Sand clutch kit/Sand tires? (2012 Sportsman 500)

[factionfx]

Hey guys,

I am planning on taking my 2012 Sportsman 500 to the sand dunes (Little Sahara) in the spring, so I want to get it set up.

I have been to the dunes before, on a modified (exhaust, clutch, sprocket kit) 2006 250 trail blazer. It was ok, a little more power would have been helpful.

I ran 20 inch sidewinder paddles on it and it did ok. We also ran a stock 325 with stock tires and it had noticeably more torque. Traction may have actually been better with stock tires...

My question:

Should i consider getting a clutch kit for my 500? If so, which do you recommend. I have no plans of putting giant mud tires on it and drowning it in water. I will do some light mudding.

What PSI should I run stock tires for sand?

I mostly do trail riding (in Mena, AR to be specific).

I do not plan on buying sand paddle tires for it.

I bought a pair of 22" rear tires/rims combo for a steal on craigslist. I only got the rears though, not the fronts. So if i run them in the sand, I can only go 2wd without damaging the atv. (to my knowledge)

I've never ridden a 4wd in the sand. I presume it will do pretty good?

I just want to have a great trip, so I'm trying to prepare

Thanks!

[utahjaun]

i ride out there and have never put padddles on my 500 it will go ok but not great that is what banshee are for
the 500 sportsmans just dont have the power to weight to go up to much of a hill in the sand

[starpuss]

my 500 Sucks in the Sand Dunes

Sure it will get you up most hills But not that fast!


Dont think you can fix it.

[factionfx]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Neither of you guys have clutch kits, right?

On my 250's, that is the only way; they just don't have the power down low.

I figure the 500 will definetely have the torque to get up; I don't have to go fast I just have to get up there!

Also, i bought a set of rear tires off of a hawkeye...they are 22". I know I can only run them in 2wd, but that may be an option as well.

Cheers!

[utahjaun]

no i dont mine is just stock but i would not think that a kit will do much for the sand i may be wrong but ether way you should still have fun out there

[factionfx]

Clutch kit made a huge difference in the power on my 250 Trailblazer.

Bumping this topic.

I would like to know what anyone has done as far as clutching on their 500 Sportsman.

I think I can buy a new spring for $20 and it make a world of difference.

Can anyone tell me what color the stock spring in the 2012 500 HO is?

Thanks!

[factionfx]

I took the Sportsman 500 to the sand dunes this past week. Put 18 hrs and 270 miles on it at Little Sahara.

It is no banshee, but it rides like a dream over the sand.

It made it pretty easily up EVERY dune at Little Sahara in Oklahoma.

4wd was awesome as well.

I have the EPI PATV1 primary spring ($25) in it, and highlifter HD springs.