BANSHEEX When you find me a atv that will pull in 2nd and third in the stuff i ride in, I will buy it for you. Its just not going to happen. The stuff I ride in once my momentum picks up i can pop her in 2nd and sling the SHIZNIT out of some the most thick mud in the south and west of the mississippi. But that is due to my tires being as light as they are. Also the auto is the same way , you just dont realize it because your foot is not doing the work, its an auto,just like in cars and trucks. when you pass a car on the hwy do you take it down in first, no it goes to the next lowest gear adjusted for that speed. Just like with the 500. you will not be going 45 mph then take it down to first, you will probly be in 5 and take it down to 4th when you hit a mud hole "small one" same goes for lower speed deep mud bogging.

Hope this makes sense

 

im with catkrazy there is plenty of pulling power in going between gears. I find that first is useless when in the mud because it turns the wheels just to damn slow, even at a dead stop in mud or really deep snow, i kick it in to 2nd and give her hell, it doesnt bog or anything, just takes of throwing mud or snow like a ****

 

Your right. When you get in the mud the belt drive is nice.

 

but what happens when you get in water?

Does the AC do like most belt drives? I dont really know a whole lot about them

 

the ac belt is sealed so as long as the seal is sealed and no water gets in the vent water should not be a problem

 

well i guess if you ride in shallow water then you are ok but the kind of ridding the AC is capable of, the belt will get wet just like in all of the auto except the hondas.