I don't understand the arguement about Automatics vs Manual trannys. Now as far as auto clutches, I have driven and I do not like them but I don't understand the complaint about full autos. Are people saying that autos don't have enough torque or what exactly (performance wise) the problem with autos other then the weight. I watch the Snowcross racing and those sleds don't seem to be weak in the torque dept..If manual trans provide such an advantage why don't they make Snomobiles with Manual Trans. I don't post this Question because I am a huge Polaris fan. I do own a '00 Scrambler 400 2+4, but I only bought it because it is the fastest quad with reverse. To me Auto vs Manual is purely a preference.

Jim, Scrambler 400- 500XL

 

Bladimir asks, "If manual trans provide such an advantage why don't they make Snomobiles with Manual Trans."

I won't argue relative "advantage," auto or manual; however, snowmobiles MUST have "automatic" transmissions providing continuous torque; otherwise, the momentary loss of momentum when shifting gears will cause a snowmobile to lose headway and "sink" in the snow . . .

Getting a snowmobile up and moving from its hole in 4' of powder snow ain't easy, I'm told.

Tree Farmer

 

Tree Farmer

Thats a good point and it sound like you know alot about sleds which I will admit I don't. Altough I've watched the Snowcross Races and I would draw the conclusion that that is anything but powder they are running on. So once again, if I am a snowmobile racer why wouldn't I go with a manual trans.

Jim

 

Vladimir, contrary to any impression I may have unknowingly created, I know next to nothing about snowmobiles. My instruction regarding snowmobile mobility came from the driver of the huge diesel 4X4 tractor evacuating me from a week's snowbound stay in the Blizzard of '96 (explaining his choice of vehicle for that mission).

I said I'd not discuss relative advantages between manual and "automatic," certainly not in the snowmobile context, preferring not to argue from the platform of my own ignorance.

Generally, manual transmissions convey power more efficiently than automatic transmissions; in automobiles, slippage and power loss occurs in the fluid coupling; in ATV's (so far), the continuously-variable belt drives are not as efficient as gears, when measuring absolute power in/power out ratios.

That being said, contexts from drag racing, road racing, hill climbing, mud bogging, oval track racing and snowmobiling all have their special needs and unique rationalizations for optimum transmission choice.

Your preference for automatic transmissions neither threatens nor offends me; if you're uncomfortable with a manual transmission or prefer an automatic for any reason, by all means, continue on, "shiftlessly!"

Best wishes,

Tree Farmer

 

Tree Farmer,

I hope you didn't misunderstand me. I thought you were coming from the position of an expierienced sledder and I did want your insight. For me I have no preference as to Auto or Manual. I love popping threw the gears on my Dirt Bike as well as the relaxed ride of my Auto Polaris. I put the Question "Auto vs Manu" out there because that seem to be a big arguement among ATV'ers when compairing rides. I understand some of what you say are the differences but can you relate it to like- Whats better for hill climbs? Better for drags? better for pulls? ect...

 

Hi, Vladimir; the subject deserves hours or discussion around the campfire (or water cooler)!

Summarizing my opinion only (no good data or facts), in the ATV world, I think continuously-variable ("automatic") transmissions have an advantage in mudding and in hillclimbing, for the same reason they are essential in snowmobiling: their constant torque maintains momentum--the vehicle's progress is not interrupted by the momentary lapse when a manual transmission shifts gears.

From your motorcycle experience, you're familiar with the manual transmissions' advantage, giving the rider the option of choosing his preferred opeating range for conditions; manuals generally have better engine compression braking, allowing more control in difficult, steep descents. With a manual transmission, the rider can (sometimes) anticipate what's next and pre-select and pre-shift to the appropriate (one hopes) gear; tha "automatic" only reacts to the situation it encounters (i.e., no "eyes").

These differences aside, I believe the user's own preference and style drives the choice between automatic and manual transmissions.

My opinion only; to each his own; thanks for bringing up an interesting and thought-provoking topic.

Tree Farmer

 

I personaly have nothing against Auto quads at all. I respect them as much as I respect Manual quad, its just tha for my type of riding(high-performance) its all about feel and I belive I get a better feel of flin down the trail up shifting and down shifting. I do understand that a modified cluthc on a auto quad is killer, but its just not the same really. Its pricless!

 

Vladimir,

You know that I ride a 400 sport, and it's automatic. I think the auto is great, especially for tight trail riding. I also think the auto's hill climb better. I never had to back down a hill yet with mine. I have outclimbed 400ex's, Warriors, 300ex's, and just about everything else. I used to ride a Warrior, 230 Quadsport, and 350x Atc. All were true manuals, and I think the auto is a lot more user friendly.

The world would be a better place if everyone rode a Polaris, and Drove a Chevy.