Can any of ya'll tell me if AC plans on building any 650 Multi Rider machines?

 

I hadn't heard of any plans. They are selling about all the TRV models they can build right now according to my dealer.

My wife and I rode the Piaute Trail and Moab last August riding double on our AC650. We did between 50-70 miles a day. There was plenty of seat room for us both and it easily hauled us and a bunch of gear everywhere we wanted to go. That included over some rocky spots in the trails where I had to switch to 4wd.

The 2 seaters do have a drawback due to the extended length. They don't turn tight corners very well. We met some folks on a TRV and they had problems negotiating some of the tighter terrain.

 

I am in the process of setting up my AC650 to ride double. It appears that it will work fine. Looking forward to put some miles on this weekend.

Shonk

 

Theshonk: How do you plan set it up for a second rider? Just a back rest, or foot rests as well? I would be interested in seeing some photoes after you are done. Will the DNR or local law enforcement then recognize it as legal for a second rider?

 

Some states don't care if you ride double. Some have regulations that forbid it on state land. MO is that way but we haven't gone anywhere riding double in MO anyway. We have 1100 acres of family farm to ride on so that will suffice for our local riding.

I don't know if the rangers would consider it a 2 person ATV after mods or not. I kind of doubt it unless each passenger had a separate seat, footpegs, and hand grips.

Theshonk : Does WA restrict riding double or are you doing it for comfort and safety?

My wife would like some type of backrest and I am trying to figure out one to make use of the MRP rack. I would also like to add some handgrip forward of the rear rack for her to hang on to. I don't think it will be too big of a problem.

There wasn't any problem needing another set of foot pegs as we could both fit our feet on the floorboard of the AC650. My wife has long legs.

For us, the AC650 was long enough and had enough seat for us both while keeping the passenger ahead of the rear axle. It's when the passenger gets above or behind the rear axle that the weight shift becomes a real problem.

 

I’m sure I will be breaking some law. If I trailer I go to Idaho as long as you have the tags I should be lick’n chicken.
My little lady is little I am not so petite so I am not too worried about CG. The pegs should be here tomorrow. Will advise

Shonk
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Although Im not normally a proponent of 2-up riding on a single rider quad- the AC 650 is at minumum a better choice than nearly all of the other machines - if done properly. The two biggest issues is driver freedom of movement to balance the quad and also the CG or balance of the quad in relationship to going over backwards as a result of to steep of incline or power - or both. The 650 does have a large seat and the pax can sit ahead (barely) of the rear axle - which helps.

And I say this with strong reservations. I recieved near fatal injuries when we went over backwards on our Polaris 500 - with my wife breaking her arm. So I know to which I am speaking here.

Several issues come into play.
One - with two people on a single rider quad (SRQ) egress from the machine if it tips over or rolls is much more difficult. One person almost has to wait for the other to move out of the way. There is no time to wait so someone is likely to get the machine on top of them. You will be on the horns of delima between providing a pax back rest vs. keeping a rear exit clear for egress.

Two - if the pax is not moving forward on a steep incline - but is instead resting comfortably against the back rest - there is little the driver can do to counteract that short of sitting on the front rack. Rearward weight distribution is critical with short wheel based SRQ's. The additional wheel base of the factory designed two rider quads makes a HUGE difference.

Three - the pax has to have strong and secure hand grips and foot rests that let them have a good 3 inches of clearance from the seat to the inseam when standing on the foot rests. The pax can either add to the balance effort or substancialy take away from it. It isnt much help if limited only to the hand grips. You cant hang on and lean all that much without good leg support.

Four - Stability. You may have to upgrade the springs to stop the machine from rolling. The stock springs are not designed for two riders plus gear. Rolling to the side and/or being thrown from the machine represents 40% of ATV accidents.

Most State laws will not recognize a non-factory designed two rider ATV. You can modify it all you want - but it doesn't state "carry no more than ONE passenger" you may be in trouble.

My official opinion is to use a quad designed for two riders. Your wife and other pax deserve the safety considerations and other design enhancements. You can compromise - but it is a compromise to their safety.

 

WhoDatInDaMud-

Good post- very informative. Thanks for the tips.

 

Excellent points your reservations are well warranted. Rest assured we will only ride double on flat logging roads at low speeds. We will be well under the max gross weight.

Thanks
Shonk

 

I appreciate everyone's comments. When I do go with a multi rider I'll probable go with a factory model just to avoid the hassel with the law. Weight won't be a problem: the wife and I together only weigh about 280. I'd sure rather have the bigger 650, though. I'm a die-hard AC fan, have been since '72 when the folks bought a couple of Panthers. Of course, growing up in between the two factories (AC & Polaris) I've taken some hard looks at those too, just never made the leap. That Ranger sure looks good though......maybe in a couple years after the Corps puts me out to pasture.....