So I was out riding this afternoon and became worried when the bike started to buck really bad at low speed/rpm. In L, just before full engagement, in H, anything below 5mph, and in R, about the same as low, under 5mph. I'm assuming that it may just be moisture on the belt as I was in deep water about 2 weeks ago. The only odd thing, i went to H&M last weekend and never had this issue, take it out today, and BAM! Anyone have any advice?

 

Sounds like a clutch or belt issue.When you were in really deep water did you notice any slipping. If water managed to get into the clutch housing and it starting slipping, even for a little bit, it could have created a worn spot in the belt which you may notice at very low speeds. That would be my first place to look. Second would be the drive line. With that said I have noticed my sp500 kinda bucks in reverse at very low low speeds less than 5 mph. But not in forward gears. Hopefully some other 850 owners will chime in with some answers.

 

nope, while it as in the water, it ran fine, got it out of the hole fine too, rode for about 60 miles at H&M this past weekend, no issues, go out for less than 5 miles today and it started acting up, it really sucks because i have to climb the curb to park it and its bucking so bad its almost unbearable. I dont want to have to hit the curb at 15mph, sheesh, guess i'll pull the clutch/belt cover while i'm changing oil this weekend.

thanks

 

Is the motor stumbling, or is the belt not engaging? Could it be the adjustment of your throttle cable? On a new bike it doesn't take long before the cable stretches and needs the slack taken out, this will cause stumbling. How to check and adjust it will be in your owners manual. Also know it will always stumble in reverse if you try to go to fast unless you hold the yellow button in, it's a safety issue.

 

After riding in deep water...did you take the time to drain the CVT housing? It's in the owners manual as a precaution...

Hope everything turns out ok...but please do report back when you troubleshoot this issue.


biz

 

its not the throttle cable, that still feels nice and tight, purrs in P/N all the way. Honestly I did not drain the cvt as I felt it was still dry due to the way it handled on the way home after the water ride. I'm going to do an oil change today if I can find a amsoil dealer in my area. I'll pull the CVT cover off and check it out, I really hope thats all it is.

 

You can drain CVT without taking cover off...Drain plug on bottom...

John

 

It's not likely that water got into the clutch housing but it can happen. Water has a tendency of getting into the darn-dest places sometimes. If the seal was not seated into the cover properly when your bike was built, water infiltration could very well have happened. Maybe like a bike built on a Monday. LOL I'm sure your aware of the fact that when riding slow or lugging along you should be in low so as not to overheat/burn the belt? Hopefully it's something simple for ya. If not that's where the warranty kicks in to get these little bugs out of the way.

 

yes, i'm aware of the gear to speed selection, however I use H when parking the bike as I only slow below 5mph to climb the curb and once again to ramp up the trailer. its a bit cold outside so I'm going to just go check the cvt for water today. I did however just get a ****-ton of lubes. If the weather clears up looks like i'll be changing the engine oil and filter, front and rear diff, trans, and re-lubing joints. I REALLY am just hoping the belt is slipping, I love this new toy too much.

 

I changed the engine oil and filter today, and checked the cvt drain plug, dry as a bone in there judging from teh plug. I opted not to change the trans/diff fluids yet as I'm going to take it to the dealer in the morning for his opinion. I didnt want to waste filling the bike with amsoil to end up having them turn around and drain it the next day, knowing my luck. The bike was still bucking today, I really think its belt related, it seems to do it right before full engagement, I played in L, it bucks twice, then went, moved to high, 3-4 bucks, then fine about 15mph, reverse, bucked twice, then good, probably 3-5mph. to explain it, it feels like riding in a compact car with a teenager that has never driven a manual.