I'am going to buy a 400i AC. I want to get the manuel trans but now I'am thinking why not the auto trans, it might be just as reliable as the auto. What do you guys think is better? and why?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Both equally good. Go with your flavor and your fine. I ride the manual becuase I like to do the shifting and feel you get better control of machine.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I agree with Nats. I bought a manual because of the deal I got. Originally went looking for an auto. Have ridden both, the auto takes less thought as just hit the throttle, whereas the manual you gotta know what gear you're in and shift up or down when necessary.

 

I belive that as long as its an AC 500 or 400 you cannot go wrong with either the duramatic or the manual trans.

I have both and got both for different reasons and I like both. I like the manual for myself and my wife likes the Auto on TRV.

The only draw back I can think of about the auto Trans. is that if you get water into the belt housing the belt will slip. It is not a hard problem to fix and My wife has had the TRV with the Auto Tran through some very deep water and it has not been an issue. But, it can be. The Manual Trans has no belt to get wet and slip.

Slipping belt on the Auto Trans in an AC400-500 can be rare depending upon your use of the machine.

 

I'm going to come from the other side of the coin fellas.

I used to think I wanted a manual. I rode dirt bike all through my teen years and was used to the school of thought of "having control of my machine".

In 02 I bought a AC 375 auto. It converted me. I have to say that I'll never own a manual again. I never had an ounce of trouble with the auto tranny that I didn't cause. The biggest plus to the auto is that you don't ever have to think about what gear you're in. You just hit the throttle and the tranny does it's job. I bought my quad to have fun with and I really didn't want something else to think about while out riding. With the auto you can plant both feet firmly on the floorboards and not move them which is nice too. If you're a trail rider you'll really appreciate not having to think about what you're doing. Just let your thumb do the gear changing! When my Dad and I go out, it's not uncommon to run 100 miles plus in a day. In my case, changing gears all the time would get on my nerves.

In my opinion Auto is the only way to go. The Duramatic tranny is tough as nails.

Good luck in your decision.

 

nicely said ethernut i've got the 375 auto 4x4 and ihave been through alot of different things and have not had any problems . i have gone in deep water and got water in the belt housing just drain the water out and keep riding no prblems just wish i had a locker on it

 

We have two machines, an A/C 400 man and a Vinson auto (the wifes). It didnt take me long to really start appreciating the auto. A lot of the trails we ride are narrow and slow. Like the others have said, The constant shifting to find the right gear gets to be a pain after a while. The Manual is a little quieter than the auto (at least than the Vinson) but not by a lot. Also, most of the newer belt driven trannys have excellent engine breaking, the vinson (in low) is about the same as the cat in that dept. The 400 and 500 A/C auto's have proven tranny's (very few belt problems). If you can, try to get some miles in with both types of tranny's to see which on fits you the best.

 

I dont have a manual quad but my friends do. They are always complaining of not being in the right gear or having to stop to downshift. The broken shifters are more of problem than the belt getting wet issue. A vice grip where the shifter use to be is not uncommon with those guys.

I also like the autos as anyone can get on the quad and ride it. Wife, kids, buddy whatever - Nothing to grind or mess up.
And I agree - the autos are as durable and reliabile as the manual shifters. Based on none of us ever having a trany failure in 4 years.

 

Thanks! You guys made alot of good points. I sure am looking alot closer at the auto trans. One more ? Does the auto have hi-lo range or is it just FW-REV?

 

Hello axeldog. I got to agree with the auto guys. I grew up riding manual trans bikes. I love the auto, not worring about what gear to be in. and my wife wouldn't have it any other way.
I hope this helps you[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
BryceGTX