Bigger Tires, No Rubbing: High Clearance Floorboards for Honda Foreman

7 Honda ATV mods July 30, 2026

ByPriyanka Sharma 0 Comments

If you've ever tried to run bigger tires on your Foreman, you know the problem. Your tires rub. Your stock floorboards get in the way. And suddenly your "simple upgrade" needs a lift kit, a grinder, and a free weekend.

Tire clearance is one of those small details that has a big effect on how your machine handles off-road, especially once you start sizing up. As per ATV Safety, a nonprofit safety and rider-education group formed in 1988 and backed by the major ATV manufacturers, it has spent decades studying how tire size and suspension changes affect handling and stability. It's a solid, trustworthy place to brush up on the basics before you start swapping parts.

That's exactly where Vessel Powersports for the 2014+ Honda Foreman comes in.

Why Stock Floorboards Become a Problem

Factory floorboards are designed around the original equipment setup. When you move to taller or wider tires, the available space around the wheel well may become limited.

Depending on the setup, riders may use a lift, modify existing components, or install floorboards designed to provide additional clearance. High-clearance floorboards offer an option for creating more room without changing the entire suspension setup.

What These Floorboards Are Designed to Do

The High Clearance Floorboards are designed for 2014 and newer Honda Foreman models, including the Foreman 500 and 520.

According to the product specifications, they are designed to accommodate tires up to 33 inches without requiring a lift, cutting, or welding. The floorboards use OEM mounting points for a bolt-on installation.

Actual clearance can vary depending on tire width, wheel offset, suspension setup, and other modifications. It's a good idea to check your specific combination at the full steering lock and through the suspension's range of movement.

More Than Just Tire Clearance

The kit also addresses another issue some riders experience during slow, demanding riding: engine and exhaust heat around the lower legs.

Side engine covers are included to help block heat from the engine and exhaust area. This can be useful when riding through mud, technical terrain, or other situations where the machine is working hard at lower speeds.

The floorboards are available in bare metal or textured black powder coat. Bare metal can be suitable for a custom finish, while textured black provides a finished option ready for installation.

What's Included?

The kit includes:

• Left-side floorboard with mounting brackets

• Right-side floorboard with mounting brackets

• Two-foot pegs

• Installation hardware

The floorboards are designed to work with OEM mounting points and can also be used with the supplied footpegs.

Fitment and Installation

The product is listed for:

• 2014–2019 Honda Foreman 500
  
  

• 2020+ Honda Foreman 520

Before installation, check your tire and wheel combination carefully. Larger tires can vary in actual diameter and width, and wheel offset can affect where the tire sits in relation to the floorboards.

Checking clearance at full steering lock and during suspension compression can help identify potential interference before riding.

More Tire Clearance Without Changing the Whole Setup

For foreman owners moving to larger tires, Vessel Powersports offers a practical solution with its floorboards. The bolt-on design is intended to provide clearance for tires up to 33 inches without requiring a lift, cutting, or welding.

With side engine covers for added heat protection, included footpegs, and fitment for 2014+ Honda Foreman 500 and 520 models, the kit is designed to make larger tire setups easier to accommodate without extensive modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a lift kit to run 33-inch tires?

The floorboards are designed to provide clearance for tires up to 33 inches without requiring a lift. Actual fitment can depend on tire dimensions, wheel offset, suspension setup, and other modifications.

2. Will every 33-inch tire fit without rubbing?

Not necessarily. Tire width, actual tire dimensions, wheel offset, and suspension changes can all affect clearance. Check your specific setup before installation.

3. Will these floorboards work with OEM footpegs?

Yes. The floorboards are designed to work with OEM footpegs, and the kit also includes two footpegs.

4. Does the kit fit the Foreman 500 and 520?

Yes. It is listed for 2014–2019 Honda Foreman 500 and the 2020+ Honda Foreman 520 models.

5. Do I need to cut or weld anything?

No. The floorboards are designed for bolt-on installation using OEM mounting points.

Priyanka Sharma