I live in an area where there are tons of trails basically all within a mile of me. During the spring, summer, and fall, a z400 will do great in the trails around me, considering they aren't too technical or anything. But one thing I do want to know is how will a 2005 z400 do in the snow during the winter. The snow around here will get pretty thick, in this picture, look to the far left. http://activerain.com/image_st.../ar120674010129661.JPG That is what the depth of the snow is like basically all winter. Is that ridable? Not all trails will be like that though.

 

Hey i have a DVX 400 with a 440 kit and all i have done to ride in the snow is i bought a set of holeshot tires these seem to work well in about anything and then some guys have told me that your paddle tires work great too in really deep snow

 

Depends on the snow. I live in MN and the snow types are extremely different. Dry powder snow is fine, you shouldn't have any problems with it. But once you get the wet sticky snow that comes early and late in the winter, it gets mighty tough. We have a '05 Outlander 400 4x4 and in the sticky, thick snow it struggles with anything deeper than the ground clearance. Its not about the tires or the power, its simply ground clearance. When that snow starts caking in the front of the wheeler on the a-arms and stuff like a big plow and the belly is riding on top of the snow, you slowly get screwed. 4x4, low range, power, it doesn't matter. So depending on what kind of snow you get more of where you live, you might be fine. Now a good time is riding on a frozen lake without a lot of snow! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Oh and people seem to think chains help in the snow but no, chains only help on the ice!! Haven't tried paddle tires but it sounds like fun, albeit expensive.

By the way, groomed snowmobile trails and stuff are fine, you should have no problems on that at all, its the fresh stuff that will get ya!

 

cheep sand tires will help the most

 

Definately get some used sand tires with decent tread left on them and tear it up

 

Yeah paddles do work great, just try to stay off the hard pack so they last longer. But, from the picture, it looks like you could easily ride that with your dirt tires. I only have problems with the deep stuff or wet snow.

 

Once the snow gets too deep no sport machine is going to make it very far..............as was said too it depends on the type of snow.....wet and heavy and about 5" and you are done....powder that will blow away you can go a bit deeper.......

But no sport machine is going to give you full winter access to the trails...... up here in NY once the snow hits and sticks I'm done for the year........

 

Another tip is, get some speed and keep up your momentum.