Utility guys auto or 5 speed?

[BuckBilly]

Just thought I would start a poll on this topic manly because I'm not a fan of belt drives. Just want to know which you prefer.

[BuckBilly]

Anyone?

[trailblazer_02]

hey i voted chill.

[NEWACRIDER]

I like my automatic!

[Stoopidbot1]

I don't own one but I would like the luxury of not shifting but then at the same time on hills I like to be in control of the gears. So I voted Honda's auto.

[BuckBilly]

I'm just an old footshift junky. Thumb shifts to! Also a question if autos are in the perfect gear all the time, then why have a low range?

[Stoopidbot1]

They say it's the perfect gear, but come on. How many times have you had a manual shifting quad at max rev climbing like a bat out of hell? An auto won't do that.

[Tri-z_ek22]

This is true, i voted 5-speed, but i really wish that one of the companies would go back to a 6-speed, there's a few models like the 350 Raptor and TTR-230 that have it, and a bunch of the KTM bikes, but i wish it was more popular, IMO it gives you a better ride, just because you have a gear for every situation, though they may rap out a bit quicker, and 5-speeds are plenty, i just like the feel of them.

[firetech]

I've only riden on the automatic's, so far no complaints at all about them from the buddy's and family that have them too. As for the low speed, my Polaris manual says to use low gear when pulling loads or when driving slow speeds... less wear on the drive belt.

[trailblazer_02]

for stuff like pulling and mud bogs. go auto. low and go.

but for fun like trails and such. go 5 speed.

[mywifeknowseverythin]

BUMP for the THRILLBILLY!!!!

[jen]

I like being in control ...5  speed  Honda Foreman...and i can wind him up and feel him try to leap out from under me.

[WeeBee]

I prefer the manual 5 speed so I can pick the gear that works the best for whatever I'm doing.  My '03 Arctic Cat 300 has the 5 spd. Manual  w/ 3 spd. HI-low-Ultra Low!! Works great for All situations! 

 

[mikeexplorer]

My auto CVT has never let me down.

 

[jen]

I think some of the Honda ATV 's have 'shuttle shift ' for back  and forth snow plowing.

[Gwbarm]

We have definately turned into an automatic world, most kids coming up now do not even know how to operate a clutch and shifter.

I prefer the 5 speed but i really like them both for different applications. I like the 5 speed because i can choose to shift if i want to like going up a hill you can decide do i really want to shift or wait untill im over the hill. The automatics are great for unexpierienced riders just get on and give it gas and go, not much else to think about except not falling off the machine. I also like winding out the gears a bit on the 5 speed to feel the awesome power of these machines. Automatics can be less troublesome no shift linkages to wear and trouble getting in and out of gear as the tranny ages, just replace the belt and you are good. The honda automatics are the best of both worlds. You can shift or let it shift and they are great, but very expensive to repair if problems arise.

[jen]

However, I do not have a Tach on my new Foreman to see when he is in the power curve.

[WeeBee]

The more you drive it in different situations & gears you will be able to Hear when it's in the Power Band !!

[jen]

I wonder if there is aa Tach available.  I like looking at his performance.

[davefrombc]

56 minutes ago, jen said:

I wonder if there is aa Tach available.  I like looking at his performance.

You  can  get a replacement  instrument cluster  with tach,  or an  aftermarket stand alone  accessory.  However they're  expensive unless you can find a good used one.. I would suggest a portable accessory  tach  that uses a clamp on  spark plug wire  one that you can  use to see the revs of your  motor at  all speeds in all gears  so you  know  where the performance is plus you  have a  tool  to check other motors as need be.  Just another handy diagnostic tool.   As WeeBee    says , you quickly  learn  where your quad performs best in each gear  and where it peaks out without needing a tach to tell  you.

[jen]

That is a good Idea.   I like the "tool" application...Mo tools LOL.  

[jen]

Amazon and Walmart (WMT) have small Bat operated tach/hr meters.   $20.00 !   I'll buy from WMT as I am 'Buy and Hold on WMT stock' I can mount it on a pcs of plexiglas on the Foreman. 

I was a little apprehensive as the Tach i just got for the Sand Rail was expensive.  I laminated (Epoxy) diamond plate to a pcs of Redwood to make a dashboard panel.   Don't laugh at the panel.  Its not Mike the explorer quality by any means.  Its mounted on rubber to reduce vibration.  Still wiring it.     Working with my hands keeps my mind out of trouble Grandma says...