Thanks for all the info. It looks like I'm going to buy a flag and a set of Gecho sand tires on .90 wheels first. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Hey there and Welcome Topper,

I see you like the bigger quads what with the Utility ATV's in your line up.
I think you will do great with the DS as its the biggest sport quad made. That's why I chose it, when your flying at 80mph across the top of a big dune you want BIG, WIDE and STABLE and that's what the DS is.
My first recommendation would be to get your suspension dialed in to your weight! The manual is pretty good with general ball park settings you should go by.
That made such a difference to me ! it really made the ride all that much sweeter : - ) just wish I had not waited.
I would steer clear of the Geckos for rear sand tires though. I have not personally run them but I hear lots of bad things with them. . . at least on the bigger heavier bikes like the DS. I have the 22" Extreme Haulers and absolutely love em !!! There is no Dune I can't climb !!!!
I make as many runs as my wallet and free time will allow out to the SoCal dunes and after riding there just once your hooked ! you may just want to move closer to em as that is what the DS stands for (Dune SPort).
Lots of good info here... these guys have helped me a lot.
See you in the Dunes. . .

 

Hightower,
I know, I was just razzing him. His son sounded like he was a large kid! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Welcome Topper. Pretty new myself, and these guys are great and always willing to help you find ways to spend your money [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Kidding aside, they know thier stuff.

 

Welcome Topper! Sounds like you have a really nice stable of quads. One thing about this place all questions are always welcome. Atleast in the bomb forum, watch out for the yammy forum, alot of the people on it are kids with big mouths and lil fanks and beans. Never hold back from asking. One thing I HATE is when I see someone jump on a newbie for not doing a search. Although good info can be had that way, things change as do opinions on products, so dont be shy.

As for the tires you mentioned, DONT get the Gecko's! You'll be kicking yourself in the hiney pretty hard in no time for wasting money. If you want all out performance get a streight paddle in the 22" like the Extreme or regular Haulers by Skat Trak. If you want the easiest to ride with along with good performance, look at the Sand Skate II's by Sand Tires Unlimited aka STU or the Sand Stars by ITP. You cant go wrong with any of these tires. Also if $$ permits, get front sand tires too, THEY DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

 

Man, I really like the respoce I have received from here. I did go take a look at those tires at Rocky Mountain ATV. They are a lot more $$$$$$ Then I was thinking about spending. I will give this some thought though..... If I were to buy a set of tires and wheels, would 21X11X10 be a good size for a stock DS?

 

I use the 20" Sand Stars my brother uses 22" sand stars, and my dad runs 20" Sand Skate II. All great tires, but would highly recommend changing your gearing to a 14/40 or a 15/42. If you do a search for gearing I posted the results of our weights and how the different set ups worked for us. Hope it helps some.

 

Topper,
Most people go with the 22X11X10. I went with the 20's and I like the little lower "gear", if you will. I agree, the gekos blow! All you do is dig, I would get stuck on the flats with them. I am now running ITP sand stars. They are a V paddle and are great for trail riding and general duning. Not the best for drag racing, you need a good set of haulers for that!

 

Topper, Keep an eye on the "Whats in your garage?" thread. Rims and tires show up there alot. If your still talking paddles, you'll be good to go with anything in the 20-22" range. Same goes for dirt tires. Caution on the 22" paddles though, you may have to trim some material off of your heel guards as they could rub when you get some air but easy to do, no sweat.

 

I've decided to wait a little on tires and do some research first. I don't want to throw money away. I think if I get a taller tire I might want to spend a little more to buy some new sprockets for gearing.....