What are most you who ride in the mountains 2x4 or 4x4?

 

I have ridden the Appalachian Mountains extensively, in W.Va., and in S.E. Ohio. I would say that I can get along just fine in 2WD about 98% of the time. This varies with the weather. I tend to "skirt" the real deep mudholes. I love hangin' the rear of the P-650 out there, you can't do THAT in 4WD !!!!!(with good tires, anyway)

 

We ride the Sierras (frequently over 10,000') and my local mountains (usually around 7,000'). Actually, the hills behind my house would be called "mountains" in Indiana. We patricularly like to explore old mines, so we do a lot of boulder strewn old mining roads. The riding is frequently very technical. But, the southwest is relatively dry, so keep in mind we don't have to deal with the mud that you have in some places.

Actually, the 2X4's do pretty well if the rider picks his line well. Our primary requirement is high ground clearance, rather than just traction. The 4X4 is nice though, but I really have to say that most of the time it is overkill.

 

Thanx I am trying to make my mine up on what kind of quad to get my wife. I was thinking about 300 prairie 4x4 but it is full time 4x4 so then I looked at 300 2x4. It would not be a question if it were switchable. Do you guy think she would be alright in the rockies on a 2x4 or would she be better off with 4x4?

 

Why not look at the Prairie 360 or at a Polaris?

 

Polaris 325 is a dog and 360 numbed my feet after just 15 min. I am trying to keep price down or I would just buy her another kawi 650[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I ride 2x4 most of the time. Did 37 miles of trails/mud/rocks and had it in 4x4 3 times for a total of under 2 minutes. (two very important minutes). I'd highly recommend a bike with 2wd/4wd switching, It's just plain fun to ride 2wd but its good to know that you can get back out again.

As for a ride for your wife, consider the Eiger. Same price range as what you've been looking at and real light and tight on the trails. I always ride in company of a P650 and the two bikes are equals on trails. Different story when we get to an open fire trail of course but at the end of the day the Eiger has always shown itself to be an easy ride.

We ride in the foothills of East Tennessee, usually have elevation changes of 2K +/- feet.

Jaybee

 

I dunno,
We spent 5 days in the Montana Rockies covering about a 100 miles and my wife’s Trailboss did really really well. Having one 4x4 available to give it a tug when it was fairly deep in the stream was all that was needed. Women don’t always have the upper body strength that we guys do. I like the agility of the trailboss, effortless steering, wide wheel base, light weight and not so powerful as to get one into trouble so quickly. It climbed all the hills and went everywhere my quad went. It’s a really really easy bike for my wife and daughter to drive. They don't ride as much or as often as I do and if the worst case happens - there isn't 700 pounds of bike squishing their entrails out their nostrils. I hear many guys complaining that they spent WAY to much money on their wife's quad that seldom gets used. I'm ok with the cost of the trailboss and it being used only 8-10 times a year.


Some Pics - warning - its slow to load

 

I had thought about 4x2. How did that trailboss do with no low range?

 

Like I said - The Trailboss did ok. I think the variable speed "auto" transmission has a lot going for it. Its not real fast or real powerful - but its enough. More than enough considering the drivers.

I live in Minnesota where Polaris is manufactured. Within 10 miles of my house there are 5 delearships with full repairs and parts service - another contributing factor when I decided on which to purchase. I beleive the Trailboss is still the least expensive 4cycle quad in that engine size arena. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Arctic Cat each have only 2 dealerships within 30 miles of me. That may be different for you.