One of our local ATV clubs is hosting an ATV pull event next month. Complete with a progresive sled. I've been to tractor pulls(as a spectator) but never been to an ATV pull. I'd like to give it a try... Curious how my AC500 manual will do. Does anyone have any tips as to what gear I should start on? 1st low perhaps? I'm also running 4 26x12x12 Mud Bugs. They have 1.5" deep lugs so I don't know how good they'll do pulling weight in loose dry dirt. Perhaps I should air them down as much as possible/allowed. Any good tips from you guys?

Thanks,

 

I did a couple of pulls last year, on my 98 500 AC and my son on my dads 400 AC. Around here they have classes, We both pulled in the open 4x4 1050 lbs. I had 27" Vampires, my son stock 489s. The best advice I can give is get as close to the weight as possible, and air down your tires if you can block your rear suspension to where it doesn't move that helps too. I found it best to put the weight on the front I tried both. Put it in first gear low and let it eat. There is not a stock bike that will beat you when you get the weight right ( can't say about a Traxter or 650 the 660 seems too high gaared for this ). My son beat me on the 400 but neither one of us even came close to running out of power. We had 450s 600 with 27" vamps several 500 sportsmans HO too a 400 explorer won but he had huge sprockets to regear it and suspension blocked, he was the one who told me about that. my son 2nd and me 3rd. It is a lot of fun I'm going to do it at least once this year. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Maybe Im wrong here, but if your going to be pulling a typical pulling sled that gets heavier on the skid the further you go, wouldnt you be better off like using 3rd gear in low range. You could just rev the motor and pop it into gear. That way you get some momentum built up before all the way wieght gets on the skid of the sled. because if you ever watch pullers or talk to pullers the like to skim across the top not dig down.you never see a pro puller leaving the tractor or truck in grandma gear. Does anyone have any input of wich way would be better. thanks
Matty

 

I have a 98 500 with 495 26x12x12, I have done 3 pulls 1st one i put it in hi range first gear done better then any other cats Dry dirt, Last year I put it in low 3 and did not get the wheel speed it needed I did bad, did not even place it was muddy, my suggention would be low 2nd and keep the wheels spinng, and take the top of the air box off it gives you more power, high octane gas and full throttle. do your best.

 

With the added weight and traction on the track that we pulled on 2nd low wouldn't work , I tried it. There was a lot of bite on this track. My neighbors 600 grizzly just got about half way and just powered out and wouldn't turn the tires. That was what most all did, some just got a little farther than others before doing so. It was a real test of power and gearing. Only the top 3 lost traction and spun out. Of course track conditions could change driving strategies. Good luck and let us know how and what you do.

 

<< I have a 98 500 with 495 26x12x12 >>



Don't you mean 26x10.5x12? Or is that what it says on your side wall??

 

dude get off my back, I was trying to give someone my tips, and tricks to do the best job his bike can, I want him to do a good job after all he is representing all cat drivers not just himself. I was able to convince my wife that 6in. is 10in, so if I want to try and convince you all that the rubber I ride on is 12in, let me.





don't get too mad I am just having fun with you(Boner)

 

HEHEHE, Oh my god thats funny. I just used a metric ruler!!!!

 

The reason why I asked is beacause I've heard claims of Canadian models haveing 26x12x12 measurements on there sidewalls. But Titian only list these tires as 26x10.5x12s. So I was wondering if they actually did make them maybe.

 

26x10.5x12 is what it says, I do not like these tires on the snow they float, don't dig down just spins out, but on mud and hard pack they are good.