Just got a new Bayou 220 for the kids and have found it to be a really nice little machine. Tried out the Recon and Bear Tracker but liked the Bayou better. We have a Jet Ski that has been super reliable so I was a little brand biased. Have been reading all the posts on oils (and I thought we fast outboard boat guys were opinionated). Anyway first question is about the after market hand shift rods, are they OK or does their weight put a load on the clutch? One rider wears a size 15 and with a insulated boot makes toe shifting very hard. Any advice or comments? Thanks,GAR

 

When I bought my O'neal Element boots I had the same problem w/shifting. I simply removed the shifter and re-adjusted/raised it up a few notches so that I had more room for the boots.

 

My father-in-law has a hand shifter on his King Quad because of the floor boards he installed. So far it has not hurt anything and the machine is a '93. Personally I would not use one. Just experiment with different boots to find a pair that work. I ride with insulated Columbia boots during the winter and they work quite well. They are more similar to a pair of insulated hiking boots than Sorels.