I, being the average american always wanting something easier and faster, have come up with an idea that I need some input on.

I was wondering if a person couldn't hook a starter solenoid to the 2wd/4wd selector on the front differential and use it to shift in and out of 4X4 mode electrically? I realize that they only work in one direction generally, but by reversing the polarity on the windings it should operate in reverse order shouldn't it? Would a solenoid off of a starter be strong enough to do this? Just curious to hear some other input on this. I might just give it a try. Who knows, it might just work?

 

Sounds like a good idea but it doesn't work that way. Solenoids work on a magnetic field that pulls a plunger into it. Reversing polarity will not repell it back out. Stopping current flow and pushing the plunger out with a spring is how it works on a starter. Another idea might be to use a power door lock solenoid that is capable of pulling a plunger in 2 directions enabling it to pull and push a lever. The problem I see with something like this is weather and waterproofing but there are ways around that too!
Good luck ....let us know if you get something working

 

If you really want to do what you are thinking, go to your local yamaha dealer and look at the grizzly. The engagement of its 4x4 works the same way that you described and with a little (or mabey alot) of modification could probably adapt it to your quad.

 

The new Kawaski Prairie 650 V-Twin is supposed to come out with a diff that is switchable from a switch on the handlebars. It's supposed to have switchable 2wd/4wd as well as diff lock.If you wait a while, you might get a look at how they do it too.