that some dedicated mud tires have.
Rocks and Technical Climbs
When you get into the rocky stuff, the bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 really shows its worth. The 6-ply rating gives you enough confidence that you aren't going to slice a sidewall the second you look at a sharp rock. I've crawled over some pretty gnarly limestone ledges, and the way the rubber wraps around the edges of the tire provides excellent "side bite." This is huge when you're off-camber or trying to hold a line on a narrow shelf.
Mud and Sand Performance
Now, let's be honest: this isn't a dedicated mud tire. If you spend 90% of your time in chest-deep swamp water, you're going to want something with 2-inch paddles. However, for the occasional mud hole or a wet trail after a rainstorm, the Bighorn 2.0 does surprisingly well. The lugs are spaced widely enough that they clear out pretty well once you get some wheel spin going.
In the sand, that 11-inch width on the back is your best friend. It provides enough flotation that you don't just sink to the frame. It's not a paddle tire, obviously, but for an all-terrain tire, it's one of the better performers in the dunes.
The Weight Advantage is Real
One thing people often overlook is "unsprung weight." Your suspension has to work a lot harder to move a heavy tire up and down. Since the bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 is significantly lighter than the original Bighorn (and many other 6-ply tires in this size), your shocks don't have to fight as much inertia.
You'll notice it most in your acceleration. Your engine doesn't have to work as hard to get those wheels spinning. If you're running a machine that isn't a 1000cc turbo beast—maybe a 570 or a 700—saving a few pounds at each corner can actually make the machine feel like it has more pep. It's a "free" performance upgrade in a way.
Durability and Long-Term Wear
I've seen some people complain that the 2.0 wears out faster than the original Bighorn. To an extent, that's true—the lugs aren't as deep to begin with. But "faster" is relative. If you're driving on pavement or asphalt half the time, yeah, you're going to chew through any off-road tire. But on the dirt, these things hold up remarkably well.
The rubber compound Maxxis uses is a nice mix of soft (for grip) and firm (for longevity). After several hundred miles of mixed trail riding, my set still looks pretty fresh. You might see some slight rounding of the edges on the lugs, but the traction doesn't seem to fall off a cliff as they wear down.
Living With These Tires Day-to-Day
Maintenance-wise, there isn't much to worry about. I usually run mine between 10 and 12 PSI depending on where I'm riding. If I'm hitting a lot of rocks, I'll bump it up a bit to protect the rims. If I'm in the soft stuff, I'll drop it down to 8 PSI to get a bigger footprint. Because they're radials, they handle these pressure changes really well without feeling "wobbly" or unstable.
One thing to keep in mind is that because they are a bit lighter, they can be more susceptible to punctures than a heavy 8-ply or 10-ply tire. That's the trade-off. If you ride in an area with a lot of "punji stake" type wood or extremely jagged desert rocks, you just have to be a little more mindful of your lines. That said, I've yet to have a flat with mine, and I don't exactly baby them.
Is the Bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 Right for You?
If you're the type of rider who wants a "set it and forget it" tire that works for 95% of trail conditions, this is it. It's predictable. It doesn't do anything weird when you're sliding around a corner, and it doesn't pull your steering wheel out of your hands.
The bighorn 2.0 27x11x14 is especially great if you're looking to maintain a balance between performance and weight. It keeps your machine feeling nimble and fast while giving you the confidence to tackle that tough climb or the muddy section of the trail that everyone else is hesitating on. It's one of those products that has stayed popular for years for a very simple reason: it just works. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives on their machine, you really can't go wrong with this setup.