We have 5 acres and a really long driveway, so I've pretty much only ridden my 650 up and down the driveway for the past couple of weeks. Well...no more babying the atv! Took it into the woods, crawled over logs and through the brush. Even tried to push a dead tree down, though it turns out that's better left to a dozer[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Kind of nice to see how capable the atv is after actually taking it out into its true element.

The only drawback was a wet log I tried crawling over with the mtr tires. It was only about 10" high, but I could only get the front over and eventually figured out I needed to back up to the front tires and gun it a bit to get the back over. Hopefully a new set of mud hooks or 589s will help out with stuff like that. Also tried going up a steep rock ledge (60+degrees), which was a little unerving, but with better tires I definitely would have made it.

Anyway, wanted to post my first real impression of the 650. Overall very good and very capable. The issue with the log and ledge was really a tire issue since I made it over a rock that came right up to the foot rests (~13 inches I believe). Guess I'll have to try to get a few picks tomorrow.

 

Thats good stuff millsd.

I was in the same spot I picked up a 500 a few days ago and hadn't had a chance to ride it in the "real stuff" until yesterday. MAN it was great! I too rolled over the trees and played in the mud. I did get stuck on one tree but, it was my own fault. Trying to show off for the camera.

I don't know much about the 650's but if the stock tires are anything like the ones on my 500 I understand why you want the new ones. The stock rubber is "OK" but, I wouldn't go any further than that. Can't wait till my 589's get here!!

 

Millsd, I would think that your stock tires should've been the tire of choice for that rock ledge. A radial tire should out perform a bias ply tire when it comes to that kind of riding. However, a more agressive tread would be nicer for most other applications. I've been hearing that the ITP Holeshot MTR's are a nice all around tire.

 

New or old if you don't use your quad as it was intended what's the point in having it. Ran my '05 400i(38 miles before today) easy the first to times out to the give the motor and gears a chance to seat better. Yesterday went out with a buddy who knows only stop and full bore go. Fortunately for me he is riding a Polaris 325 Trail Boss and I was able to keep up just fine. The "Red Brute even played airplane twice and climbed several very steep trails and one skidder road. Makes it worth having an ATV.

 

You may be right about the MTRs and the rock ledge. They performed well on the ledge itself, but slipped on the loose dirt/gravel at the top.

Do you think the bridgestone xxtremes would have done better??? Still going between the xxtremes and itp 589's. Do you think the one of those two is better suited for snow, logs, or moderate mud?