I'd like to know the approximate top speed that the DS650 will go in sand. I am approximating my DS650 at around 65mph w/o paddles, slower if running paddles. The reason I'm asking is the DS650 is suppossed to be "The Ultimate Duner". When I race piped banshees in a long drag until we wind out, most piped banshees pass me once I get up to speed and they end up a couple lengths ahead of me. It seems as though most piped banshees can obtain a slighly higher top speed in sand than the DS650. I'm sure the weight of the DS is a factor. I'm wondering how much more HP I need to prevent piped banshees from passing me at the end of the sand drag and what mods would get me there - I don't think a pipe is enough, as it doesn't appear to gain any top speed.

 

hi scooby
the banshee makes peak power at very high rpm where as the ds / raptor (4stroke) the power drops off at very high rpm. that is why the banshee run higher top-speed in the soft sand.
paul

 

Scooby, I think it is the fact they have 6 gars and when the Banshees are piped, they can get higher into the RPM range because they are breathing better. Our limits as DS owners are the stock gearing. If you can change your gearing where you are a little slower in takeoff and have more top end, that is what you will have to do....

 

The new dirtwheels did a shootout with the raptor,ds and 400ex. The top speed of the ds in the sand was 71 with the stock tires.

 

The fastest I ever got my DS up to in sand was 67 mph. This was totally stock, measured by my gps.

 

With stock tires and paddles, I estimate my top speed in the area of low to mid 70's. I'd say around 74mph. I have been riding street bikes for 16 years and dirt bikes for over 25 years and I estimate the speed by wind resistance and a general feel for speed. I drive on the freeways in the 70-80pmh range when I can so, it feels like it is in the mid 70's.

It practically rips the goggles off at these speeds! :-)

I'm probably going to switch to my street helmet with face shield. Between going fast and catching sand in the face on windy days in Oregon, the old motocross helmet and goggle system is getting tiresome.

What's your compression like? It sounds like something isn't quite right with your DS yet if it only does 65.

 

We are talking about in sand, not on dirt or grass or pavement. Has anyone hit the rev limit in 5th gear in SAND? The sand robs HP and limits top speed.

 

I couldn't hit the rev limited in 5th on sand (stock). I was maybe up to 5000 rpms..guessing, no tach. I am hoping I can with the big gun exhaust and properly jetted carb.

 

I AM talking sand. I have only ridden the DS650 on sand. I rode my 350X in sand most of the time also and that will probably do mid to upper 60's if not low 70's (350lb. ATV with 27 HP) and the DS650 is faster.

I have hit the rev limiter in 5th only barely if at all. It might be like my 350X where there isn't enough power compared to the final drive ratio to hit the limiter. I do know it was wound out pretty close to the limiter though.

Doing this in the sand leaves about a 20-30 foot tall and 50-60 foot long rooster tail! You don't want to be behind me when I gun it on one of the straight aways in Oregon or you'll get sand blasted!

I've only been passed by one quad at these speeds and that was a pumped up Banshee and then it was a very gradual pass, maybe a three mile an hour difference. That was with the stock tires.

With 20x11x10 Sand Skate II's (which are probably 21" or more) it seems a touch faster.

I will have to look into the GPS setup and try it out.

 

I was thinking about getting GPS for my DS650. I know nothing about them. I am going to the dunes soon and always get myself lost, plus I want to measure my speed. What should I look for in a GPS unit? What kind do you have?