I thought a Terminology topic might be a good idea. It sure would be for me! I've been riding for just under a year and don't know that much about the sport except what I've experienced first hand.


So, can someone tell me what a "Switchback" is?

 

When you look up on the side of a mountain that is very steep and see a trail cut out of the hillside that transverses back and forth like a Z, because the side hill is too steep to climb straight up, them the trail "switches back" and forth to the top of the mountain.

 

Ive seen long wheel-base trucks get screwed descending steep loose gravel switchbacks (cant make the turn, and cant back up),,,,and end up plowing straight down a mountain.

oh yeah,,,,exactly what Specta said.

 

The "switchbacks" are like Speca said - but when the switchback is made back and forth, the turns are usually very tight turns. (Mrs. Q)

 

Hehe...the only time I use the term "Switchback" is when I am riding a wheelie or doing a stoppie sitting backwards. I didn't know it had something to do with a hill. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Skid Plates: They're not just for your underwear anymore!

But seriously, I know what they are vaguely. Correct me if I'm wrong but they are to protect the underside of the ATV from damage from large rocks and rocky terrian. What I'm trying to find out is whether they are necessary on the utility models or not? (I have a utility style ATV) I have only seen reference to them regarding protecting sports style ATVs and my utility style ATV doesn't look very vulnerable on its underside at all.

Thanks in advance and thanks for the answer regarding switchbacks!