I test drove a Hawkeye today. I like the small size, turning, but it acts like it is in a low gear and needs to shift all the time...and speed appears to be missing. Is there anything that can be done to modify the trans - heavier weights, lighter weights - in the pvt trans?

 

Point it down the straightway and hold the throttle.

Low-speed only, putter-around-the-yard rides on this machine give the very impression you describe: "Gee, I've got a lotta revs but I'm not moving very fast" kinda-feeling.

Apparently, they're using a different transmission design on these, in an attempt to give you all the benefits of both ranges in a single-range package. Low grunts enough for working and acceptable high speed all in one range. It actually seems to work pretty well.

You probably felt like you had to give it a lot of throttle to go 5MPH - I know I did. Just point it at an open space & hold the throttle right there - before you know it you'll be doing 25 or 30.

 

Mine started running better after about 10hrs on it. Seems to have more power thru the whole range and top end really picked up. Their clutches are different, and it seems you can only change some roller weights. They range from 10oz for high alt to 14oz normal. I would imagine the lighter ones would give more stall (low end) and maybe less top end.

 

I just spoke to the local dealer again today. He stated that he got a bulletin from Polaris that there was a problem with the carb jets. He is going to make his demo an experiment model. He plans on doing the carb jet replacement, then attempt a modification with the trans weights. He is also consulting with his techs on any other mods that they think could improve things. He plans on calling me next week to ride with the improvements. I will post the results.

 

While he's jetting it, see if he will drill the carb slide. I assume this is an left over 06. If you are in northeast Texas, who is the dealer? Instead of messing with the clutch, see if he will install some 25in tires, this will help.

 

Your are right. He has three 06 models - one is a demo. What is drilling the carb slide, and what benefits does it offer. By the way, I am in the hill country.

 

hate to say it, but if you want a faster/more power machine, buy bigger. these werent made to have much or either. these feel way under powered for what we wanted so we went w/ the sp450. just my .02

 

My dealer blew out his leftover Hawkeye 4x4 06 models for 3999.00 so hope yours has discounted them good. Drilling the slide improves the midrange power. In the Hill country these things will be good, they will climb whatever you have the b@lls to climb. To me, they are a little lite in the front, so I just put a winch on mine. Giving up 170lbs over a sportmans, I assume they would about equal in the end. I ride with my brotherinlaws, one has a 04 500ho and the other an 03 500 Rubicon which in open country, the Hawkeye runs with the honda, in the thick woods I run off and leave him. The hondas steering is way heavy and doesn't turn to sharp.

 

i dont really like the look of the bikes mi self but eaches own.......i rode one that was modded...(not sure what for mods) on a hard packed pond and i felt like i was settin still compared to mi p360 or mi 250 tb and i had it wide open for close to 600 yards and i was like this cant be right its the frist time i have ever road one and i like um.....i agree with sten if u want more power or speed buy bigger....think of it like this....u buy the hawkeye and in a year and a half ur looking for bigger bike...u spend more money in hte long run buying a new bike

 

i am with ya there, i should have bought atleast a 600, i dont know why i though i would be happy with a 400, it does EVERTHING i ask it to but just not very fast...spenf the extra chedder and get what ya want!!!