Just wondering how do most of the riders who ride 650s go down steep hills?

A: 4x4 low range
B: 4x4 high
C: 2x4 low
D: 2x4 high
E: neutral

Also do you find on some off-cambers that the machine feels tippy

Just would like some feedback

 

I use 2x4 high or 4x4 low or 4x4 high, whichever I am in. If I feel that I am in any danger on flipping when descending in 4x4 low because the KEBC is braking too much, I nudge the gas just a touch. If it is real bad, I will flip to 2x4 just in case, so I can brake the front tires or not.

The stocker tires rolled over too much on off camber trails, and since I have better tires now, I feel that the 650 has exceptionally good stability off camber.

 

Try sitting on your 650 then sitting on a Polaris. You will then greatly appreciate the 650's lower center of gravity.

 

Dustanko is right, you ride on one of those IRS guys off camber, you will be scared. A lot of 660 guys are rolling their ride when they put big tires on. I have 28" tires, and I feel more stable than with stockers.

The stock tires make it worse than it is.

The tire gods will eventually punish anyone who does not pay homage a set of better tires.

 

<<

The stock tires make it worse than it is.

The tire gods will eventually punish anyone who does not pay homage a set of better tires. >>



I agree 100%. I have a buddy who just traded in his '00 Sp500 for a 650. Polaris does have better stock tires, no question. I am trying (more less begging him) to get at least some rear aftermarket tires. We do alot of mudding in the spring, summer, and fall. Those stockers just won't cut it, and I don't wanna hear him whining that his SP was better in mud. I was getting upset getting stuck in the snow, so I really wanted new tires ASAP. It is real hard convincing him, because he is one that doesn't buy anything for a machine. I think he might get my drift when we hit the trails next weekend.

 

I will usually descend a hill in what ever gear and mode I am in. I just pay particular attention not to be on the throttle part way down a hill and then let off the throttle when in low range 4X4. When you let up on the throttle the engine break kicks in pretty hard in low and would probably could cause you to do an end over if the hill is steep enough. That's just my 2 cents worth.

 

NYROC,

Speaking of tires. I am considering 589's or Mudrunners for my 650. I have questions about width and diameter. I was thinking 26's but will 27's rob too much power? I do not want to lose that 650 out-of-the-hole trademark acceleration. I am a fairly new 650 owner and anticipate 25% mudding, 50% hardpack trailriding, and the other 25% in plowed fields and slough bottoms. I also like to hit the pavement when I want to get home quick. Now these percentages will all change again next year when the snow flies and it will be mostly snow I ride in. I know that I am asking one tire to do a lot here until I can get seasonal ones. With all this said, should I also stick with different widths like my stockers are? Or, go with the same width all the way around?

Daryn

 

By the way, when I hit the pavement I like to go wide open with the throttle to feel the speed. But I do not squawk my tires on pavment.

Daryn

 

I go down hills in what ever gear I'm already in unless it is very steep, then I'll use 2x4 high so I can let go the front brakes when needed.

 

The larger the tire diameter the more accleration you lose.

You can't have both. You are going to loose something to gain something else. Just try to pick the smartest combination. Basically the better mud performance, the less your acceleration.

-Wide front tires will adversly affect turning ease, and handling.
-Narrow front tires will dig down, but won't get you through soup as well as wide ones. This is the main reason you read about rides with wide front tires.
-Wide rear tires do not affect the handling as much.
-Wider tires in general will drag just a bit more.
-My mudzillas work just fine on the pavement, even full speed. I realize you are not looking to go that aggressive. Mudrunners and 589's are probably better on pavement.

Gosh, I can't answer the size question for you. I love my ground clearance. I lost power, but the 650 still has more than I need.

My 660 friend has 27&quot; mudrunners with 40 miles on them and he already wants to sell them.
-The 660 is less stable and 27&quot; tires made it worse and he doesn't like it.
-The 660 has less low rpm torque, so the 27&quot; tires leave his quad more watered down at low speeds than my 650 with 28&quot; tires at low speeds.

The guys I know with 26&quot; mudrunners are really happy with the mix. I gues I would kinda recommend that (or 589 if you pick them). You won't lose enough pep to care.