Got my new 650 today. A couple of questions given my lack of experience on utility atvs...

1. The steering is very stiff. Well, not stiff at all assuming you only want to go straight! It does seem like something I'll get used to, but it also seems like it would make trail riding a whole lot of work. Any thoughts on how to improve the steering? I've heard the gators make a lot of difference, but I don't want to spend $600 on a set of tires if I don't need to.

2. Shifting gears seems strange, and it has slipped out of high a couple of times (after hard braking, etc). Seems to me that I should just be able to move the lever to the correct place and have it in the right gear, but to shift say from neutral to high, for example, you kind of have to shift up toward low and back to high. Any thoughts?

3. Any thoughts on helmets? Going to pick something out tomorrow, but not really sure what to look for? Is the chin-guard (assuming that's what it is) necessary/good compared to the more open faced? Quite honestly, I grew up with smaller atv's on the farm and didn't ever use a helmet. Times have obviously changed though, and given the immense power of 650, I wouldn't think to go for a ride without a helmet.

thanks again...any fuel to encourage my inherently obsessive compulsive nature is appreciated[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

You will have to get used to the steering although an aftermarket set of tires will help some.As long as you don't go too wide.

You need to adjust your shifter linkage by the sound of it,what year bike did you get?

If you are in a spot where you get cold winters a full face helmet is nice,I don't have one but I wear a mask to keep the frost bite off the beak.

 

if you got the stock tires on it add some air to the fronts mine was a little work to steer until i put the 589s on now it turns very easy

 

It's a 2005. The dealer said they'd come out tomorrow to take a look. Hopefully, they'll just be able to adjust it and I'll be set.

 

Congrats on the Cat!

The shifting is prolly the linkage. Dealer should be able to fix that with no problems.

As far as helmet. I'd look for one that's both Dot and Snell approved. I picked up an HJC from dennis kirk for ~$100. You can buy cheaper and pay alot more.

 

I've got the 04 and it just takes some getting used to as far as the steering goes. It's not very easy to manipulate in tight quarters. The helmet is a decision you will have to live with so take your time and don't cut corners. I agree with Heyyou if you ride in the cold a full face is a must! Then you have to consider riding conditions...Dust?

 

They steer a little easier with a lift.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

The tire pressure thing is a good idea. When we picked up our ATV's, I asked the dealer how much air was in the tires. "Oh, they've got about 6 pounds", he says. So when I got home and pulled out the trusty air gauge I found they had everywhere from 3 pounds to 9 pounds in them, and in no particular order. And get an aftermarket air gauge too. That one that comes in the tool kit is do-do. I got a great one from Summit Racing that measures from 0-15 pounds and I love it.

Wife and I have open face helmets (with a zip-in thingie for winter riding that covers the ears), kinda like Doug Meyer wears on ATV-TV. However, I think we're going to get some motocross type helmets for the winter. They're just plain warmer.

 

Nice pics MrTommy! Really makes me want to move back to CO. It's okay up here in MA, but the Winters outright suck and you don't get the wide-open range/mountain views. Guess I'm just not particullary fond of all these trees...

 

After market tires are a nice edition, but I think the stock ones on yours are 26" Carlisle Badlands right? From what I've read they seem to be a pretty good tire. As far as a helmet goes, I just bought a second HJC CLX Effect helmet with a removable leather face guard. You should be able to get for about $125. I would go with a full-face helmet. It will help keep the teeth if you go over the bars or if the bike flips back on you.
Remember, if you have a cheap head buy a cheap helmet. It's for safety. I agree with the Snell approval. It is a higher standard than DOT.