Manual shift or auto? I've been thinking automatic with small price difference and they seem to be pretty reliable now. Are there any performance differences for the utility quad, better pulling, more reliable, price, etc. It would be used for trails and hunting mostly with occasional work. What are your opinions?

 

I have both Auto and Manual. Personally I like the auto better. It is by far easier and so far it has been very reliable. I use the auto for hunting, trail/mud riding, and even plowing the drive way. However the manual Kodiak I have is a bullet proof atv. It responds well to everything that I throw at it.
When I decide to go for a drive I always take the auto and if I had to buy another atv tommorrow I would pay the extra money and get the auto.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks Kodiak 400, any more input???

 

I've got a 2000 Polaris Magnum 325 and a 2002 Bombardier Quest 500 both auto. Both have been trouble. I like the auto because I can take almost anyone trail riding with very little experience. The Bombardier is definately built much more heavy duty, I've used it to drag logs out of my woods. The Polaris transmission seems to be better sync'd than Bombardier's (easier to shift forward to reverse to neutral) but Bombardier has a nice feature in that it has a park position. Either way I'd buy both again. BTW, Bombardier was offering a three year bumper to bumper warranty (special promotion). I don't know if it's still available.

 

I wouldnt want an auto because i like to change when i feel it needs to be changed and it takes fun out of riding for me if it changes by itself

 

Trail Riding and Hunting = Auto. Pulling, Hauling, Working, Mud Bogging = Manuel

 

if you go auto and dont want to worry about maintenance, then forget a belt drive cvt. get something like the rancher es with the Electronic Shift Program. you get to chose the gear by pushing the buttons, up or down. most of the control of a manual, and most of the ease of a fully automatic.

 

Got about 1800 mi. on a 650 with a belt. Reshimmed at 400 and haven't touched it since. A buddys 700, about the same miles with no problem. (belt was replaced along with some clutch parts at 300mi. due to an accident) Another buddy has 4000 on a Yammy with no problem to date. Some people could tear up an anvil with a rubber hammer, but if you treat them right, they're all good. Automatic is the only way to go on a sport ute. Manual on a sport.

 

I personally like the automatics. The first ATV I rode was a 400 Honda with a manual. Seemed like to much work. The second ATV I rode was a Polaris 350 water cooled 4-wd 2-stroke. I think it was a 1991? The first auto trans ATV. Wanted one ever since. If not abused and you use low range when needed, a belt will last for years and years. I think autos are funner. If I want to shift I use ESP or drive my daughters Rancher (thumb shift). The Rancher ES is as close to a manual shift I will ever get.

Ride as many different ATV's as you can before you buy.

 

I've noticed that riding fast over more unfamiliar territory an auto makes it easier to concentrate on the trail and less time on finding the right gear for fast approaching downhills or uphills. The manual is real nice for engine braking on steep downhills though. Fortunately my Rubicon has great engine braking so its not an issue.

In water you don't have to stick your foot into it if you find you are in the wrong gear while a manual model gives you no choice.

Manuals will also go through more mud and water without problems than a belt auto since it's housing is sealed with no belts to slip although I've heard of many people who regularly ride in water and mud with belts without significant slippage problems.

On a straight away you should get more initial acceleration from a manual than a belt drive and you might even get more mid range acceleration too since you can rev out the machine between shifts more.

Work wise both an auto or manual will do heavy pulling. I can't see a clear advantage by going with either mode.

For me it comes down to comfort. Riding an auto hard all day is easier than riding a manual all day. AN auto gives you more time to see the sights.

My advice is always to ride a few quads. This will help to narrow down the choices better than any other method.