This may be a really dumb question, but I am new to ATV's. I just bought a 2005 kodiak 450 about a week ago. I took it out for the first time last weekend and noticed that the transmission never seemed to shift gears. I got it up to about 40mph, and nothing. I know it's an automatic, but I figured even an automatic transmission would shift gears, just like a car does. Is it normal for it not to?

 

Its not like an auto car its run by a belt drive two different ones for the high and low gears. i believe.

 

The transmission is an ultramatic transmission.
AKA, CVT, Constantly Variable Transmission.
This transmission uses a belt which moves as the speed increases raising the effective gearing as it goes.
So effectively the transmission has an infinate number of gears because the gear ratio is constantly varying as the speed increases or decreaces!
A system similar to this is used in the new Nissan Morano.
The drive is totally smooth because the transmission does not have to change gear. Leading to a comfortable ride.
Hope my explanation makes sence ( It did in my head!!lol)
Knights of Ni

 

Thanks for the explanation. That makes me feel much better! It would suck to have a brand new atv and find out it's already having tranny problems!