Riding buddy has an X2. Extremely stable in steep climbs, THE BEST.

 

Even my 350 Big Bear in low range would go up a wall of a building before running out of power if the laws of physic would allow it.

 

R'
My 08 800 was very abrupt when it engaged also. I did not like it in technical situations. The super tips adjustable clutch kit from Bikeman fixed that problem for me.

 

Wolf1,

Thank you so much for validating my point. More times often than not threads like these
ride too many of our male egos pointing back to lack of rider skill. I won't debate that I am
not Rickey Carmichael out there on the off-road trail but everyone one of these models have strengths and weaknesses. - IMO Also, do you have a link for that clutch product, price etc.? Thanks!

MH,

I believe you! I think if you have a steep flat hill climb those two-UP and longer wheel base quads are better for steep hill climbs. BUT....I am speaking more of these hard black rutted, washed out dangerous hills. I would think maybe the two-ups may be worse sense it "may" not be as manueourable? But then again, who am I to say? I never ridden one or seen one in front of me to perform.

Seems like there is some validation in this thread with clutching and front suspension issues that we need to configure for tougher steeper hill based trails when applicable? Now what is the formula is the question?

Thanks all,

R'

 

Really want to ride the HM trails. I tried to put something together with friends in Maine, but couldn't get everybody on the same page. Hard with family and kids these days. Maybe next year. Sounds like a crazy place to ride and you'd better have 8 plys.

R...If you can muster the cash, sell the 800 while it's got some value. Start fresh with a 850 and wipe the memories of your crash away. A new bike is an emotional requirement needed for "closure".....sell it to the wife that way.

 

FR,

I like your thinking....:-)

R'

 

R, the longer wheelbase can be tough on extremely tight and windy trails but other than that it's no better or worse in ruts or rocks. Slightly less breakover angle in the middle than a regular quad but not much. Metal skid plates are wonderful. It's going up and down where the long wheelbase shines. Doesn't matter if it is flat, rocky, or rutted. I forget sometimes when I'm leading to spot the guys behind me because the long wheelbase helps you get up and over. That same spot where I am laying on the headlight pod to keep the front end planted sometimes is trickier for the 1-up machines. I don't think the springs are the problem. They just soak up the bumps some. Any front end is going to get lighter and seem to be pushing off the ground when you are getting into the steep stuff. I agree on the clutching though. It can be kind of jerky sometimes and that can make it difficult. I've learned to just stay on the gas in low and crawl. It gives me enough time to survey what I'm going to hit next. But if you can find a smoother clutch that could make a world of difference. I noticed on my son's Canned Ham that the belt is almost engaged at idle. It is very smooth when you start off. My understanding is that the XPs are much better than previous models.

 

They stretch out hill climb motocross bike with a extra long swing arm and mountain sleds with 156" tracks to gain a advantage,same should hold for a ATV, the longer the better for steep hills.

 

R,
Here is a link to the product.
BIKEMAN PERFORMANCE -- PRODUCTS.
They will send you info on how to set it up. On mine I set it up as directed and I was hitting the rev limiter. A quick phone call corrected that, they had me add weight in the mid section of the ramp. It worked really good, I could creep ahead instead of lurching.

 

Yep. I think that's what Moose was saying above your post. 2-up would be pretty cool. Might look into one when Polaris comes out next-gen chassis there are rumors about.