Level ground shouldn't be a problem with a green log. You won't be choking 3 together and flying along in high gear, I'd imagine.
Although I feel they don't look as nice, the R1s would give you better traction than the R4s I have on in the bush. Mind you, it sure is nice to spin instead of run out of power!! I am considering chains for mine.
I am very impressed with this machine. Very well put together, a pleasure to use, great power to weight ratio, smooth, great price. The floor board style on other machines gives you more foot room if you are planning to do a great deal of jumping on and off. However, having shifter levers, etc as directly attached to the part they are manipulating seems to result in a tighter feel -- eg. shifter lever sticking out of the tranny seems tighter than one on the fender with linkages to the tranny.
All the basics, a few frills, lots of power, great reputation.