Trail bike for elk/deer hunting

[tbrady]

I'm interested in getting a trail bike after watching a guy haul out a 250lb mule deer that laid was across the back of his bike.  I just happened to have hiked almost 39 miles up hill with a 120lb backpack (IIRC) when I ran into him. So...  I figured some of the guys on this forum have probably put quite a bit of thought into the perfect bike setup and I would love to hear about it (and see some pics). 

tim

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I'm interested in getting a trail bike after watching a guy haul out a 250lb mule deer that laid was across the back of his bike.  I just happened to have hiked almost 39 miles up hill with a 120lb backpack (IIRC) when I ran into him. So...  I figured some of the guys on this forum have probably put quite a bit of thought into the perfect bike setup and I would love to hear about it (and see some pics). 

tim

Rokon's are the best for this type of duty. www.rokon.com

[Missing]

Yamaha TW200 haul a lot of weight and street legal for the forest roads

[Cougeyes]

Yamaha TW200 haul a lot of weight and street legal for the forest roads

Second that.  I have a Yamaha XT 225 and love it, but for being able to pack a lot of meat and still maintain your balance you can't go wrong with the TW200.

[wall of wood camp]

The Yamaha TW200 is an excellent choice for the dual purpose of being street legal and the trail capabilities lower geared and wider than usual tires.  If your not concerned with the street legal part and want a load hauler the older 1980's Honda fat cat is what i would go with I have hauled out my last two bull elk whole with a fat cat two miles with out a hesitation idling along in first gear.  I used to use a 70's Honda trail 90 but those are rough on your butt and only good for a quarter at a time. 

[tbrady]

Cool, I'll check those out.  Thanks for the feedback y'all!  I like those rokon's but um they cost a bit much.

[Wa hunter]

I have a tw200 and like it a lot.  It has a low center of gravity and can be geared way down.  I air down my tires and they grip really well.

[spin05]

no question the tw200....

[Miles]

  I just happened to have hiked almost 39 miles up hill with a 120lb backpack (IIRC) when I ran into him.
tim

Where did you hike "39 miles up hill"?

[Skyvalhunter]

It was up hill both ways and actually it was a 160 lb pack and his deer was 265 lbs dressed out. 

[tbrady]

Oh, I was out in the woods.  And actually it was closer to 47 miles after further reflection.  What's weird is that it was twice as far back to the truck and up hill also.   

[TheHunt]

If the Rokon's were street legal they would be killer. 

[Armadillo]

if its for behind DNR gates then any mtn bike really. I use a cheap one with puncture proof inner tubes. If you want one with a motor...tw200

[HuntandFish]

If the Rokon's were street legal they would be killer. 

Something about no suspension, that would hurt to hit a pot hole at 25mph. Oh wait there top speed is about 8mph. 

Rokon's are a salesman's dream, oh yea they are two wheel drive and will take you anywhere. As long as its not to steep or to big of obstacles. These things way a ton, and hardly go fast enough for you to balance on.

  Just had to say something about these bikes I know a few guys that hunt with these things and they are just funny to watch. You hear them coming down the trail at what seems about 30mph based on engine noise and about ten minutes later they finally pass you going about 4mph. It is a riot.

I wouldn't buy one

[golfguy0912]

I had an xt225, sold it a few years ago. That is the only vehicle I ever regret getting rid of. The thing weighed 265lbs wet, and could get me anywhere I wanted to go. Plus the 70 mpg was nice. I never really would consider getting a tw200, till I heard you guys talking about the stability of it with the fat tire. Makes sense.

Personally (and as recommended) I dont think you could go wrong with a TW or the XT. Both have a low seat hieght too.