[gonefishin]

I just purchased a new Rancher AT from a dealer and brought it home for test runs. This is an automatic and when it shifts gears, it makes a clunking sound and jerks the ATV. Its jerks the worst in lower gear. The shifting from there on is better but not very smooth.

Is this normal for a new Rancher or should the dealer have a look at this??

thank you

 

[Saber6]

With the problems the A/T models have bring it back for a warranty check.

 

[Cutter]

If it's the new 5-speed the noise going into first and reverse is normal. Also they shift hard until the oil warms up. I have 800 plus miles on mine and it shifts the same as it did when it was new. When the oil gets warmed up to normal temps. it will shift much smoother.

 

[Pain]

Saber, the new AT is not the same beast as the old AT. It's supposed to be light years ahead and more or less an automatic manual with some sort of dual clutch system and not a slush box like other AT's. Take that for what its worth though.....

 

[Saber6]

IMO They should scrap that whole A/T setup and go with a cvt style transmission.

 

[Pain]

I thought the old AT was a CVT?

 

[Saber6]

If we are talking the same one it ran from oil pressure like an auto trans in a car. The CVT im thinking is like Polaris,Yamaha,Suzuki Ect Ect same drive setup as a snowmobile. The way I look at it keep it simple..Less to go wrong.

 

[gonefishin]

If it's the new 5-speed the noise going into first and reverse is normal. Also they shift hard until the oil warms up. I have 800 plus miles on mine and it shifts the same as it did when it was new. When the oil gets warmed up to normal temps. it will shift much smoother.

that makes more sense, I have had some time now to take it on longer runs and I have noticed that the shifting/noise is way down. I just wasnt sure if that was supposed to do it or not. But other than that, the AT runs great. I have also put a snow plow on the front and just waiting for any new snow.

 

[Cutter]

Saber, the new AT is not the same beast as the old AT. It's supposed to be light years ahead and more or less an automatic manual with some sort of dual clutch system and not a slush box like other AT's. Take that for what its worth though.....

That is correct. The new AT transmission is a five speed automatic that can be shifted manually if you wish. Still has the esp selector but that is all that remains the same. The new five speed is a scaled down version of the formula one race car transmissions. It has two clutches one of which shifts first, third and reverse and the other handles second and fifth. When you take off in 1st the second clutch has second gear ready to go and when the computer senses the correct rpm it releases first gear and second gear is engaged then the first clutch grabs third gear and when the rpm is correct it shifts again, and so on through the gears. Very fast and efficient. It really is a version of the formula one transmissions except they all shift with paddle shifters. It essentially is a manual transmission with electronic shifters.

 

[gonefishin]

cutter

that makes more sense, I have had some time now to take it on longer runs and I have noticed that the shifting/noise is way down. It is the new 5 speed. I just wasnt sure if that was supposed to do it or not. I can also say that the seat is extremely comfortable.....But other than the shifting issue, the AT runs great. I have also put a snow plow on the front and just waiting for any new snow.

 

[Cutter]

cutter

that makes more sense, I have had some time now to take it on longer runs and I have noticed that the shifting/noise is way down. It is the new 5 speed. I just wasnt sure if that was supposed to do it or not. I can also say that the seat is extremely comfortable.....But other than the shifting issue, the AT runs great. I have also put a snow plow on the front and just waiting for any new snow.

They are also very quick for a 420cc engine. Higher compression, larger valves and 20cc larger bore along with the efi really woke the Rancher up. I plowed snow with mine today and every time I shifted from reverse to drive or drive to reverse I still get that clunk but it is totally normal. The more you ride it the more you will love it. I need to get to my dealer and order one of the 2010 seats. Check it out here: http://powersports.honda.com/2010/fourtrax-rancher-at.aspx

 

[Cutter]

If anyone is interested this is a link to a report I did on my Rancher AT after going to the U.P. of Michigan last September:
TRAIL RIDERS OF AMERICA • Login

Here is a short report with photo's on the Moose Rapid Mount snow plow for the Rancher:

http://www.atvwithcutter.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1727

 

[Pain]

After researching the new AT last fall before I bought anything I decided that I wanted it with the power steering. I sort of fell into an 08 foreman ES with Power steering for a great price, so I bought that, but I will keep an eye out for a green FPA and snag that eventually for my wife.

 

[yotaguy]

Honda does not like belts they tried them in the past on the odysseys and pilots. But they wear out and slip when wet also you have to keep them cool or the over heat. also gear to gear is a better tranfer of power.