Another ATV question

Fishhuntr...

Sure looks like terrain that your Polaris 500 can easily handle. My guess is that it will probably do okay in mostly 2WD and you may not even need to use 4WD. Should be a fantastic trip on your quad!

I've been in similar terrain on my 500 Sportsman and it performed very well with no problems. I've also been in similar terrain on my 325 Trail Boss with 2WD and it also performed very well. I think the Polaris' high clearance and stock tires are a good match for that type of terrain.

When are you planning on going?


Michael

My first trip to Mision Santa Maria was on a quad... 1999




Leaving RanchoSanta Ynez




Right through the boulders and up the mountain




On the peninsular divide, 9.9 miles from Santa Ynez...

BajaMur was riding his motorcycle (which I had to pull back to Rancho Santa Ynez as he ran out of fuel several miles before getting back to his truck at the ranch).

Because of this one grade, you will be better with 4WD on the quad...




Of course, you know it as 'The Widowmaker' as you drove your truck up it in 2003. I named it Widowmaker because both myself and Murray whiped-out climbing this grade... If I had 4WD (and an automatic clutch) I doubt it would have happened...

Here's a 360 degree panorama at the mission site: http://hometown.aol.com/murcarver/pan/panorama.html

Here's how I pulled Baja Mur back to his truck... Remember 2 cycle motors use a lot more fuel than 4 strokers!




Another group had attempted to drive to the mission... note the oil spill on the road.



Anyway, it is a tough road... just under 15 miles in.

Have a great time!

Thanks for all the replies guys. I was pretty sure we wouldn't have too much trouble, but it has been 4 years since I was there. I love my Sportsman 500, have had it 6 years and have wheeled the heck out of it. I have done a fair number of the Piute trails in Utah with it.

One of my sons and I were riding mountain trails near where I live last year. We were both riding over our heads. (It's a dad/son thing) I charged up a long steep shaley hill with stair steps and by some miracle made it. My son, however, did not. I will never forget that 800+# Polaris rolling over him. By dumb luck and grace of God he wasn't hurt much. Except for bent handlebars, neither was the quad.

Maybe in my mid 60's I'm starting to grow up, but I am riding more cautiously now. When are we going? Maybe in May; certainly in August.

David,
Are you saying I am to old to ride my motorcycle in Baja???

Corky

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky1 Quote: Originally posted by David K An XR 450 is probably THE bike for Baja, but when you are not 20-35 years old anymore, sitting on a quad is more possible! David, Are you saying I am to old to ride my motorcycle in Baja??? Corky

I never mentioned YOU Corky! LOL

I was thinking of us older people

You, TW, and ncampion can ride into the sunset with no worries.

I never said I don't ride 2 wheel anymore. My first dirt bike was a BSA 500 single. I have owned a bunch since then. My sons both raced motocross when they were little. We used to take our Hondas, Suzuckis and Yamahas to our place Near San Antonio Del Mar in the early 1980's. Since then we have progressed to off road racing. A class 14 buggy and a class 8 truck. Did I forget the sand dragster? Lately we have gotten involved in the sport of rock crawling. My youngest son competes, He drives the Marlin Crawler formula toy.

I have to admit I enjoy the quads more now. I wrecked pretty hard at Dumont a few years ago on a Honda XR650. Since then I mostly ride the quad. I still have a Honda NX250. When my wife read my post about growing up and being more cautious, she just rolled her eyes.

Baja is the off roader's paradise.