i guess i`de like some opinions on how to do real extreme steep spots,,rock faces,ledges,,ect. i grew up on a dirt bike & just bought my quad last winter. i already figured out how to roll it on the trail when a root grabs the front wheel at a fast pace,,now i want to learn how to reeaally put a crimp in my schlitz can by rolling over backwards. okay,,seriously,, i was wondering if standing and leaning way forward is better than staying seated and moving forward?? it seems i can get more weight forward standing,but it raises the center of gravity more. i ask this because my friend flipped his quad this summer in the bottom of hackett gulch on a rock ledge section & broke his femur. i know quads can do real steep stuff, i would like opinions on the best way.( i will gather all responses and determine the majority consensus. if my next typing is erratic & misspelled, then you know i am typing with a pencil in my teeth because of several broken limbs and will probably not ask anymore advise,,lol!!

 

Your question, po400, is larger than a single post can answer. Regarding one small point, YES! Stand up, lean forward when climbing hills!

All your questions are answered in the ATV Safety Institute Riders Course; my recommendation, call 'em up (800) 786-5559 and schedule a slot in a course near you. Best $ 35 you ever spent (unless you have a new quad and your dealer/manufacturer pays YOU to attend); no matter how much experience you have, you will learn things making you a safer and better rider.

Tree Farmer

 

If you are an advanced' sled head' try riding your quad as if your were riding your sled. Looh ahead, plan the balance and wieght transfer to the front,rear, and sides. Move up on the side boards or rear. Basicaly, your sledding on 4 wheels.
Most people who dislike the high center of some polaris 4x4 have not used the basics of what sledding has taught them. I use this technic subconciusly and it does work to MY full advantage.

Hope this may help.
mtnfun
96sp500

 

I wish I new the answer. I had my Scram 400 flip backwards on me today on its and mine maiden voyage. Must be speed and momentum.

KD

 

Standing is definately the better technique. You can move your weight around more and easier while standing to better manipulate the bike. The difference in center of gravity is not a factor since you are moving freely. You can actually help control your "tip factor" by standing up and leaning. The best way to keep from flipping, is to ride within your abilities. But hey, experience is the best teacher and I've had to return my bike to it's intended up-right status more than once. It's all fun 'til the bones break.

 

Just click here to hear about CHICKENMANS first crash. CM

http://communities.msn.com/COBSPLACE...a?fc_a=0&fc_p=

 

The biggest mistake I see people making climbing hills, is they are up on their feet but they are pulling back on the handle bars to keep themselves up there against the front of the machine. Best why I can describe is (I did this to my wife and she seemed to understand, so...)
imagine your quad is going up at a 45 degree angle, you must be able to stand on the footpegs and not hang on to anything else. In other words you must be rotated around on the footpegs. This more difficult on floorboards, but still possible.
Point is, get your weight on your feet not up by the bars, hanging on with white knuckles.

 

When you start to roll sideways jump off on the oppisite side. When you are going to flip backwards jump off to one side.

That's what I do.

 

The UPHILL side whenever possible. You landing on a quad hurts less than a quad landing on you!
Farmr

 

thanks all, you all helped me remember how to crash right,,i guess ive gotten lazy over the years,,but a real eye opener is a 500lbs + quad chasing me vs. a 250 lbs dirt dike. bottom line,,get off my fat *** & MOVE!,, be it forward,sideways, or bale! thanks for the responses(as i wave skyward from the dirt i lay in)