Hi all,
We are planning our first trip to ride in the sand (Florence, Oregon) and my husband is stressing out
over getting all of our bikes & quads ready. (We head out on the 16th, so the clock is ticking...)

He has a KTM 400, that he bought a paddle tire for.
Our youngest son has a KTM 65, that he's looking to get a paddle tire for.
Our oldest son has a RedCat, and my husband found wheels, he just needs to order the tires. He's thinking
he may be able to order the 65 tire at the same time to save shipping (he's a frugal man - more money for toys!).
I have an Arctic Cat 400 4x4, so he thinks I'm set to go as is, with my regular set up.

Back to the stressing part... he hasn't put paddle tires on before, so he's wondering about things like having to
lengthen the chain (remember, this is all greek to me), and things like that. Is it as straightforward as putting on a new
tire, or are there other things he needs to do? He commutes to Longview WA from Albany OR (90 min to 2 hours depending
on traffic each way) so his time is getting sucked up working. I'm trying to help by looking up info online, and you
guys in this forum were really helpful when I was looking up info on women's chest protectors.

With all that - any tips/advice you can offer would be VERY much appreciated. (I've posted this also as a reply to a previous thread, then thought I'd better put it on as a new question/topic.)

 

The chain should not need to be changed,just make sure it's adjusted properly,not too tight or too loose.The owner's manual should help here.Whoever he buys the paddle tires from,he needs to ask what they would suggest for the bike it's going on.Too many paddles will rob you of horsepower.You want just enough paddles to help push the bike forward in the sand,but not too many because the engine will have trouble pulling the tire.
Some dune safety tips:before anyone goes as fast as you can across a flat stretch of sand,slowly ride across it first.Some sand will play tricks on your eyes.It may look flat,but there can be a small drop off you won't see until you're right on top of it.This should be done daily.I would not have believed it unless I saw it with my own two eyes.It really will fool you.Don't let this scare you.The dunes are safe as long as a little precaution is used.

Don't ride alone.Always take a friend with you just incase something happens.

As with any type of atv riding always watch the other rider as well as where you're going also.

Normally there will be a straight-a-way where race bikes will be racing.Try to ride around these areas.Especially watch the kids.I've seen kids ride right out in front of some drag bikes.It could have been really ugly,but the racers went on each side of him.I'm sure some help from above was used here also.These bikes can reach some very fast speeds and don't need someone pulling out in front of them.Got to watch the kids.

Always wear a helmet,and a flag will also probably be required.Most parks sell the flags.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the great information, Dallas. I'll admit, I am a little worried about the kids; I've heard about some of the accidents.
I especially appreciate the tip about riding across the sand to check it out first - I had no idea. Being mom, the helmets, flags, and eyes on kids were at the top of my to-do list. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

I'll pass the chain / tire info on to my husband. He's relieved to be getting some advice from you riders who've been-there-done-that.

 

Worrying will ruin a trip.I'm a parent of a 1 year old girl.She so precious yet so rotten.I'm sure you know what I mean.Just try to explain to them all about safety,and try to have a great time.I hope my daughter will want to ride 4-wheelers when she gets older.I'm sure I'll worry too.She's nuts over them now.Want to make her mad,just start up the quad and don't let her on it.She will have a fit.Yes,she rides it just about every time I start it.Please,let me know if you need any more help.Feel free to PM me if you need to.

 

There is nothing special to putting on sand tires, it's the same as putting on new dirt tires. I would recommend ITP Sand Stars, had mine put on at Les Schwab in Florence for $129. My machine is basically the same as yours and they work great. I would difinately suggest you get sand tires for Florence, lots of hills there that would give you trouble without them. We will be there on the 19th so see ya there! Good luck.

 

Thanks, dfru.
Good to know putting on the tires aren't that big of a deal.
We are all looking forward to this new experience.
See you in Florence! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

go mama, on taking the initiative, give Skat-trak a call, they make a paddle for all your bikes and set-up very well. Even if you dont go with them, and want to by cheaper they will still tell you what set-up you need.

Skat-Trak--

Tech Calls
(M-W-F 1-4pm PST)
909.795.2505

 

Hey if you air down your 4x4's tires to 1.5 psi iy will get around a lot better.

 

Thanks for the advice.
We can use all the help we can get since this is new to us!

 

I have the same basic motor in my eiger, use low range for the steeper hills and don't be scared to rev the motor. Four wheel drive also is your friend.