Just got back from W.V on the Hatfield Mcoy trail.
If you got the time go!!!
This is what we were riding.1 2001 HO sportsman, 2 1999 sportsman 500's and one 99 magnum 500. The only atv that didn't have problems when hitting the water fast was the HO. Other wise had belt problems several times. Also the airbox on both 99 500's filled with water enough to drowned out the motor. The water wasn't that deep, but just by hitting the water hard would force water into the airbox. Also managed to tear a cv boot and puncture a hole in a 27 inch XT.
The way we rode these machines was hard and fast.
All of us are happy with how these performed.
Does anybody out there have a mod for fixing the wet belt problem when hitting water fast. Also the water in the airbox, can the intake be protected from water spray without going to a snorkel. Once you get these paper filters wet your screwed.
Will try to post some pictures here when I get them back.
One other thing, if you stay in LOGON, W.V. enjoy the scenery (not housing but women).
YE ALL HAVE FUN IF YOU GO!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the info,myself and many others will be leaving for the HM trailhead on May 3rd.We have 3 day permits and will be headed back the following Monday.Hows the Hills,any trouble climbing them?Mud?Anything I need to know before going?

Bill Ciliberti
00 Xplorer 400cc 4x4
Dynoport pipe/silencer
Delta V-Force reeds/spacer kit
KN Filter
26 inch Mudrunners

 

If you ran a K&N filter on your quads You would not have the filter problem .Try it they work.

 

I was one along with slewpumper, and to answer your questions, the hills are great but, the trip back down the hills can be a little nerve racking. Was plenty of mud on the Rockhouse trail, and the Compton trail at Williamson had good hills and lots of mud. Many tight turns on steep grades. We also had the 3 day permits and tried all 3 trails. Rode a total 155 miles and they were hard and grueling. I think you will not be disappointed. The bear Wallow trail is where we started in the town of Logan. We found it to be pretty diverse also. Not a lot of mud but steep hills in the extreme parts.
We wore rain suits part of the time just to try and keep some of the mud off. Suggest a couple pairs of boots to keep feet dry.
We stayed at Super8 in Logan which was real accomodating.
The ride at the compton trail is real nice since you can ride into the town of Mateawan and go to the local cafe called the Depot right on the main street. Say Hi to Molly Mae for us she treated is great.
Enjoy the ride you will not be sorry you went.

 

I believe you can upgrade the non HO's to the HO pvt vent and intake, that should help the tranny. As far as the airbox, tape up the holes on the tank. HO's don't use them because of water getting in there. A UNI filter would work a little better than a KN for wet conditions because you can wring them out to help dry them. Good luck.