Complete rookie ATV question about CVT (I think).

[Rmally]

Hey guys,

I am looking at a few ATV's..complete disclosure I have never owned an ATV. I have owned numerous motorcycles and UTV's but have a question on these automatic ATV's and I believe what is called CVT shifting?

Here's the question, do they all have for lack of a better word a hesitation (not in the engine) but a few milliseconds before taking off. That probably makes no sense, but when you give it throttle it seems it has to rev and then starts going, is that normal? I guess I'm used to instant feedback from a bike.

Before I buy one I just wanted to make sure thats normal. The only ATV's I've been trying are all automatics and seem to behave this way, but some worse or better than others. Also all have been in the 400 to 450 size range.

Hope this makes sense. Thanks for any input.

RM

 

[Peter 315]

Continuously variable transmission= cvt

 

[Peter 315]

Yes they have hesitation because they have a centrifugal clutch so when you stop it stops and doesn't creep forward....

 

[Liquidsilver]

I know CVT is vastly more popular and easier to operate for people that can't 'do' gears... but I vastly prefer my Hondas with the gears. They still have an automatic centrifugal clutch, but you select the speed range by what gear you are in. (And more motorcycle-like response.)

Many of my friends have the CVTs and I really don't like how you have to rev 'em up to go anywhere. Now, if you have wives and kids that want to ride them, the CVTs are pretty brainless to operate.

Personal preference, I know.

 

[Rmally]

Thanks for the explanation, I think I would prefer the gears as well. I've never used one with that setup and just wanted to make sure that was normal behavior because it just felt odd.

 

[Code54]

Take a look at the Honda ATV's - they are geared but have an automatic "mode". You will lose the hesitation of the CVT.

 

[ArlyA]

CVT transmissions are good. Yes they act slightly different from a clutch but I'd not call the difference a game changer. They are simple and easily to service. Did you test drive more than one machine?

 

[nybirdman]

Having put 15,000 on mostly CVT's ,I much prefer them over gear.Try a Yamaha;great machines and engine braking.The Honda electric shift machines are difficult in cold weather;I like Honda and have owned them also.

 

[Rmally]

I did, one was a Polaris and the other was a Kymco. They felt about the same (maybe the Polaris was quicker to respond) but can't really tell. The Kymco was nicer and newer but Im not familiar with that brand. Want to try the Honda rancher and recon but this dang virus has everything shut down so maybe soon.

Gives me time to do some homework.....

PS, Thanks NYbirdman for the info.

 

[timswi]

I did, one was a Polaris and the other was a Kymco. They felt about the same (maybe the Polaris was quicker to respond) but can't really tell. The Kymco was nicer and newer but Im not familiar with that brand. Want to try the Honda rancher and recon but this dang virus has everything shut down so maybe soon.

Gives me time to do some homework.....

PS, Thanks NYbirdman for the info.

I've had a Polaris Sportsman for 6 years and really never noticed a hesitation...So far love the machine, has been trouble free.