Extreme Downhill Slope Riding Technique

[GMCRMK]

Outstanding advice! Seems like I stare at a tree and I'm drawn to it like a magnet.

Also, never say "don't" in your head as in "don't hit that tree". Your mind does not recognize the word "don't". It only hears "hit that tree". Just like in golf: "don't hit in the water" you get the idea.

 

[K.Materi]

Look at where you want to go and give it some gas. Seems backwards but it does work. Keep it clutched up and apply brakes if needed to slow down.

 

[sumX08az]

Once pumping the brakes stops working and the track locks up- hit the gas to engage the clutch and drive it down. The clutch will give you amazing engine braking even on a 2-stroke- and as usual- power gives you more control.
Hard to do- but easy after the first time 'cause it works so well.
All our bowls around here have trees at the bottom, so control is crucial for the runout.

 

[backcountryislife]

There are a couple lines that I never could ride before because of a lack of runout at the botom of a descent, now I use reverse & I've got space to spare on the way down. Works great, probably wears the belt quicker, but a belt costs less than a front end.

On the cat, I am able to switch to reverse on the way down if it gets hairy, but if I know it's gona be ugly I get to a spot where I can coast down if I let off the brake, hit reverse, then ride down using reverse only if I need to.

 

[mountainhorse]

The reverse worked well for me... Crucial to have your chain tension adjusted correctly...

It is hard on the clutches in the ER models with roller clutches (Poo PERC and Doo RER) as the clutch is open on the helix and the rollers dont engage the reverse notch on the helix right away. Dont hammer on it unless your life depends on it.... you may find yourself getting a tow out (or worse).

If you are thinking of using this technique.... practice in a controllable environment.

 

[AK800VE]

when using the reverse, if you lock up the track then hit the button, is that easier on it?

sorry for the dumb question, this is my first sled with reverse.

 

[AkHockey10]

Or just stick to the trails like some of us! lol


good info!

 

[AK800VE]

No thanks

 

[Going Up]

Good to see a useful thread devlop here.
This is all good advice. I have never tied the reverse thing but it does seem like it would be hard on the clutches.
Another thing I like to try and do when possible is turn from side to side in a "S" type pattern. This helps keep the speed down.

 

[alrevedup]

Or just stick to the trails like some of us! lol


good info!

Are those the trails along the Victoria Falls?

 

[rotaxhippie]

If the snow is soft and there is no time to put a belt over the ski(s), dig the A-arms into the snow. Basically begin to carve downhill by counter-steering and then instead of leaning to the side, lean forward and put pressure on the A-arm that you are using as an anchor. The sled will almost be sliding down the hill on its side.

This technique doesn't work as well if your sled is not equipped with A-arms.

 

[dhoward]

Doesn't anyone go back down the hill kind of like a skiier??? If you do your turnout correctly in soft snow you can just side hill back and forth down the hill or better yet, keep it on one side and just sidehill back on down in a pretty controlled manner. When the snow is right, you can pretty much side hill down about anything slowly, it's awkward at first, sometimes you lean to far and the sled just digs in and stops, but at least you aren't flying out of control downhill! I've only heard of using the ski breaks on hard pack...If you can't stop going down, how are you supposed to get these ski breaks on unless you got stuck on the way up, or do you put them on before you climb (doesn't make sense)???

 

[weetee]

If the snow is deep enough to keep me from the top, comming down is no problem. (Love to carve on the way down) Its when I'm on steep hero snow with obstacals that comming down gets my attention. Stop at the top and put em on. I use large diameter rope tied in a circle for ski brakes. Put 1 on each ski, slows ya down but not too much.

 

[alrevedup]

I use large diameter rope tied in a circle for ski brakes. Put 1 on each ski, slows ya down but not too much.

When???

 

[weetee]

Stop at the top and put em on.

 

[devilrmk]

Doesn't anyone go back down the hill kind of like a skiier??? If you do your turnout correctly in soft snow you can just side hill back and forth down the hill or better yet, keep it on one side and just sidehill back on down in a pretty controlled manner. When the snow is right, you can pretty much side hill down about anything slowly, it's awkward at first, sometimes you lean to far and the sled just digs in and stops, but at least you aren't flying out of control downhill! I've only heard of using the ski breaks on hard pack...If you can't stop going down, how are you supposed to get these ski breaks on unless you got stuck on the way up, or do you put them on before you climb (doesn't make sense)???

Yep, thats what I do. Riding in the trees in the steep you got to keep control, I just kick it side to side like skiing. Never used a ski brake and I don't got reverse.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

Good to see a useful thread devlop here.
Another thing I like to try and do when possible is turn from side to side in a "S" type pattern. This helps keep the speed down.

yeah the carving or just sliding it down sideways is the only way to go for real control, just dont let go and roll you sled down.

and when riding hardpack put the ski-brakes on before you climb, i dont think my skis touch on most big climbs in setup snow, and my sled is not even that crazy

 

[barefooter]

Is there any tricks for the 800R for engine braking? Mine really sucks in comparison to my 2005. It is almost like there is nothing there for backshifting/ engine braking!

Any tricks - because I have found that to be my best friend on the steep downhills

 

[weetee]

Yep, thats what I do. Riding in the trees in the steep you got to keep control, I just kick it side to side like skiing. Never used a ski brake and I don't got reverse.

Side to side works fine if the snow is deep. Try that method going down a steep hill with icy hardpack. Make sure ya get it on video.

 

[weetee]

Is there any tricks for the 800R for engine braking? Mine really sucks in comparison to my 2005. It is almost like there is nothing there for backshifting/ engine braking!

Any tricks - because I have found that to be my best friend on the steep downhills

If ya get the engine braking too much it wont let ya free wheel when ya want to. You should be able to slow down just as much by feathering the brakes. Engine braking and hand braking do the same thing. They both slow the track down.
My wifes 2002 600 doo has too much enging braking and is hard to get it to free wheel.
Anyone know what we need to adjust?