Gear driven machines do in fact have an EBS, however, it isn't called that. Where the centrifugal clutch slides on the transmission shaft, there is a sprague clutch behind it, i.e. a one-way bearing. This connects the transmission to the engine crank when the speed of the transmission is exceeding the speed of the crank. In effect, this gives the quad Engine Braking. You can make a gear driven machine operate exactly like a belt-driven machine by simply removing this one-way bearing. Some machines, after several years of wear and tear, exhibit this due to the wear on the one-way bearing. It gets worn, and doesn't "catch" the way it is supposed to. Some don't like the EBS on the belt-driven machines because it may keep the top speed down a little. However, it shouldn't make but a few miles per hour difference. If high-speed riding is your style, then EBS may not be beneficial over non-EBS. However, I like the EBS due to its importance in going down hills. Hope this cleared up any confusion. If you don't believe me, take the clutch off a gear-driven machine and look behind it. The sprague clutch on a gear-driven machine has the same function as one found on a belt-driven machine, hence both have an engine braking system.

 

Having retrieved the many tiny cams comprising the inner circumference of the one-way clutch you speak of, walexa, from the shop floor, then re-arranging them in order and reinstalling the component on the shaft, I enjoy some intimacy with the device. (NOTE: Don't try this at home!)

Were one to remove or disable this part from a gear-driven machine, you would lose not only engine compression braking, but "bump-start" capability as well. I'm not sure whether the auxiliary or electric starting mechanism would be affected or not on a typical machine. Think I'll take a look at the exploded parts diagram on www.buykawasaki.com.

Let's assume that ATV_MAN's "EBS," should you call it that, or one-way clutch, is both present and operating on his gear-driven ATV. I imagine all ATV's like ATV_MAN's came standard with a one-way clutch, that is, the device is not an option or upgrade as in the case of Polais EBS.

Tree Farmer

 

On my Magnum (which doesn't have EBS), I can achieve a similar effect (similar because it doesn't work in very slow speeds like the EBS does), by keeping a slight pressure on the throttle. It keeps the rpms high enough to engage the clutch, and holds the quad a little. But if the descent is steep enough, I have to use the brakes. This works in low and high gears, depending on the speed you want to achieve.

Does this cause a lot of belt wear?

Thanks!

Pedro Pinheiro

 

Yes ur right now Tree Farmer...lol

 

Tree Farmer,

Since it can be removed, it is somewhat of an option for those who don't want it. I know, who is going to buy a brand new bike and tear into the tranny to remove the one-way bearing? I guess the same guy who would have it changed on a sp500, which comes standard with the EBS. No harder to do, except that the gear driven machine would probably need a new gasket and oil replacement(unless you put the bike on its side to perform the surgery). Regardless, all gear-driven machines come standard with this engine braking, whereas some belt-driven machines have it as an option. BTW, on my 350 Moto 4 Yamaha, the tiny cams wouldn't fall out of the cage like you've experienced.