Seeking orientation on side by sides, differences between brands/models/designs

[foggy1111]

That's how I feel about belt driven transmissions on UTV's too.

^ Agreed. The tranny on the Pioneer is one of the best features. Automotive tranny shifts seamlessly. Torque converter really works slick. No belt to warm up or to maintain. Shift points are very predictable and become intuitive with operation......so you may hold off to gain the braking effect on a hill....etc.

Engine braking on downhill decent seems very good.....but I really dont have much UTV experience to compare it with - other than my Kawa 400 4-wheelers. Similar....but no "free wheeling". I hardly use the brakes.....the tranny does the work.

I was pleasantly surprised with the low fuel consumption thus far. Seems to be much less than my old wheelers.

 

[PapaPerk]

Actually I believe most of the UTV's have a locked rear diffy. I think Polaris is one of the few that offer a differential.

Theres a few more that have them. Yamaha does not nor Honda... Now. The Big Red did! A step back for Honda.

 

[PapaPerk]

Its good to hear that the Polaris has this open differential switch (I looked it up and they call it "Versa Trac Turf Mode Switch"). More and more guys are getting these UTVs and I fear for the quality of our hard-earned trails. I'd like to think people had the common sense to stay home when the trails are damp or muddy, but I have seen the opposite to be true. And even on dry days a solid rear axle on a 1800-2000 lb machine (with two riders) can do many times the damage of a solid axle ATV with one guy riding it.
So, my Gator 825 has an open rear diff, which can be locked when you need it, Polaris has the Versa Trac, and someone told me his Rhino had an open and lockable rear differential. It seems that all the other UTV machines I have researched have solid rear axles. Any input from you guys on that?

Exactly! It's amazing how destructive those tires can be!

 

[Code54]

I love my RZR but a quick trip across the yard when its wet reminds you to not turn tight with a locked rear end..... It seems they put that delocker on some models and not others, I feel it would be nice on everything. Don't really see any drawback except for a few more wear items

 

[PapaPerk]

I love my RZR but a quick trip across the yard when its wet reminds you to not turn tight with a locked rear end..... It seems they put that delocker on some models and not others, I feel it would be nice on everything. Don't really see any drawback except for a few more wear items

I fully agree. The manufactures probably don't install to save a few cents.

 

[Code54]

Yep - exactly! Just like I would love to pay the extra $5 and have the winch mounting plates built in.....

 

[foggy1111]

Yep - exactly! Just like I would love to pay the extra $5 and have the winch mounting plates built in.....

Boy, you said a mouthful. The accessory rip-off is just about goofy....especially that winch mount bamboozle. Seems it's just like the razor biz....give 'em the razor, and sell 'em the blades.

I'll be adding about $2500 in accessories.....that should cost $500. (or so) if they were "standard" equipment.

 

[Piston]

^ Agreed. The tranny on the Pioneer is one of the best features. Automotive tranny shifts seamlessly. Torque converter really works slick. No belt to warm up or to maintain. Shift points are very predictable and become intuitive with operation......so you may hold off to gain the braking effect on a hill....etc.

Engine braking on downhill decent seems very good.....but I really dont have much UTV experience to compare it with - other than my Kawa 400 4-wheelers. Similar....but no "free wheeling". I hardly use the brakes.....the tranny does the work.

I was pleasantly surprised with the low fuel consumption thus far. Seems to be much less than my old wheelers.

Regarding the transmission, how do you like the different modes? Do you notice that when you "get on it" it's in the "sport" mode and changes the shift points?

 

[foggy1111]

Regarding the transmission, how do you like the different modes? Do you notice that when you "get on it" it's in the "sport" mode and changes the shift points?

Truthfully, I cannot say one way or the other. Just have never given it any thought. Seems the tranny and torque converter do what is required at the time tho. Shifitng seems quite predictable based on loads / speeds / situations. But I cannot say if I noticed the "mode" change when I'm "getting on it".

Gonna have to pay more attention when I drive it next.

 

[Piston]

Gonna have to pay more attention when I drive it next.

I'd be interested to hear