Utility quads at the dunes

[jwalk1]

I received a pm earlier today from a member asking about the effectiveness of utility (type) quads in the dunes. Without starting a utility qaud vs. sport quad verbal war;), I'd like to hear from some of the utility quads owners and thier experiances in the sand.

Since I don't own a utility quad my guess is that they perform just fine:D as long as you lower your tire pressure and maintain momentum while transitioning from bowl to bowl.

What can you share with us?????

Jack Walker

***CEO: of D.A.R.E (DS's Against Raptors Everywhere)***

Bombardier DS650(Jack)
Scrambler 400 (Wifey)
Scrambler 90 (Jamie)
Scrambler 50(Jake-"O")
Suzuki JR50 (all)

[Arizona Griz]

Last March I took my Grizzly to the dunes (actually this was my first trip) and it did fine. The bike weighs 600 pounds and had more than enough power. I will tell you though the larger utility quads just don't have the suspension for fast riding through the bowls and they can't be thrown around like the sport bikes.
Arizona Griz.


"Just another day in paradise"

'03 Yamaha Raptor
'02 Yamaha Grizzly
'00 Polaris Trailboss
'98 Yamaha Big Bear 4WD

[slowfatguy]

I had some seat time on a Sportsman 500 a year back....that thing was a smooth as a Caddie....made it through the dunes just fine...climbed Comp hill and the best part...no sore butt at the end of the ride!!! Sure your not going to be as fast...jump as far or climb the biggest hills, but if you are thinking about not going because you have a utility quad...think again cause you will really miss out on a fun experience...there is nothing like doin' the dunes!!!!!!!


SFG

[norrisboat]

My buddy has a lifted honda rubicon with 27 inch tires and he does fine around the campgrounds and the sand highway. He says it is too scary on his quad to go out to the dunes. I personally think he is just a wuss and scared to do something daring for once.

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[jwalk1]

He might not be as much of a wuss as you think[:0]. Center of gravity is a pretty important feature on a quad especially when transitioning from bowl to bowl. Raptors have a high center of gravity combined with a narrow wheel span makes tham kinda "tippy"[B)]. Throttle fixxes alot of errors though;).

With a lifted Rubicon I imagine his center of gravity is pretty high[8D].

Jack Walker

***CEO: of D.A.R.E (DS's Against Raptors Everywhere)***

Bombardier DS650(Jack)
Scrambler 400 (Wifey)
Scrambler 90 (Jamie)
Scrambler 50(Jake-"O")
Suzuki JR50 (all)

[Zhvonte]

my sportquad been lowered three and a half inches, i am anxious to see how much of an improvement there is with the lower COG.

I have no limitations, only my quad has limitations......

whiplash #374

[duneDS650]

I've ridden quads that are close to a utility quad in the dunes. They don't have the power-to-weight ratio that sport quads do so you have to carry more speed to get around. You won't be able to shoot up a slip-face from a standing start like a Banshee, but with some planning, cruising the dunes on the larger engined ute's should be fun.

Zhvonte, there is no doubt that your quad will be great in the dunes. The only problem low and wide quads have is with hitting the frame on razorbacks, which can cause an abrupt slowing in forward velocity. Carry enough speed or it's possible to high-center.

Whiplash #388 ATV

[ahsumtoy]

I ride a honda 400ex, however, when going to the dunes, my friends bring their polaris 350's. They lower the tire pressure and have a ball. Granted, they can't beat most quads up a hill but many also beat me. I have watched my friend go to one of the steapest bowls and thought he couldn't get out. Wrong - all he did was keep going around the bowl getting higher and higher each time until he was able to go over the top. You can have a ball on those utility type quads at the dunes. Don't stay home because you don't own a sport type quad.