I see that suzuki and yamaha have atvs with semi manual, how does that work exactly? i was set on getting an auto but this caught my interest.

 

Semi automatic transmissions on quads use a foot shifter to switch through the gears. Usually, lifting up a click at a time to shift up and down to shift down. Unlike a manual transmission on a sport quad or MX bike that requires you to pull in a clutch lever. It's pretty easy to use. The only weird part is usually reverse. You have to do some combination of shifting down with the foot shifter and turning a **** or pushing a button at the same time. I guess it's kind of a safety feature so you don't inadvertantly shift down into reverse.

 

In lame mans terms a semi Auto is like shifting a motorcycle but with no need to use a hand clutch and it will not move at idle even in gear.

The Automatic ATVs are like a Snowmiles but with wheels, you just gas and go. 90% of utility ATVs are Automatic. There nice because there is no worrying if your in the right gear for the trail condition like climbing a hill.
Most Autos do have a low range option for hard going low speed conditions such as pulling/pushing a load or being burried in Mud and such.

 

oh okay thanks, i actually rented an atv a long time ago that shifted the same way. I can't believe they can shift without pulling in a clutch first.

 

Honda has the option of both on the same atv.

 

its seems like the hondas don't have as much ground clearence. I would think i would want at least 9.5 inches for mudding. agree or no?

 

In mud, the more ground clearance the better. The lower you go the more you are plowing instead of clearing.

 

You can,t get much Ground clearance from a Straigh Rear Axle,(SRA) the rear diff is always the lowest part of those ATV plus it rides rougher than a Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) ATV over bumps and there alot of bumps out on the trail.

Thats why most ATVs are IRS now. It would take a SRA ATV with 27" tires to have the clearance of a IRS ATV with stock 25" tires.

Get IRS, your back and rear end will love you for it after mile 10.

SRA


IRS



IRS over rough ground. Lets see a SRA do this.

 

I owned a SRA quad for about a year and after riding an IRS I never want another SRA. I like the automatic transmission better too. I'll always buy something like a Sportsman or Grizzly. I don't have any use for a sport quad because I use my quad for plowing snow.

 

sweet. i surprised the honda foreman doesn't have the irs. i guess its more for hauling and trail riding not mudding as much.