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Adventure complete

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As most of you know and helped with I went on a awesome long range ride recently through the desert of Arizona. I have always taken information from here but rarely given any so I thought I would share my experience and maybe it could help others even if just in a small way. I knew the first section of my ride (76 miles) would be flat and I figured maybe a little extra speed through this section would be helpful so before I left I changed my gearing from 12/40 to 14/38 as per someone's advice on here. It worked perfectly. Also as someone suggested I bought 3 master links in case I had a chain break but 30 minutes before I left on my birthday I received a text telling me to stop by rocky mountain atv a few miles from my house and pick up a birthday present (brand new o-ring chain and 2 master links for it). So basically my drive train was all new and my old front sprocket fit under the seat nicely. Because of the increased speed I added some lightning and I am SO SO glad I did. It was easy and simple to do. I changed the oil, transmission fluid, spark plug, coolant, and traded out my k&n filter for a uni foam. I did not have money to buy a rack so I build one out of solid oak at work(sounds stupid I know but it worked so perfectly and was able to leave it behind by using it for firewood). My 450R was full of fuel and I carried 2-2.8 gallon cans plus 1- 5 quart or 1.25 gallon can. The first 76 miles I dropped 1,000 feet in elevation, so basically flat, smooth, rolling hills (at the 50 mile mark I took one 2.8 gallon gas can off and hid it in some brush) And with the new gearing the GPS said my average speed was 72mph (1/4-1/3 throttle). I stopped and took some pictures at the grand canyon and then backtracked 18 miles and headed west. Over the next 7-11 miles I gained roughly 1,800 feet in elevation. After the first mile I realized this was a rocky, steep, curvy mountain road so I stopped and put my 12 tooth front sprocket on and adjusted my chain (maybe 10 minutes) and continued up. At 83 miles I ran out of gas (just the regular tank not reserve) so I filled it up and used a sharpie to write FREE on the side and left it where two trails joined (free brand new gas can for someone and I didn't have to carry it. It was gone before morning and someone left a note that said thanks 😂) I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Mount Trumbull made camp, used my 5 quarts of gas and used my rack for firewood. Woke up, spent the day exploring Mount Logan (40 miles or so) and started heading back leisurely. halfway to the grand canyon, i adjusted my A/F screw a little over 1/4 turn to richen it up, as I climbed Mount trumbull I turned it back that 1/4 plus a additional 1/4 to lean it up. As I dropped back off Mount trumbull I turned it one last time 1/4 to rich. It worked great for me but I'm sure others have other opinions a few things I noticed at the end that might be helpful for others AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION--- #1-tire pressure at 4psi all the way around worked great.#2- It is possible to get 90 miles out of a tank but the terrain and how you ride plays a role in that. Hopefully me describing my ride will help you figure out your gas limit. #3- it's super easy to change your gearing for your ride and put less strain on yourself and bike. #4- if your clutch hasn't been changed in awhile, change it before a ride like this(when I got home and was pulling itin the garage i realized just how close i came to burning it up out there) #5-dont be scared to make a rack(i did and it worked amazing). #6- check every bolt you have touched in the past and add low strength locktite to high vibraton bolts.(I was missing 3 bolts after, none were important) like bumper bolts. #6- make sure you can see, adding lights is easy and leaving them on helps other people see you and avoid accidents. #7- make yourself a tool roll to change sprockets or do repairs on the fly. #8- I work with my arms and hands everyday all day. I'm not a wimp by any means but anything you can do to put less strain on your arms and shoulders (steering stabilizer maybe??) Do it. My arms and shoulders were so sore after this.#9- if you see someone on the side of the road or trail stop and check to make sure they are ok and dont need help. One day it might be you needing help. #10- and this is important, when you are driving down the freeway on a Thursday evening with your 450R in tow and guys, girls, kids, businessmen, even highway patrol and sheriff's deputies are honking at you and giving you a thumbs up or air fist bump, don't be a [email protected]#ole, honk and wave back !!! I sure got alot of compliments on the 450R every place I stopped and I loved it. Put me in a really positive headspace before my trip. If there is any questions about my trip that I didn't mention or that you have, please ask. I will do my best to answer it. Will also add pictures if I can figure out how haha
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Sounds like a great time, thanks for sharing your experience. The riding out west is awsome & hope I can take a trip out there. 90 miles on a tank is damn good. Terrain is definitely a factor. When I ride snowmobile trails up north the snow creates a lot of drag (even if it’s hard packed) I get about 50-60 miles a tank.
building a rack out of oak then using it for fire wood is freaken awsome & hilarious 😂.
driving on the highway out here (northeast) will get a night in county jail 😆 ( i envy you guys out west). I was actually picturing the ride as I was reading your post. Attention to detail was good 👍. Now I wanna see pics so here’s how you post. At the top of the post click on the square pic box (to the left of camera) then click on drop image and 3 options pop up. Choose file, Take pic, or photo library. Photo library is the one that lets choose pics from your phones gallery. Refer to pic. Cant wait to see your pics.
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That’s awesome! Glad to hear you had a great time and everything went well! I would love to see some pics too.
sounds like an awesome trip. i will add that an adventure like this Id try and find a buddy to go with as if you break down, run totally out of gas or eat it-you have someone else with you. There have been times when all of that happened and it was great someone was with me. like the time I ate it in hazelton pa and we had to fix a tire, bring the quad out and fix it, or the time one of my buddies broke down in hatfield mccoy and we had to tow his dirtbike out and let him coast down the hills

tools are important. i carry every size up to 19mm and a good adjustable for larger stuff. i also carry good allen keys, pliers, a knife, tire plug kit and a small hand pump as well as small vise grips and a small 1/4" socket set. also ZIP TIES are crucial!!! plus a good tow rope. also carry spare parts, namely cotter pins, the axle nut, and some spare bolts and nuts just incase.

Im glad you had a good time :)
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As most of you know and helped with I went on a awesome long range ride recently through the desert of Arizona. I have always taken information from here but rarely given any so I thought I would share my experience and maybe it could help others even if just in a small way. I knew the first section of my ride (76 miles) would be flat and I figured maybe a little extra speed through this section would be helpful so before I left I changed my gearing from 12/40 to 14/38 as per someone's advice on here. It worked perfectly. Also as someone suggested I bought 3 master links in case I had a chain break but 30 minutes before I left on my birthday I received a text telling me to stop by rocky mountain atv a few miles from my house and pick up a birthday present (brand new o-ring chain and 2 master links for it). So basically my drive train was all new and my old front sprocket fit under the seat nicely. Because of the increased speed I added some lightning and I am SO SO glad I did. It was easy and simple to do. I changed the oil, transmission fluid, spark plug, coolant, and traded out my k&n filter for a uni foam. I did not have money to buy a rack so I build one out of solid oak at work(sounds stupid I know but it worked so perfectly and was able to leave it behind by using it for firewood). My 450R was full of fuel and I carried 2-2.8 gallon cans plus 1- 5 quart or 1.25 gallon can. The first 76 miles I dropped 1,000 feet in elevation, so basically flat, smooth, rolling hills (at the 50 mile mark I took one 2.8 gallon gas can off and hid it in some brush) And with the new gearing the GPS said my average speed was 72mph (1/4-1/3 throttle). I stopped and took some pictures at the grand canyon and then backtracked 18 miles and headed west. Over the next 7-11 miles I gained roughly 1,800 feet in elevation. After the first mile I realized this was a rocky, steep, curvy mountain road so I stopped and put my 12 tooth front sprocket on and adjusted my chain (maybe 10 minutes) and continued up. At 83 miles I ran out of gas (just the regular tank not reserve) so I filled it up and used a sharpie to write FREE on the side and left it where two trails joined (free brand new gas can for someone and I didn't have to carry it. It was gone before morning and someone left a note that said thanks 😂) I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Mount Trumbull made camp, used my 5 quarts of gas and used my rack for firewood. Woke up, spent the day exploring Mount Logan (40 miles or so) and started heading back leisurely. halfway to the grand canyon, i adjusted my A/F screw a little over 1/4 turn to richen it up, as I climbed Mount trumbull I turned it back that 1/4 plus a additional 1/4 to lean it up. As I dropped back off Mount trumbull I turned it one last time 1/4 to rich. It worked great for me but I'm sure others have other opinions a few things I noticed at the end that might be helpful for others AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION--- #1-tire pressure at 4psi all the way around worked great.#2- It is possible to get 90 miles out of a tank but the terrain and how you ride plays a role in that. Hopefully me describing my ride will help you figure out your gas limit. #3- it's super easy to change your gearing for your ride and put less strain on yourself and bike. #4- if your clutch hasn't been changed in awhile, change it before a ride like this(when I got home and was pulling itin the garage i realized just how close i came to burning it up out there) #5-dont be scared to make a rack(i did and it worked amazing). #6- check every bolt you have touched in the past and add low strength locktite to high vibraton bolts.(I was missing 3 bolts after, none were important) like bumper bolts. #6- make sure you can see, adding lights is easy and leaving them on helps other people see you and avoid accidents. #7- make yourself a tool roll to change sprockets or do repairs on the fly. #8- I work with my arms and hands everyday all day. I'm not a wimp by any means but anything you can do to put less strain on your arms and shoulders (steering stabilizer maybe??) Do it. My arms and shoulders were so sore after this.#9- if you see someone on the side of the road or trail stop and check to make sure they are ok and dont need help. One day it might be you needing help. #10- and this is important, when you are driving down the freeway on a Thursday evening with your 450R in tow and guys, girls, kids, businessmen, even highway patrol and sheriff's deputies are honking at you and giving you a thumbs up or air fist bump, don't be a [email protected]#ole, honk and wave back !!! I sure got alot of compliments on the 450R every place I stopped and I loved it. Put me in a really positive headspace before my trip. If there is any questions about my trip that I didn't mention or that you have, please ask. I will do my best to answer it. Will also add pictures if I can figure out how haha
As most of you know and helped with I went on a awesome long range ride recently through the desert of Arizona. I have always taken information from here but rarely given any so I thought I would share my experience and maybe it could help others even if just in a small way. I knew the first section of my ride (76 miles) would be flat and I figured maybe a little extra speed through this section would be helpful so before I left I changed my gearing from 12/40 to 14/38 as per someone's advice on here. It worked perfectly. Also as someone suggested I bought 3 master links in case I had a chain break but 30 minutes before I left on my birthday I received a text telling me to stop by rocky mountain atv a few miles from my house and pick up a birthday present (brand new o-ring chain and 2 master links for it). So basically my drive train was all new and my old front sprocket fit under the seat nicely. Because of the increased speed I added some lightning and I am SO SO glad I did. It was easy and simple to do. I changed the oil, transmission fluid, spark plug, coolant, and traded out my k&n filter for a uni foam. I did not have money to buy a rack so I build one out of solid oak at work(sounds stupid I know but it worked so perfectly and was able to leave it behind by using it for firewood). My 450R was full of fuel and I carried 2-2.8 gallon cans plus 1- 5 quart or 1.25 gallon can. The first 76 miles I dropped 1,000 feet in elevation, so basically flat, smooth, rolling hills (at the 50 mile mark I took one 2.8 gallon gas can off and hid it in some brush) And with the new gearing the GPS said my average speed was 72mph (1/4-1/3 throttle). I stopped and took some pictures at the grand canyon and then backtracked 18 miles and headed west. Over the next 7-11 miles I gained roughly 1,800 feet in elevation. After the first mile I realized this was a rocky, steep, curvy mountain road so I stopped and put my 12 tooth front sprocket on and adjusted my chain (maybe 10 minutes) and continued up. At 83 miles I ran out of gas (just the regular tank not reserve) so I filled it up and used a sharpie to write FREE on the side and left it where two trails joined (free brand new gas can for someone and I didn't have to carry it. It was gone before morning and someone left a note that said thanks 😂) I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Mount Trumbull made camp, used my 5 quarts of gas and used my rack for firewood. Woke up, spent the day exploring Mount Logan (40 miles or so) and started heading back leisurely. halfway to the grand canyon, i adjusted my A/F screw a little over 1/4 turn to richen it up, as I climbed Mount trumbull I turned it back that 1/4 plus a additional 1/4 to lean it up. As I dropped back off Mount trumbull I turned it one last time 1/4 to rich. It worked great for me but I'm sure others have other opinions a few things I noticed at the end that might be helpful for others AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION--- #1-tire pressure at 4psi all the way around worked great.#2- It is possible to get 90 miles out of a tank but the terrain and how you ride plays a role in that. Hopefully me describing my ride will help you figure out your gas limit. #3- it's super easy to change your gearing for your ride and put less strain on yourself and bike. #4- if your clutch hasn't been changed in awhile, change it before a ride like this(when I got home and was pulling itin the garage i realized just how close i came to burning it up out there) #5-dont be scared to make a rack(i did and it worked amazing). #6- check every bolt you have touched in the past and add low strength locktite to high vibraton bolts.(I was missing 3 bolts after, none were important) like bumper bolts. #6- make sure you can see, adding lights is easy and leaving them on helps other people see you and avoid accidents. #7- make yourself a tool roll to change sprockets or do repairs on the fly. #8- I work with my arms and hands everyday all day. I'm not a wimp by any means but anything you can do to put less strain on your arms and shoulders (steering stabilizer maybe??) Do it. My arms and shoulders were so sore after this.#9- if you see someone on the side of the road or trail stop and check to make sure they are ok and dont need help. One day it might be you needing help. #10- and this is important, when you are driving down the freeway on a Thursday evening with your 450R in tow and guys, girls, kids, businessmen, even highway patrol and sheriff's deputies are honking at you and giving you a thumbs up or air fist bump, don't be a [email protected]#ole, honk and wave back !!! I sure got alot of compliments on the 450R every place I stopped and I loved it. Put me in a really positive headspace before my trip. If there is any questions about my trip that I didn't mention or that you have, please ask. I will do my best to answer it. Will also add pictures if I can figure out how haha

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That’s awesome! Glad to hear you had a great time and everything went well! I would love to see some pics too.
Posted pictures in a reply to my original post. I swear I'm handicapped when it comes to the internet and smart phones 🤣
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Wow, beautiful!! Ya know me and my best friend (R.I.P) use to always talk about the ultimate journey on quads when we were younger, we use to try and map it out in the northern Appalachian mountains, or from the Adirondacks in New York to the mountains of Maine. But we could never find a full route without Hitting some kind of road block or dead end. So we never made the trip.
But after seeing the pictures this is definitely Something him and I would call the ultimate trip on a quad.
I am 100% going to plan a similar trip before I die after seeing this. You have inspired me. So thanks again for sharing looks like a lot of fun. I love the quad & trailer being towed by a Honda Accord lol. That shows passion and dedication. I envy you sir. Btw nice work on the rack👏. Im impressed with the entire trip and work put into it. You sir are a magical wizard from the land of endless riding 😆. 👍👍
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One question though the picture with your car in tow? Is that superstition Mountain in Arizona?
Wow, beautiful!! Ya know me and my best friend (R.I.P) use to always talk about the ultimate journey on quads when we were younger, we use to try and map it out in the northern Appalachian mountains, or from the Adirondacks in New York to the mountains of Maine. But we could never find a full route without Hitting some kind of road block or dead end. So we never made the trip.
But after seeing the pictures this is definitely Something him and I would call the ultimate trip on a quad.
I am 100% going to plan a similar trip before I die after seeing this. You have inspired me. So thanks again for sharing looks like a lot of fun. I love the quad & trailer being towed by a Honda Accord lol. That shows passion and dedication. I envy you sir. Btw nice work on the rack👏. Im impressed with the entire trip and work put into it. You sir are a magical wizard from the land of endless riding 😆. 👍👍
You know I have done the same, ever since I was little. I always told myself I'm too busy, don't have the money, exc. After doing it I'm pissed at myself for not doing it earlier and more often. Figuring out how to get the 450R from point A- B with my 4 cylinder car was the best decision ever. Everyone here gave some great suggestions on what if anything was going to fail and may need some extra attention and it worked wonderfully. You know what's funny is I have always wanted to ride out there too. All the pictures I see of dark smooth dirt and rolling hills would be a absolute blast hitting at 65 the whole way. Like rally racing. I'm already saving for another but not sure where I will go. Maybe far northern Idaho? That trail out to the raw version of the grand canyon is worth considering. You can sit right on the edge, no cops stopping you or safety rails to prevent you. It's so amazing. It's been a hot minute since I replaced my clutch and it seems like I needed a gasket for something last time. Do you know for sure by chance?
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Wow that looks absolutely incredible! I’ve always wanted to go to Arizona, definitely on the bucket list. Good for you for actually taking the time to do it. Looks awesome.
You know I have done the same, ever since I was little. I always told myself I'm too busy, don't have the money, exc. After doing it I'm pissed at myself for not doing it earlier and more often. Figuring out how to get the 450R from point A- B with my 4 cylinder car was the best decision ever. Everyone here gave some great suggestions on what if anything was going to fail and may need some extra attention and it worked wonderfully. You know what's funny is I have always wanted to ride out there too. All the pictures I see of dark smooth dirt and rolling hills would be a absolute blast hitting at 65 the whole way. Like rally racing. I'm already saving for another but not sure where I will go. Maybe far northern Idaho? That trail out to the raw version of the grand canyon is worth considering. You can sit right on the edge, no cops stopping you or safety rails to prevent you. It's so amazing. It's been a hot minute since I replaced my clutch and it seems like I needed a gasket for something last time. Do you know for sure by chance? View attachment 153857
Gasket? Im not sure i follow. Read theu the preride posts if you’re looking for some suggestions that were made.
who’s the kid in the pic looking like he’s get ready to jump lol? Is that you? Who took the picture?🎼 I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend, you could cut ties with all the lies you’ve been living in, aaand if you do not want to see me again, I would understaaaaaaaeeeeaaand🎼. 🤣 great song if you know the one I speak of. I hope so everyone does.
One question though the picture with your car in tow? Is that superstition Mountain in Arizona?
Oh boy, that was a dam good guess and actually a place I have always wanted to do but this is the west side of the Arizona Strip, Colorado city straight south to toroweap and mount trumbull. Let me see if I can add a map to show you where I was. I'm open for suggestions anywhere in Arizona to ride.
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Gasket? Im not sure i follow. Read theu the preride posts if you’re looking for some suggestions that were made.
who’s the kid in the pic looking like he’s get ready to jump lol? Is that you? Who took the picture?🎼 I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend, you could cut ties with all the lies you’ve been living in, aaand if you do not want to see me again, I would understaaaaaaaeeeeaaand🎼. 🤣 great song if you know the one I speak of. I hope so everyone does.
Oh my God that was the exact thing I was thinking on that ledge. Yes that was me. To be perfectly honest I have some crap going on in my life, my ex trying to keep my son from me, and the reason for the ride in the first place. Try to clear my head.
Wow that looks absolutely incredible! I’ve always wanted to go to Arizona, definitely on the bucket list. Good for you for actually taking the time to do it. Looks awesome.
Guessing by your name you live somewhere relatively flat ? If you ever decide to come out west I have a spare bedroom your welcome to use. If saving a few buck on a hotel room will help you have the same kind of aw inspiring trip, I will help however I can. I can call in a bomb threat to your work or tell them your sick too. What's the worst that could happen? Life is too short and we might die tomorrow...
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Guessing by your name you live somewhere relatively flat ? If you ever decide to come out west I have a spare bedroom your welcome to use. If saving a few buck on a hotel room will help you have the same kind of aw inspiring trip, I will help however I can. I can call in a bomb threat to your work or tell them your sick too. What's the worst that could happen? Life is too short and we might die tomorrow...
🤣 I have 3 weeks paid vacation so no need call it in. My name is actually from a Viking king (spelling is way wrong) I believe it’s spelled bulwvyn but I spelt it phonetically lol, I live in the north east and there’s plenty of mountains around, but it’s so densely populated and there’s so many state forests, private land or just places where recreation vehicles are not allowed, that its hard to ride. Don’t get me wrong we have damn good riding out here (not like it use to be however) but its nothing like out west. My sister actually moved to AZ and I lived out there for a very short period. Did not get to ride, didn’t have a quad during that time. But she is moving soon (back east) either Florida or the Carolinas. Which I’m told has good riding as well. But while I was in Arizona I did a lot of hiking and superstitious mountain was one of them. I also heard the stories of the black hand in that mountain region. Anyways I do plan on taking a trip back there and I appreciate the offer. I’m going to hold you to that for sure, I will PM you shortly with my info.
I can relate to what you are going through right now. And there’s nothing better than riding to keep your mind off it. I live by the motto “ it can always be worse” I’ve hit rock bottom in the depths of hell in the past, so that saying keeps me positive. So Keep your head up broski, And remember it could always be worse.
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If you don’t mind me asking how much did you spend for the trip? I’m sure it was fairly cheap considering how you planned it.
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Guessing by your name you live somewhere relatively flat ? If you ever decide to come out west I have a spare bedroom your welcome to use. If saving a few buck on a hotel room will help you have the same kind of aw inspiring trip, I will help however I can. I can call in a bomb threat to your work or tell them your sick too. What's the worst that could happen? Life is too short and we might die tomorrow...
Lol. Yeah it’s just a little flat in the area surrounding me… Mostly just fields close to where I live that you can’t ride on during the summer months because of the crops, unless you want angry farmers chasing you in combines with shotguns lol. If you go up north riding is decent, but wouldn’t even compare to Arizona. I’ll go out for a ride sometimes just to get me mind off things too. I’ll post some pics below of how flat is it around the area.
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Lol. Yeah it’s just a little flat in the area surrounding me… Mostly just fields close to where I live that you can’t ride on during the summer months because of the crops, unless you want angry farmers chasing you in combines with shotguns lol. If you go up north riding is decent, but wouldn’t even compare to Arizona. I’ll go out for a ride sometimes just to get me mind off things too. I’ll post some pics below of how flat is it around the area.
View attachment 153872 View attachment 153873
Wow thats flat alright! But you can wheelie forever in those corn fields. You don’t have to worry about drifting or anything getting in your way lol.Quad is looking good.
Yup. Definitely lots of rooms for wheelies and drifts lol. Quads looking good, but still sitting in the garage waiting for a full rebuild… 😢 Called a few shops around and one is not much more than what it would cost me in parts to do it myself, so I’m probably gonna bring it there.
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Just realized that post was for SKprarie450 and not me lol my mistake. Disregard my long post 🤦🏼‍♂️.
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