Does anyone know where polaris put the cvt ont he new xp models. From the pics on their web site, it looks to be vertical in the center of the machine, behind the motor. Someone else thought this might be the configuration of the rzr cvt....is this correct?

 

Well, you are correct on the layout of the 850XT CVT, it is vertical, but I can't say for sure on ALL of the new 09 RZRs...the Polaris parts page has the 09 RZR 800 clutch pictured in a horizontal configuration typical of the rest of the Sportsman line.

Side note: Polaris is yet to post the parts listing for the new Sportsman 550 XP and as could be expected this model isn't generating the "buzz" that the 850XP is so pics and info on this model are a bit harder to come by so we are still a bit sketchy on the specifics of this new machine

 

The new XP's have the clutches in an almost vertical configuration on the backside of the motor, sandwiched between the tranny and the rear differential. You have to remove the left rear wheel, then a section of rear frame (4 bolts) to get at the cover and also drop the rear half of the bottom skid plate. It sounds like you have to dig pretty deep but it's really not too bad. Toughest part is that you have to work in very close proximity to the exhaust which sucks if it's hot.

What's really interesting is that the clutches rotate in the opposite direction of what they do on all other Sportsmans. Picture the primary clutch, on all previous machines it "pulls" the belt from the top of the driven clutch. On these new XP's the primary pulls from the bottom - just the opposite rotation. The change doesn't affect anything in the clutches other than the helix. The ramps on the helix are cut in the opposite direction when compared to any previous model.

The RZR has the clutches facing forward in a horizontal layout right behind the seats.

 

550 engine isn't sideways like 850.

 

I was into the clutches on one yesterday. Although I didn't take the panels off and look at the motor in detail, it all looks very different and the clutches are on the backside so I'd assume that the motor is mounted in there differently, otherwise why change the clutches?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: jeffls

I was into the clutches on one yesterday. Although I didn't take the panels off and look at the motor in detail, it all looks very different and the clutches are on the backside so I'd assume that the motor is mounted in there differently, otherwise why change the clutches?</end quote></div>

550 or 850?

 

thanks for the great answer. Now, is this a new design? Is it higher or lower than the previous design? Is it more or less susseptable to leakage? is it snorkeled? Is it going to get alot hotter behind the engine, and if so will it affect belt life? It may be better all around, just curious...

I can't believe they didn't make more of this on their web site...not even a picture of the new layout with some sort of claimed benefit.

 

550

 

Hmmmm... lots of questions with not alot of mileage on one to answer them with yet! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] It is an entirely new design.

In my opinion:

The primary is at about the same level as before - possibly a little lower. The driven is up high. it is not snorkeled (like the new mudder Cat). The air vent to the clutches is no longer attached to the cover (which is nice for servicing) it is attached to the rear portion of the clutch housing and snakes up under the seat for intake. As far as heat, there shouldn't be much difference if they move air through it effectively. The proximity of the exhaust may be a slight concern, but time will tell.

 

I was a bit disapointed that the snorkeling, (clutch vents and air box) dosen't extend higher! The clutch snorkels are quite a bit lower!