Okay, here goes. I bought a new Raptor totally stock. Dont plan on any mods just yet. I've heard there is a bit of difference in climbing dunes with the Raptor. Anyone care to fill me in? How will my 20" skat trak edge paddles perform with this machine? Should I buy different paddles? Thanx.

 

Different than what? The raptor will climb any dune you throw at it, just be ready to get up close and personal with the handlebars. The paddles you have will probably work well, but may be a little loose. Spend 10 or 15 bucks and get a 11 or 12 tooth front sprocket to make the gear ratio more managable.

 

With paddles you will have to be careful of the front end coming up when climbing. I ride at Dumont Dunes and the dunes there are HUGE. I don't use paddles and have no trouble climbing any of them. I can keep up no problem with my friend's Raptor who runs paddles.

 

I agree w/ maynard. Everybody thinks dunes, oh got to have paddles, not always true. Raptors have enough torque to get around. Two strokes benefit more from paddles. Anybody climb Choke Cherry at St Anthonys on a Raptor yet??? The fingers at Little Sahara are very steep and I don't see any quads attempt that, even banshees.

 

Not all dunes are not created equal, the sand is different at each dune I have rode in. If you are going to Glamis, you need paddles. The Edges you have worked great on my Raptor last Pres Day. I couldn't find a 12 tooth socket in time for the trip, I have one now GET ONE!

If you are used to a two stroke in the dunes like I was coming from a Banshee... it is Very differnet on a Raptor. When you go over a jump or even the top of the dune, Do NOT let off the throttle until you cleared the top! It is just like hitting the brakes, especially in the sand.

Most importantly, Just enjoy yourself!

Jeff

 

Sandgod, Me and my brother both have climbed the fingers at sand mountain, UT. But we were the only two quads that did it that weekend. I even saw a drag banshee with a 6+ swingarm out there, but he never even attempted. Here are the pictures.

http://communities.msn.com/ATV&naventryid=116

We just have Toomey pipes, aftermarket reeds, higher compression, and sand skate II's.

-Josh

 

Mr45auto,
I think the 20" Skat Trak Edge is the ideal tire for a Raptor. The Sand Skate II has too much bite. My buddies bike wouldn't spin 'em, so he bought the Edge.
Fish

 

Nice pics CapnShiner! Never been to Glamis or Dumont. Although I would like to go it's hard because I feel like our dunes are everything you would ever want in the sand. Did you like it at L.S Utah? Was it better or worse then you thought?
Been to St Anthony's? I don't think a Raptor could make it up Choke Cherry. My 250r made it up, but I think a four stroke doesn't spin enough rpm's to stay on top of the sand.