I know that the big bear is geared pretty low but in 5th gear is it normal for it labor hard at 30 mph?

 

My parents have 2 big bears and when i hit around 20-25 mph on either one i am already in fifth gear so i wouldnt say they are laboring hard, they are just out of gears so it is starting to wind out 5th a little.

 

From 30-50 mph the BB sounds like it is going to blow up. Remember the BB is a utility-trail machine. It is made to have the low end power and grunt. The bonus side of the BB is its trail riding capibilities. Unless your big into high end and into flying 50+ mph down the trails the BB is a great machine. It is not laboring, it is just winding itself up to get going. The first 4 gears are great when going under 20-25 mph, but you have to remember this is only 5+ mph gain per gear. 5th gear ranges about 20 mph. This is how/why she seems like to will blow up. Max out the other gears and she will be the same way.

 

Don't be afraid to wind that big bear out, it can take it. When my friends bought honda ranchers, they were leaving me in the dust. I just rode it harder and it eventually "loosened up" I guess you could say. I put 26" bearclaws on it and now it will top out even with the ranchers, about 52mph. I just put a 424 select on it last night, so I'm anxious to see how it does now.