Hi All,
I've read through the bike forum and watched some youtube videos of some people who know what they are doing, but I still have some questions...
For context, I have a 2019 YZ450 with 129" track.
I've never ridden any bike before this one -- not on dirt or snow...
I'm about 3 rides in, and have spent maybe 4-5 hours total on the bike. (Some rides are short because I can play around from my house).
I spent most of the first few hours basically using only 2nd gear (1st to get going). But, I've started to use 3rd gear even when going relatively slow -- like 5 mph and making some tight turns.
The snow was pretty crusty with areas of 6-10" of fresh snow on top. I really liked staying in 3rd even though it takes a bit to get up to speed. I never stalled out going slow and always was able to get up to speed.
Questions for anyone:
How much time do you spend in 2nd v. 3rd?
I'm sure a lot is dependent on snow conditions, but do you prefer 2nd because of the low end power, or 3rd because it has the longer range of speed?
Or are you kind of constantly shifting from 2nd / 3rd based on what you're doing?
Can you climb much better in 2nd v. 3rd? So, downshift when getting to a hill?
Related: Do you usually start off in 1st or 2nd?
Thanks in advance. I'm loving the biking so far. Had more fun yesterday on the bike than most days on a snowmobile.
I've read through the bike forum and watched some youtube videos of some people who know what they are doing, but I still have some questions...
For context, I have a 2019 YZ450 with 129" track.
I've never ridden any bike before this one -- not on dirt or snow...
I'm about 3 rides in, and have spent maybe 4-5 hours total on the bike. (Some rides are short because I can play around from my house).
I spent most of the first few hours basically using only 2nd gear (1st to get going). But, I've started to use 3rd gear even when going relatively slow -- like 5 mph and making some tight turns.
The snow was pretty crusty with areas of 6-10" of fresh snow on top. I really liked staying in 3rd even though it takes a bit to get up to speed. I never stalled out going slow and always was able to get up to speed.
Questions for anyone:
How much time do you spend in 2nd v. 3rd?
I'm sure a lot is dependent on snow conditions, but do you prefer 2nd because of the low end power, or 3rd because it has the longer range of speed?
Or are you kind of constantly shifting from 2nd / 3rd based on what you're doing?
Can you climb much better in 2nd v. 3rd? So, downshift when getting to a hill?
Related: Do you usually start off in 1st or 2nd?
Thanks in advance. I'm loving the biking so far. Had more fun yesterday on the bike than most days on a snowmobile.