850XP Transmission & Reverse Question - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

Chad1903 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:27 PM

This is my first fully automatic transmission so forgive me for my newb question.

When switching gears "H,L,N,R,P" I've noticed sometimes its fairly stiff to move the shifter when on level ground, is this normal or am I just being to picky? If this is normal then how is everyone shifting gears to make this process smoother? I don't like the idea of forcing it if I don't need to.

Also when on level ground when putting it in reverse I hear a clunk sound from the rear immediately after lightly applying the throttle. Does everyone else's bikes do the same thing? If it helps to explain this sound, it reminds me of a pickup truck when putting it in reverse and how you can hear the ring & pinion tap or a u-joint tap together.

Thanks for your reply

gaspumpcity · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:36 PM

Mine does the same thing I need to look to see if there is a joint to lube my bet its nature of the beast.

HIGHOCTANE · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 05:27 PM

Depends on what you mean by stiff..
The Polaris shifter is fairly stiff to move out of each gear. When in gear it should have some resistance as you just start moving the shifter but then should kind of pop out what ever gear it is in and kind of pop into the next gear as you get close to it..like a detent set up. You shouldn't have to really force into a gear..coming out is where it is stiff..I have found that bumping the shifter with my palm going forward and giving a little snatch when coming back towards the rear works the best...slowly applying pressure doesn't work as well,it will feel like it is sticking then suddenly jump past the next gear if you try to baby it...
I'd say as long as your electronic gear indicator is accurate and the machine doesn't creep when in gear at an idle your probably fine on the shifting...you can lube the shifter linkage heim joints, that helps some. Just use some silicone spay lube oe equiv. But the resitance/detents is what keeps it in gear...no gated shifter to help with that..nature of the design.

And the reverse clunk is normal,combo of driveline lash and clutch noise,I think every similarly designed CVT set up does it....especially when the machine is first moved...noise tends to lessen after the machine is good and warmed up...My SPortsman 800 did it,My 850 XP did it and My 800 Outty does it..
Give it time...you'll get used to it and won't even notice....

terb · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 07:33 PM

Yea mine sounds like someone is hitting the rear diff with a hammer when going from forward to reverse!!

Chad1903 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks guys for the input. I mainly hear the tap from the rear diff but on occasion I hear it down by my left foot too. I feel a bit better now knowing that this it just nature of the beast.

As for the shifting Yes I have learned quickly that slowly moving the lever doesn't work to well, often I jump right past the gear I want. But at the same time doing a quick bump seems like it could potentially be forcing it to do something resulting in a damaged transmission. Well maybe I'm just being to cautious and shouldn't baby it so much. Well thanks again guys !

HIGHOCTANE · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terb

Yea mine sounds like someone is hitting the rear diff with a hammer when going from forward to reverse!!

That doesn't sound right...the make a slight clunk but nothing I would describe as sounding like something being hit with a hammer..maybe lightly tapped with a small hammer..
Check your rear driveshaft mount bolts..have read of a couple people having them come loose...