Engine:
Override button allows engine to make maximum RPM in full Diff-Lock mode.

That is a quote from the Yamaha web site under features and benefits for the Kodiak 450, it didn't say for reverse operation so I figured it was for both directions. So it is only for reverse diff lock mode?

 

This being my 1st Polaris, I was impressed with the AWD system on the 1st ride. My ol' man has a Yamaha Big Bear 400 which is full-time 4 x 4. Destroys the lawn and is very difficult to steer when going lock to lock with the bars. I've watched the 3 1/2 wheel drive in action when he tried crossing a downed tree (about 10" in diameter) at an angle. The left front and right rear tires were on the log, the left rear was on the dirt, and the right front was in the air, spinning with the 2 rears and rendering him hopelessly stuck.

In that same situation with the 800, the left front will hook up and help the rears pull you over the log.

As others have stated, the engagement of the AWD is not noticable-- except for the fact that your now getting traction.

The other day, I went riding in the snow (melting and very "greasy") and tried switching between 2WD and AWD to see the difference. Shifting on the fly, I could feel the rears start spinning and my momentum slowing in 2WD. Switching back to AWD (@ about 10 MPH, due to loss of traction), almost immediately, you can feel the front wheels start to bite, and now you can haul ***!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

The best part about the AWD is you can turn it on or off @ any speed, and you don't have to worry about going too fast with the AWD engaged (like in my pickup---60 or over for extended periods in 4 x 4 will make the front end sound like it's coming unglued!!).

 

The only limit about turning it on is that it will wait until your RPM's go below 3500 before it engages the front coils; just something to remember. You can tell because the awd icon on the odometer (the drivetrain picture) won't come on until you slow below 3500. This is to protect the clutches in case you were spinning the back tires really fast and put it in AWD, either on purpose or by accident.

 

"True All-Wheel Traction only comes from an ATV with a LOCKING front Differantal.
Some one correct me if I'm wrong but is'nt polaris AWD system still considered a 3 1/2 WD ?"

the Polaris front "differential" is ALWAYS LOCKED when under power, it is all or nothing and, if working properly, NEVER in "3 1/2 wheel drive" and once in AWD mode engagement and disengagement is purely mechanical.

"Your alittle confused about several things..."

not only did you spell "you're" wrong but YOU are clearly the one who is confused.

"So if there is no slip then your really not in AWD??"

again with "you're", but this time you are correct, power is only delivered to the front wheels when it is needed, instantly, without loss of momentum, this is the key difference between Polaris and other manufacturers. Notice I did not claim superiority over other systems.

"You've got your self convinced but not me. I only get an attitude when someone else with a attitude trys brainwashing me to make themself feel better."

I am not trying to convince anyone of anything, I have only stated the facts about the Polaris AWD system from both literature and real world personal experience. I have no intentions of "brainwashing" and certainly don't need to make myself feel better, I know what my Sp600 can do and it continues to amaze me every time I ride it. Not once did I mention one system being better than the other. You are the one who appears to be defensive and less than confident and satisfied with your purchase of the Kodiak. It's a text book example of Projection: "A defense mechanism in which the individual attributes to other people impulses and traits that he himself has but cannot accept. It is especially likely to occur when the person lacks insight into his own impulses and traits."

"Why do more people BASH polaris more than any other ATV?
Cause it's fun just to hear their reaction!"

More Projection: An individual who possesses malicious characteristics, but who is unwilling to perceive himself as a protagonist, convinces himself that his opponent feels and would act the same way. Tell me Ken, are you having fun now?

 

Oops, sorry Ken, just read the post over at Yamaha, no hard feelings. Guess I'm a little cranky this morning, this arctic weather really has my undies in a bunch. Let's join forces for more productive endeavors like keeping this sport alive. At the very least we both learned a little about our machines. TRUCE.

 

I love the taste of foot in the morning!

 

This is where people get confused about that 20% thing. People assume 20% is more, meaning the rear tires need to spin 20% MORE than the front, which isn't the case. The rear tires have to spin 20% FASTER than the front. For example, if you were on ice and were not moving, as soon as the rear tires started to spin, any movement here is 20% faster than the fronts not even moving, then the front tires will engage. If you were going 20 mph, and lost traction, the rears will need to spin 25mph (25x20%=5mph....25mph-5mph=20mph)...which theorectically could be a 1/5 of a turn.

It's confusing, but maybe this will help more people understand the concept. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Maybe someone already said something like this, but the front end on Polaris 4x4's is basicly like a spool on the rear-end of a car or truck, or one-way front diff in R/C race cars. I know it's not a diff. by true meaning of a diff., it's free rolling until it's put under power, then it's totally locked together. Think of it as a one-way bearing also. Rolls free when not in operation & grabs when loaded.

 

But if the front tires are not moving, as in the example you presented, the rear wheels cannot engage instantly. The hilliard clutches require about 1/5 of a turn to engage the front wheels.

You are probably right, I am just confusing myself now. I'll give it more thought later.

 

and if the wheels are turned...that will usually eat up the 20%,,,on the leading side wheel anyway (if you have the hubs)