Let’s talk OffRoading (Side-by-Sides) Brown Mtn OHV , Pisgah Natl Forest

73Chall

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Howdy, all!

QUESTION: Do any of you have any experience or even second hand knowledge as to whether or not the power, torque, abilities, etc. of a Honda Pioneer 500 are capable and sufficient for enjoying portions of the USFS-designated mountain OHV trail system?

Can any of you that have ACTUALLY ridden any SxS utv’s (or, any four-wheelers) up on Brown Mtn give me an idea as to how realistic (or unrealistic) the the trails there are?


(I ran into a couple friends today that were “warning” us, “Don't go up there,” “The trails are all too dangerous for anything other than dirt/trail bikes,” etc., etc.)

The Admiral and I are looking at a 2020 Honda Pioneer 500 as our “initial”* plunge into off-roading (we finally made it to the new (year-and-a-half) Honda outdoor sports dealership innGranite Falls, NC, yesterday).

A conversation with some friends last week led to us to discovering this USFS-designated and “maintained” trail system less than an hour from our front doorstep!

USFS webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsn...49004&actid=32
USFS brochure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE...eprd604184.pdf
Private “ATV Trails” webpage: http://www.atvtrails.org/Carolina_AT...nmountain.html

We figure that, at 50”, the Pioneer 500 will allow us to access at least 28-miles of the 34-mile trail system so we can assess what our next “investments” should be (I.e. “Talon” for her (but, 65” would limit her to only 15-miles - roughly half - of the 28-miles of trails restricted to 50”) and the quad I know Imagonna want...)

Big question in our minds (having as little practical knowledge as we do now vs the veritable MDS mind-trust here!) is:

Does a new Honda Pioneer 500 have the power, torque, abilities, etc. required for the two of us to capably and sufficiently do our initial “scouting” and “scoping out” of this USFS-designated mountain OHV trail system - INCLUDING THE “MOST” DIFFICULT SECTIONS?

NOTE: (A group of real friendly dirt bike riders (the only other souls up there yesterday) told us the two things that make trails “more” or “most” difficult over others are: Sharp Turns Combined With Steep Grades - versus “obstacles”. They definitely cautioned, the closer to 50” wide you stay in taking vehicles out on the trails the more places you’ll be able to go!

Thanks in advance for any Brown Mtn experience-based input!
 
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I'd buy a couple 4 wheelers before I bought a Pioneer 500.
I have a Rincon 680 4 wheeler (same suspension, engine, tranny etc) and I cant imagine having a 2 seater with a smaller engine.

Good news is craigslist is full of Honda 500 pioneers for $8000 ish.
Buy a low use one and try it out, if it's not cool then you can sell.

Sorry, no Brown mountain input.
 
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‘Morning, Slacker - and thanks for the input. I failed to mention there is definitely a FourTrax in MY future (probably a Foreman, have not yet had time or oppty to sort out differences between the Foreman, Rubicon, Rancher, Rincon - whew! I don’t even know if I just listed them in the right “order” - either ascending or descending (?)

But, right now, I have to take my wife and occasionally two grandkids into consideration (one has no intention of riding anything other than a SxS (and is NOT concerned with ‘speed’j and the other two many years away from being old enough to operate a four-wheeler)

And, most immediately, wifey and I just need something 50” to check out at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the trails at Brown Mtn - we were “full speed ahead” in jumping into this new sport right up until yesterday afternoon when local friends who used to ride told us, “Riding Brown Mtn on 4-wheels will be THE biggest - and possibly last - mistake of your lives!”

We have pretty high regard for these folks so, just looking for additional firsthand experience(s) up on “Big Brown”

Thanks again!
 
I know there are a couple places near Morganton that rent different off road toys. You might want to rent and try one before you drop a lot of $.

I have never been on the trails but see a lot of the folks with their stuff on trailers- it everything from dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, and sxs.
 
There are tons of videos on YouTube showing first-person of riding the trails. We go to Uwharrie pretty often with a Prairie 650 and Brute Force 650. Brown Mtn seems tame compared to Uwharrie, at least on the videos.
 
I drove a 1988 Bronco II all over URE and Brown Mountain... and my Dad did both on a Rhino 700 so yeah I think a Pioneer 500 with a competent driver can do everything there except maybe single track at Brown and Daniel at URE.

But I would get a Rhino before a Honda anything for offroad
 
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The pioneer 500 being built off the foreman platform should be plenty capable powerwise just not a speed demon or power house some of the larger units are. I cannot say how tippy they are with the narrow wheelbase I am sure little more than some wider sxs. Never ridden brown mountain so cannot comment on how the wheelbase width will be there or trail quality.
 
I’ve never been to brown mountain but it sounds like you would want an independent rear. The foreman rubicon has one and is a great machine. I’ve ridden in a pioneer and didn’t care for it much. The transmission was kinda jerky and not very smooth at slower speeds. Whatever machines you purchase go ahead and install better aftermarket tires and a winch on at least one. Factory tires often leave a lot to be desired, especially in tough situations. Get the largest winch that your machine can handle and learn how to use it. Typically on an atv that is around 3500lbs. If you are riding with a sxs you will appreciate having the extra pulling power when it gets stuck.
 
I don’t like that model. Especially for Brown Mountain. A four wheel drive typical ATV would be better for Brown Mountain. You will be able to use the the pioneer on 60 percent finishing each trail.

I’ve been to Brown Mountain a good 60 plus times. Ridden every trail. You better damn well be a good rider unless you creep climb that place. One of the most difficult places to ride on the east coast. I’ve only ridden it on a four wheeler once. All other times on a motorcycle. The place is tight except the two main trails and those two are very rocky with ruts.

There are places in two trails you will need to be on the back of a billy goat. Very dangerous on any motored machine. That place is NOT for child riders under 12. Flat landers cannot believe the obstacles that happen around the next curve.

Uwharrie is nothing compared to Brown Mtn in difficulty. The giant granite rocks on every trail will send you into a grave if not careful. I had a lot of fun on Brown Mtn. My son loved the difficultly but it killed my back with all the bouncing.

It’s just my opinion but side by sides are not that fun. Smaller widths allow for more trails to access. And you can stand up at higher speeds in tough terrain if single riding.
 
I've got a Pioneer 700 deluxe and it has plenty of power for the trails, however not that fast(top speed 42mph) I bought it primarily for work around the property and trial riding as a an added bonus. I do like the advantage of the dump bed, power steering and paddle shifters. The 700 is about $900 more than the 500 and may be worth it for the additional power, dump bed and wider seat.


IMG_8260.JPG
 
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I've got a Pioneer 700 deluxe and it has plenty of power for the trails, however not that fast(top speed 42mph) I bought it primarily for work around the property and trial riding as a an added bonus. I do like the advantage of the dump bed, power steering and paddle shifters. The 700 is about $900 more than the 500 and may be worth it for the additional power, dump bed and wider seat.


View attachment 164337


That's the one I'm getting, but not the deluxe model. I care more about the utility duty than the offroad capability.
Having ridden a 680 Rincon for years now I am very familiar with the engine and tranny.
If I were to buy a SxS for offroad duties I would buy a yammy Wolverine.
 
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I vote for the Honda 500.
 
I don’t like that model. Especially for Brown Mountain. A four wheel drive typical ATV would be better for Brown Mountain. You will be able to use the the pioneer on 60 percent finishing each trail.

I’ve been to Brown Mountain a good 60 plus times. Ridden every trail. You better damn well be a good rider unless you creep climb that place. One of the most difficult places to ride on the east coast. I’ve only ridden it on a four wheeler once. All other times on a motorcycle. The place is tight except the two main trails and those two are very rocky with ruts.

There are places in two trails you will need to be on the back of a billy goat. Very dangerous on any motored machine. That place is NOT for child riders under 12. Flat landers cannot believe the obstacles that happen around the next curve.

Uwharrie is nothing compared to Brown Mtn in difficulty. The giant granite rocks on every trail will send you into a grave if not careful. I had a lot of fun on Brown Mtn. My son loved the difficultly but it killed my back with all the bouncing.

It’s just my opinion but side by sides are not that fun. Smaller widths allow for more trails to access. And you can stand up at higher speeds in tough terrain if single riding.

Wow I had no idea. I take back what I said previously. I guess the GoPro vids I saw online were probably the main trails.
 
I've always been of the opinion that Uwharrie is a place to tear up new stuff on rocks because the 'go around is for p-ssies', and Brown was a place to learn how to work on your dirtbike when you bash the case on a granite rock. Am I wrong?

Last time I was at Uwharrie I saw about 5 military guys in brand new Jeeps "because that what they're for man!" trying to do the big rocks on Dutch John......Pretty sure one guy was trying to Reinstall by BEAT IN one of his coil springs with the hi-lift jack. Must've been Marines ;)

Then another trip I saw a guy wailing on one of his axles on a very expensive looking Land Rover.

I loved rolling by and tell them I paid $200 for my Bronco II and haven't even knocked the tits off the new tires yet ;)

Then there was that time my wife and I decided to try Trail 1A at Brown Mtn because I watched a bunch of guys on KTMs going. Needless to say they left us and we learned all about 1A
 
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Wow I had no idea. I take back what I said previously. I guess the GoPro vids I saw online were probably the main trails.
The main trail going up is littered with football size rocks. You can’t get a perspective from a GoPro on any trail, anywhere. I’ve seen some incredible wrecks and after wrecks on Brown Mtn. The best one I watched was a guy showing off in the parking lot. He was shirtless and riding wheelies until the bike left him at 50 or so miles per hour. A SUV saved some guys in the parking lot. Pavement left him with nasty looking road rash on all parts of his body.

After my first ride at Brown Mountain I bought body armor. Even looked for a Kevlar vest. Riding boots, shoulder pads, and knee guards. Very hot to ride in that gear. My son loved that place. Me, it was like riding a bull in a rodeo for hours.

I enjoyed the pay to ride Brushy Mountain. Difficult but somewhat groomed. Couple flatlanders from South Carolina came up and we were talking. He asked if Brushy had any less advanced trails. I asked him which trail he road. He pointed to the entrance of the trail. “That’s the youth trail sir. They get harder.”

He followed us up the next trail he had not been on. We put him in the middle of us and I told him not to try to keep up with my son. But he missed a curve. Down a valley side he went, hit a tree sending him flying like Superman. New KTM was trashed. We managed to get him and his dirt bike to a lower trail where I road him to the parking lot then back up to ride his warped wheel, handle bars, and missing gear shifter back in second gear.
 
Howdee boys and good morning!

Hey, Mega THANK YOU to all who’ve contributed to this thread - something told me posting my question here would pay off and, well, Thank Y’all, AGAIN!

Some of the posts are fear-instilling some are downright funny but, ALL ARE INFORMATIVE (and info is what I come a-seekin’)

If we locate a place that rents around Morganton (1/2 hour from our home) that will be our next step BEFORE we either buy anything OR make any ASSumptions! :p
 
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If you are not into steep and very rough terrain riding I suggest a day or weekend at Durhamtown Off-road Resort in Union Point, Georgia. It’s a bit of a drive but well worth it. You may rent cabins or camp. Durhamtown has over 150 miles of trails on 6000 acres of land. Everything you will ever need is on premises to include rentals of atvs and motorcycles, a store, a restaurant, pressure wash stations, bathrooms, call station for emergencies on the trails, and recovery.

You can ride on many of the motocross tracks such as a youth, enduro, motorcross, super motocross, mud bog, flat oval track, and Christmas tree drag strip. There is too much to list. My son and I had a great time. Daily rate is $30 weekends, $25 M-F. If you are a hunter that is available also on parts of the property.
 
Hey Blackgun, thanks. Unfortunately, “the draw” for us in all this was the prospect of having a place - AN HOUR AWAY - to hit on slower weekdays during the months too cold to ride jetskis (albeit, BrnMtn sposedly Closed Jan 1 - April 1)

Dang ... (first world problems! :)
 
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