I was reading my owners manual (again), and cant seem to figure out if the 4x4 is shift on the fly or not. It doesnt spell out coming to a complete stop bla bla bla, like it does for other stuff like the front diff. locker, but it doesnt say shift on the fly either.

It's an 05 400i Auto.

Any idea? Should I stop and shift, or shift on the go? Any speed restrictions?

Thanks

 

on my '03 250, it says not to engage the front diff when atv is moving.

 

On my AC 2002 AC 500i, I always engage or disengage its 4x4 when going foward. Sometimes even when going in reverse. Before shifting, I do ensure there's NO stress on its drive system. In other words, coast the engine to ground speed, then smoothly shift it. Worked for me since day one. Especially when coming in / out of mud holes and back onto smooth ground when 4x4 isn't needed.

I can understand that if you are in a high speed rear wheel spin and reached down and pulled the 4x4 Control on my unit, it would "grind the engagement gears" together. Hence, extreme risk of mechanical damage. Perhaps that's what all the mumblings within in the Manual is trying to explain???

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the way mine shifts in/out of 4wd is different than yours, I think, or maybe not (the lever on the front left fender). I wish is was able to shift on the fly. But maybe you're right. Maybe the manual just says to do it not moving so retards that are stuck and spinning the rear wheels don't drop it into 4wd. It seems to me that as long as the drivetrain and the front diff are moving at the same speed it'll be ok. At least I would think so.

 

My dealer told me that they say to stop before engaging the 4X4 button. He said as long as you aren't going over 5-6 mph and aren't in a bind or spinning the wheels he said should be OK. Said that is just his opinion. Has been working for me so far. Let off the throttle before engaging.

 

Is your 04 model a push button 4wd? Didn't know if the 400 had that or the lever. If its push button, it should work on the fly. I'm sure you can on the levers too, whether they reccomend it or not.

 

yeah, I have he button on the handlebar. Ive already shifted while going about 10mph. Just coasting on a flat surface. Seemed fine. Guess, I'll try to do it while stopped as often as possible. But you're rights...it does seem like as long as both front and rear are going the same speed, weather it is 0mph, or 10mph is should be fine. (and under no stress)

 

if i can stop before switching into 4-wheel i always do but some times there is no choice so as long as your not going very fast i would think it would be fine

 

Interesting question, with differing opinions and experience. Of course, the manual says "Do not attempt to either engage or disengage the front differential while the ATV is moving", but the manual is definitely geared toward the 'bottom feeders' (and a CYA approach to riding).

I've always stopped first, simply because that's what the manual said. But since reading comments on this topic over the past six months I'm beginning to think I'm missing the boat on this one. I can shift into 4wd on my pickup at any speed, so why not the ATV at some 'comfortable' slow speed? I'm going to try this next time I'm out riding. It's never been a problem to stop and shift, but hey, if everyone is doing it - I'M doing it!

 

I don't know if its the same for the lever type or not. I know the push button is supposed to be fine for shifting on the fly. Granted several differentials are different though. Only selectable 4wd I've had was the yamaha, and I normally go in and out around 5-10mph or less depending on the situation. Most cases where you would switch over you wouldn't be going very fast at all anyway.