The rear axle of pretty much all quads doesn't have a differential... The rear tires are basically locked all the time.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: colberjs

Very useful information, as I just bought an '08 of the same ATV. What about the rear diff. though? Is is also limited slip or is it posi-trac? Thanks in advance</end quote></div>

The SRA (solid rear axle) models are "locked", seeing the axle is one solid piece.

Not sure what goes on with the IRS (independent rear suspension) models (???). Some have a "turf" mode, where the rear end is unlocked to prevent trail damage (not sure about Honda). I imagine they may have a limited-slip and a fully locked mode (???).

 

Most all of the IRS ones have just a ring and pinion with no differential, so both rear tires are locked together as they are on a solid rear axle where both are affixed to the same shaft, except that the right and left suspension can move independently.

I think there's only a couple out there with turf mode, a rear differential to keep from tearing up the grass.

 

Kawasaki has had the locking (turf mode) rear differential for quite a few years. I have a 1990 and 1997 Mule with it as well as an older model 300 Bayou ATV. I wish more manufacturers offered this option as it really cuts down on the damage to your property and it turns much sharper.

 

Honda has limited slip. Tie any Honda back end to a tree and I guarantee you will only see one wheel up front turning at a time. It may still make 4 ruts but the power will only go from one front wheel to the other at a time. Thats why they make aftermarket locker kits for them. All ATV have lock rear ends except some polaris's models with some kind of turf mode limited slip rear end so you don't tear up the grass .

My friends have the newer 500 foreman and a 08 rancher and when there stuck only one wheel up front turns at a time,fooling with the front brake helps switch power from one front wheel to the other though.

A video is worth a thousand words.

 

thanks for the video TLC, the locker it provideing power to the nonspinning front wheel(at the time). tap the front break to reset, easy squeezy