Hi,

I have decided on an Eiger.

My problem; I have no information to help me decide on Manual or Automatic Transmission.

I'm a new rider- 45, 220 lbs and have been parked on my couch for 20 years. A friend bought a trail bike so I'm getting a quad to buzz around with him in the woods. This will be 100% trail riding. I will NEVER (remember, 20 years on the couch) be racing, jumping.

I want the automatic but I want to make sure that I won't "lose anything" compared to the standard shift. My biggest concern is- Does the automatic diminish the machine's ability to climb hills? For example; if the standard can climb 8 out of 10 hills.... will the automatic also climb 8 out of 10 hills?

Bottom line- I want power and guts to be able to follow my friend, but I want the convenience of the automatic as long as the automatic doesn't kill any power or guts.

Your opinion?

Thanks,
Bill

 

An automatic should help you climb hills because it makes sure you're in the right gear by automatically shifting lower if you're giving it more gas. Where in a manual you might miss a shift and put it in neutral (i've had the misfortune of doing this) then you're really screwed if you're not quick enough to get back in gear or hit your front brakes. Never hit your back brakes only on a hill.

 

New rider, trail riding, and having fun.........get an Auto.....trust me, you won't regret it. I go anywhere in my auto, and if your worried about climbing just put it in low gear and it will climb anything, just give it gas, you will not have to worry about what gear or anything like that. People say that the belt slips in deep water or mud, ive never had a problem and I have hit it hard in deep mud/water holes.

 

From what I've seen, there is a small difference in power between the auto Eiger and the 5-speed - with the edge going to the 5-speed. Bottom line is that any difference is minor. Factor in your experience and I'd say go for the automatic.

Jaybee