what are the advantage/diadvantages to fully automatic transmission on a quad? I am looking for a 150 - 200 cc quad fr my wife and I wanted to get other opinions on transmission setups. I originally was going to get a fully auto but now my wife is getting used to the clutch on my z400. She is only going to use this quad to chase our kids around and do minor trail riding. Also any opinions on jetmoto, Kazuma, Boreem would be welcome.

 

When your talking full auto are you talking about a belt? if so:

BELT; ADVANTAGES:
No shifting= less fatigue, just stab and steer.
You don't have to worry about missing a gear.
No time lag when changing gears.
You are always in the right gear.
They are easy to fix if they break.
BAD THINGS:
Belts gobble up power.
Belts break.
You can't push start a rubber band quad.

Good things about gear to gear manual clutch:
They are efficient.
They are tough
They don't break often.
You get down hill braking.
You can push start them.

 

The advantage of the automatic is no shifting, easier on the hands and east to ride. The manual is great because you can pick the gear you want to go up steeper hills while the auto will flatten out and lose power on steeper inclines. My Polaris is automatic and I love it. It makes a day of riding easy. As for Jetmoto, Boreem, wicked rocket, etc.. You need to stay away from most of these companies. Jetmoto is ok and Raceway is great. Most companies DO NOT have support after the sale. Beware who you buy from. I highly recommend Raceway.

 

work2play,

You have a Yamoto dealer in town. Go to his shop and have your wife sit on the 150 and 200. He might even let you ride them. PM me if you need his information.

Also if he won't let you ride the quads. I have a 150 you can ride if you want try one out before you buy.

 

Not quite true. The yamaha, ultramatics can be bump started, and the suzuki made, suzuki and A/C CVTs can be too.

 

If she is starting to get used to your clutch, why not get her a quad that she can shift? I would take a well cared for Recon or 250EX, etc. over a new Chinese quad any day. Plus she wouldn't have to worry about using a clutch, just shifting with one of these models. The main advantage for your wife with a belt drive is the whole gas and go thing though.