With the transmission only a 3-speed, I can't imagine they wouldn't build it without a low range but that's what it looks like in these initial press releases. Does anyone know if any articles address this? I just got my Dirt Wheels today and in the interview they never ask about how it runs or gear ratios. If they go with a very low 1st gear then the jump to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd would have to be very large. If anyone has more on this please post....

 

I had a debate on another forum about it's top speed, The guy's said 65mph Woooo! I said NO, because I think with only 3 forward gears they will have to gear it real low to have any pulling power and more important good engine braking downhill so I think it will be Real low geared and only run 55-60 mph top's, 'course they said no, 65, but all the mags say the topspeed on the Ruby is 53-55 mph and that's about all mine friend's that have them will do one does 52 one does 54, but all of their's does 58 and 60 mph. I'm not going to argue anymore, when it comes out they will use their Stalker radar gun's and see If I'm not right 60mph tops for the Rincon, seems everyone want's to say theirs is faster than they really are, radar's don't lie. and I agree no low an high range makes no sense.

 

Remember, the Rincon will not have 3 set final ratio's. It has an automotive style torque converter, which will adjust the final output ratio depending on demand. Like when a car will run 65 at 3000rpm on a flat stretch of road, but will run 65 at 3500rpm going up hill, but never shifting gears.

 

They built the 3-speed transmission more aimed towards the sport side of the market. They wanted the operator to have the feel of the engine shifting gears, thus giving it a sportier feel to it. But I think weight had alot to do with it, because they said if they put the Hondamatic in it, they would have to increase it substantially, adding more weight. So it sounds like they went for the 3-speed more for weight reduction. The only thing I see now is , if this was made more for the sport side, how will it do for those who want big tires on it. Only time will tell, but as I was going thru the interview,it sounds like weight was there prime concern while making the Rincon.