I have two questions about my P650

1) Any thoughts on how to make it a littel less tippy in akward situtations? I ONLY weigh about 130-135 so shifting my weight only helps a little bit so I was thinking of/looking for other ways to add to the stability of the machine.

2) Any thoughts on how to control the bump stear on the 650. I have stock size Mudlites on it and it seems to bump stear VERY bad on the trails. A good tree root on an angle and it yanks the bar hard in that direction? Would tire pressure have an effect? My buddy is around 300lbs and even said it works him out and kicks hard so I guess it is just not me???

Thank you!

 

If you find the Prairie tippy in off-cambers, you would be scared to death on a 660 Grizz, Sportsman, etc. The only way to make it more stable would be wheel spacers or offset wheels. Both of those will make the bump steer worse. It's an extremely stable machine from the factory.

Heavy bump steer is a new one for the Prairie (unless you have offset wheels). Try 5 lbs in your tires and make sure the alignment is okay.

 

Code - doesn't the P650 have adjustable preload on the front suspension? I would try to stiffen it up by adjusting the preload, that should make a big difference in the "tippiness" you feel if you drive into turns really hard.

 

Code54, how do you like your Mudlites?

 

The only tippiness I have noticed on my Prairie is the tendancy to tip over backwards on acceleration!

Progressive Suspension makes adjustable front springs for the Prairie. This could stiffen up the front end, less dive when turning or braking. There is a pair on E-bay right now.

 

man the 650 tips? are you talking about wheelie tip over or on trail? I've gone up/down very steep inclines that I can't even tackle on any other bike and people think I'm nuts doing it but it handles fine with easy power and lots of body weight in the right spot. Body weight shifts makes the biggest difference in akward situations and I would say if you have second thoughts it's better not!! Know your limits. Also on the side the 650 does great in that department, you might have to ge both feet on the up side and KEEP THE POWER TO LOW. Also smaller tires like the 25" muddrunner are going to put the center of gravety lower to the ground which is better and a nice stiff sidewall helps. As for question numer two, I don't know how much experience you have but I would tackle the trail different like hit the roots more at a 90 degree or a different 45 with a little bump of gas to help it jump over it and lean. Slowing down and 4wd helps. and drop your airpressure down to even 4psi.

 

Over all I agree it is fairly stable but on the trails we ride thay are often around 55 or so inchs wide then there is a 12-18" lip on the side so when you meet someone you have to "crawl" up it at a long angle. When I do this I notice the machine feels like it is way off balance. Now I will do this 10 times a day on a 400ex and never even notice it. Maybe because the 400 is light and I am more used to it.
As for bump stear, compaired to my old Rancher and the 400ex has has bump steer BAD. Often I can not hit the roots and such at an angle becasue of how the trail is layed out, you have to cross at an angle, I never even noticed it until I rode the P650. Rode a 400 all last year and never even noticed it at all. I can change the pressure next ride and see what happens.
The mudlites - not a bad tire, cheap, seem strong and get a decent grip overall. I likeed my Mudrunners (on the rancher) better for true mud riding but as an all purpose tire the mud lite is a little better.
Thanks and happy riding!

 

Code54, the progressive spring kit may help you with the tippy.

Also, don't use spacers or ITP wheels on the front, or you will get more bump steer and handlebar grabbing issues from ruts, rocks and ridges.

Also, make sure the alignment is about 0" to 1/16" toe in. The 650 sometimes comes with horendous toe in of .5 to .75 (or toe out which is worse). You may want to check it and adjust it (piece of cake to do it).