I'm still wading through the learning curve on my 2006 AC, 400 TRV auto. Felt like it was reving too high for the speed achieved, so I took to the shop where they pronounced it fit and ready to roll.

If I don't have a problem there, then what am I missing? Coming off my little Suzuki 250, that purred like a kitten through the gears, this monster sounds like a jet trying to take off when I'm going 20 mph.

The tach/speedo combination may have me a bit confused as well. There is no tachometer red line marked on the guage to let me know where to hold the r.p.m., so am I to assume it will wind all the way to 10,000 r.p.m.? Didn't think so, but where's the limit, and what's the normal dirt road cruising r.p.m. for this thing at around 20 m.ph.?

It has plenty of low end grunt, but I'm not comfortable reving over about 4,500 r.p.m on the tack, so I'm limiting my speed. Anyone with one of these who can help me figure this out?

 

Are you sure your reading the tach?? It HAS one??

I'm pretty sure it has the same digital gauge pod the rest of have (400-450-500-550-650) that doesn't HAVE a tach? (700 & 1000 have the needle gauge w/tach option) maybe I'm wrong.

The CAT's have a VERY noisey CVT transmission set-up. I mean REALLY loud when compared to other machines. It will ALWAYS sound like a jet engine winding up, so not to worry it just takes time getting used to.

You high revs may be the nature of the beast as I think the 400's are geared pretty low, especially the TRV (4.10's I think) My'08 650H1 TRV has 3.6 gearing.

I'm not sure how "tech" savy you are, but I'm assuming your no NEWB. I've got a couple of ideas to help.

This is gonna sound silly but your NOT riding with the brake locked on are you? My wife did when we 1st bought our TRV. SHe rode out about 1/2 a mile in the ditch and came back complaining it has no power and was screaming in the revs. - DOUGH! (at least she burnished the brakes)

You may have a clutching and or belt issue. Belt dust & debris over time & mileage accumulate on the primary & senconday clutch(s) gumming up the roller weights.
Pull the clutch panel (carefull of the gasket) and blow out any belt dust (wear a mask!) and give your primary clutch rollers a shot of silicone lubricant.

Depending on the mileage your belt may be worn as well. It's hard to determine, if it's not obvious (frayed), but if it's REALLY shiney you may need a new belt. And if you do, lightly scuff the clutch face(s) to remove the shineness from it as well.

ANOTHER few things:
- check your diffs for proper fluid amts. If low (too late) you may be binding up as the gears get hot
- check air filter - if plugged the motor work harder

the fact you took it to a dealer to have them look at it helps, but they can overlook the obvious too.

Hope some of this helps

Good luck
my.02¢

 

Yes, it does have the speedo/tach combo where you press buttons to switch the readings from one to the other. The guy who owned this ordered it with more options that I would have, like a windscreen, detachable basket, quick release connections on the rack, etc.

I just got it back from the shop and they did all the inspections you mentioned and changed all the fluids and filters, so its up to spec, so to speak.

This thing just has a low gear ratio it appears, and I will just have to get used to it. Plenty of power on the low end, which is really what I need for pulling a brush cutter.

Thanks for the input.