Originally posted by The Hossman@Mar 8 2004, 06:45 PM
NW Rider - please explain more. The CVT system that has been in use in snowmobiles since the dawn of time has stuck around because it works - and works well. It always keeps the engine in it's powerband (when required) and maintains the optimum gear ratio for maximum efficiency.... what's not to like?
Hossman I'll explain myself the best I can.
What I don't like about the cvt..The list is long but all stems from the belt and its short comings.I've spent a lot of time and money on belt experimentation
trying to come up with one that will hold up to the high temps of deep powder
riding yet still perform well on the trails or boon docking or just trying to get it
moving in the morning when it's cold.but have come to the conclusion that there
is no such belt...The group of people I ride with have the same gripes about
belts,but just chalk it up to the cost of having fun"just bring lots of belts"
As far as the overall design of the cvt,I agree with you that the ability to keep
the engine r's at peak performance levels is something to"like"but I also think
is overshadowed by the amount of HP robbing friction,inherant in V belts
The gear ratio thing I'm going to have to call theory right now cause I cant find
any documentation on gear ratios to compare.
I have ridden an RX-1,vinson 500 quad, sportsman 500 quad and a grizly 650quad
all with constant velocity trannys,they all feel hindered out of the hole almost like
they'r taking off in second gear,More noticable on the quads because of hookup
but still there on the sled.Ive raced all of my buddies with my lower HP honda and
always stomp them.We all agree it must be the tranny.It's just way more efficient.
The cvt has been around since the dawn of time and so have v belts.very few
things use a v belt anymore It's just a matter of time before somebody
comes up with something better.maybe honda or...who knows?
I gotta go. later! Aaron
Ps; Hossman. not a crack on the yami there. the R-X1 is high on my list of
sleds to look at in the fall to purchase.I just need to see how they do in the
deep stuff then I'm there.