Spent the weekend duning out near Glamis and learned something new about paddle tires and Raptors...I was looking for Raptors with similar bolt-on upgrades (FMF slip-on, jet kit, pro-flow foam, sand skate 2s) to compare speed on the hills. Found a guy with a very similar set-up with the exception that he had his paddles mounted backwards. It actually works better !!!

I flipped mine around and it really improves the raptors "rideability". It lets the rear end slide around much better as well as not lifting the nose every time ya grab a handful. Also, it lets the motor build rpms much faster and the hill traction is not sacrificed. Helps minimize the "lugging" if you are not in the right gear as well. Seems the paddles stay on top of the sand better instead of trenching.

Sounds totally goofy but for my set-up I wont be running them in the "proper" direction any more !

I'm guessing the more powerful Raptors would not benefit but......?

Try it - ya might like it......plus it amazes people when ya run up the hills.....

Eric

 

I dont blame you, I was aprehensive too but I'm dead serious !

 

Back in the late '80s (when ATCs were still hot) most people ran their paddles reversed. It does work. They don't hook quite as hard, but you "float" better and it really helps get started on the really soft stuff instead of digging in. Especially on lower powered bikes.

I haven't put my paddles on the Rap yet, but I'll try both ways and report back.