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Can A CVT Swim?

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

You helped me with the ride quality of the Polaris 850 touring. You were right on, adjusting the springs firmer made it ride smoother on holes and rocks. Thanks again.

Have a question about the clutch engagement it sometimes engages at 1550 rpm and is smooth and other times are 1900 and is abrupt. Is this normal and is there anything I should do about it?

Also I misjudged the depth of water in a hole and got water in the CVT, drained the water and it seems OK. Does this need to be cleaned or flushed with clean water?

Thanks Again for your expertise.

Dave

Dave:

Thanks for the complete info on your situation.

First and foremost – yes – you definitely must do some work on your CVT – Pronto. As well, if you’ve ingested water into the CVT there’s a good possibility you sucked some into the engine crankcases. Maybe not – but you do not want to take a chance here. Drain your crankcase oil and do a filter change as well.

If you ingested even the slightest bit of water through the intake or the crankcase breather you will ultimately damage your engine. An oil change after this kind of event is mandatory on any ATV.

Unfortunately, most riders don’t bother and six months later they wonder why they need new cam bearings or have scuffed a piston – and why their OEM won’t pay for it under warranty.

The reality is this – ATV’s are impervious to water up to a designed-in limit. When you take on water in the CVT or crankcase or both – you’ve exceeded the design limits of the vehicle and there will be consequences. Your CVT situation is equally as important to address after a dunking.

You can remove the drain, run the ATV in neutral until the CVT sheds all the water – that’s the way to get the unit home. However, in my humble opinion, it is not the way to leave the ATV. There’s dirt in water and your CVT is a sophisticated, constant velocity transmission system which can tolerate heat and hard use but will not last if it gets mud and excessive dust/dirt in it.

Your engagement problem is no doubt related to the dunking and requires the CVT cover be removed and the clutches blown out with compressed air, the belt removed and examined (most often the belt will become “glazed” after dunking) and it should be cleaned with a high flash solvent and/or lightly sanded with very fine emory on the side surfaces.

It may also require replacing if it looks like it has a “clutch bump” hourglass shape anywhere along the side profile. Next, you should contact your dealer for the proper lubrication regime for the primary (engine) clutch and the secondary (driven) clutch.

This may require disassembly and might best be accomplished by a dealer unless you feel exceptionally talented in this regard. Your wandering engagement RPM is likely related to the center post bushing in the primary being fouled with dirt, belt rubber or other contaminants.

Here’s the deal – you might be able to get away with riding the ATV the way it is but I’m pretty sure you’ll only be delaying inescapable and costly repairs down the road if you don’t get in front of this and do the clean up work now.

Oh yeh, next time don’t go so deep in the goo!

Motorhead Mark

ITP UNLEASHES THE ALL-NEW MAYHEM

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ITP UNLEASHES THE ALL-NEW MAYHEM

Something wicked this way comes, and it’s called Mayhem. The Mayhem is the new bad boy in ITP’s proven ATV/UTV tire line, spelling trouble for the competition. This is ITP’s most aggressive mud/trail tire ever, with striking looks and hard-hitting performance.

The Mayhem features a unique, deep-lug tread design that mocks the nastiest mudholes but still plays nice on harder trail surfaces.

Trail comfort and handling are further enhanced by the Mayhem’s lightweight carcass construction. Exceptional acceleration and braking characteristics as well as balanced cornering qualities make the Mayhem a capable, confident all-around performer.

With its extended wear rubber compound and durable 6-ply rating, the Mayhem can take a beating and come back for more. And with its distinctive, tribal-inspired, embossed artwork, the Mayhem stands out in a crowd not just for its abilities but for its attitude, too.

The ITP Mayhem is made in the U.S.A. and ready to rumble in 26×9-12 and 26×11-12 sizes, for application on most popular 4×4/utility ATVs and side-by-side UTVs.

Since 1982, ITP has grown into the world’s #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative tires and wheels for virtually all ATVs and UTVs. For a copy of ITPÂ’s full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 930-A S. Rockefeller Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905. Or visit ITPÂ’s website at www.itptires.com.

Borich Leads Going into Round Four of GNCC

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After winning eleven of thirteen races in 2010, Chris Borich secured the Championship and rolled into the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series with more momentum then ever.

Borich kept it going as he had a nine-race winning streak heading into the last round at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC. Unfortunately, after passing for the lead on the last lap, Borich experienced some mechanical issues that left his bike to sputter past the finish line in fifth place.

McGill took his first win of the year at Steele CreekForemost Insurance Warnert Racing Can-Am rider Adam McGill secured his first win of the season after battling with teammate Chris Bithell throughout the two-hour race. Bithell led a majority of the race until he lost his rear brakes on the last lap, giving McGill the opportunity to hammer out the win.

Round four of the 2011 Can-Am GNCC tour, the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina, takes place this weekend April 9-10. Now that the Can-Am duo has broken up the winning streak of Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich, the playing field has evened back out to a championship chase that could be anyone’s claim.

Another contender in the quest for the GNCC title is Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser, who currently sits fourth in the point standings. Kiser was docked a position at Steele Creek after choosing a bad line on the course but there’s definitely possibility for Kiser to step up and get a moto win amongst the stacked field of XC1 riders.

Borich experienced bike problems at Steele Creek, finishing fifthBallance Racing’s Walker Fowler has dominated the XC2 division so far, claiming his third win of the season. DeRisi Racing’s Eric Hoyland and KTM rider Aarol Bright have been mixing it up in the top three with Greg’s ATV & Cycle Yamaha rider Gabe Phillips and Honda rider Parker Jones edging out the top five in points.

Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.

To get to the track, take I-26 to Exit 44, then to Highway 49 North 7 Miles and look for the signs.

For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.

2010 BEST IN CLASS: BEST TRAIL SPORT ATV

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2010 BEST IN CLASS: BEST TRAIL SPORT ATV

WINNER: Yamaha Raptor 700R

Yamaha has a stranglehold on the Pure Sport segment outselling every ATV-builder by a wide margin.

There’s a reason for this dominance. The company consistently delivers products that are out-of-the-box winners at the races and solid, durable and exceptional performing trail-specific ATVs.

The Raptor 700 was upgraded two model years ago and represents what many feel is the ultimate dune rocket. We believe this is short-selling the RaptorÂ’s incredible credentials.

The engine is a drop-dead powerhouse that canÂ’t be hurt by either over-revving or bad maintenance. It’s a Yamaha.

The coolest part of this superb ride is its ability to play with the deadly serious 450 Pure Sports and most often, give them fits.

It excels in nearly every facet of off-road play and when it comes to trail riding, the Raptor lacks only one feature – IRS

RUNNERS UP

Can-Am Renegade 800R

Can-Am approached the trail-specific Sport segment in its own unique way. The Renegade is essentially a stripped Outlander with nifty performance tweaks producing both a capable mud-slogger and a very solid trail performance 4-wheeler.

Despite its significant weight compared to any of the others here, the Renegade meets this market in a more diverse and appealing way offering Can-AmÂ’s unique Visco-Lok 4×4 differential.

Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS

The 525 IRS has owned this BIC award the past couple years because it is virtually incomparable in its capabilities. Lacking only 4-wheel drive, the Outlaw IRS chassis simply out-rides and out-handles everything on fast trails.

It’s an incredibly hard act to follow in a segment continuing to define its parameters. If it’s all about a day of fast trail riding, there’s not much that’ll stay with the KTM 525 powered Outlaw with fully independent rear suspension.

Yamaha Quad-X Racing at Glen Helen Raceway

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The Yamaha Quad X Racing Series promised to bring some of the best ATV racing to Southern California, and the opening round of the 2011 season at Glen Helen Raceway proved just that.

Glen Helen Raceway’s USGP track was drenched after heavy rains throughout the weekend, but it didn’t affect the racing. Riders of all different skill levels, from beginners to some of the world’s fastest off-road racers, turned out in force to compete for victory at the opening round.

Yamaha’s Dustin Nelson was the big winner of the weekend, demonstrating why he is a four-time Quad X Champion by winning both motos in the Yamaha Quad X Pro Class. Honda-mounted Beau Baron took the second spot on the Pro podium, while Ethan Thatcher finished third.

For more information on the 2011 Yamaha Quad-X Racing Series, please visit www.quadxseries.com or www.glenhelen.com.

Upcoming Events:

April 2 – Lucas Oil Regional Short Course Round 1
April 3 – MTA World 2-Stroke Championships
April 9 – Baja Cup Challenge
April 17 – X Racing MX Round 1
May 14-15 – Monster Energy Grand Prix of the United States

Glen Helen Raceway: Glen Helen Raceway is the premier Off-Road Racing facility in Southern California and is known as a world class racing facility. The 256 acre facility located near the San Bernardino County town of Devore, has featured Motocross, Sand Drags, Short and Long Course Buggies & Trucks, AMA 125/250 MX Nationals, Pro ATV Racing, Off Road G.P. and Endurance races, and the FIM United States Grand Prix, World Championship Motocross event.

BORICH SCORES TOP FIVE AT STEELE CREEK GNCC

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Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich scored a hard fought fifth-place finish on Saturday at the Steele Creek GNCC – round three of the 2011 ATV Grand National Cross Series in Morganton, NC.

In typical Borich fashion, the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider worked his Suzuki QuadRacer R450 up through the pack to take over the lead on the last lap of the XC1 class event. Unfortunately, with about a mile to go, a mechanical issue slowed Borich and he ended up crossing the line in fifth position.

“On the last lap, I managed to get the lead; my Suzuki was running great and I was riding smooth,” said Borich. “I had the lead until about a mile to go, but then I had a mechanical issue and had to end up settling for fifth. All in all, it was a pretty good day except for the end. I was able to get a few points with a fifth and I still have the points lead, so weÂ’ll just have to get ‘em at the next one.”

So far, Borich, the reigning ATV XC1 champion, has piloted his Suzuki QuadRacer R450 to two victories and one fifth-place finish in the 2011 GNCC series.

Borich will carry a five-point lead in the series standings into the fourth round of the series at the Big Buck GNCC in Union, SC on April 9th.

Steele Creek GNCC ATV XC1 Class Results:

1. Adam McGill
2. Chris Bithell
3. Jarrod McClure
4. Taylor Kiser
5. Chris Borich
6. Brian Wolf
7. Brian Cook
8. Donald Ockerman
9. Johnny Gallagher
10. Jeffrey Pickens

2011 GNCC ATV XC1 Class Standings:

1. Chris Borich – 76
2. Chris Bithell – 71
3. Adam McGill – 69
4. Taylor Kiser – 61
5. Jarrod McClure – 52
6. Bryan Cook – 43
7. Johnny Gallagher – 40
8. Donald Ockerman – 39
9. Kevin Yoho – 34
10. Brian Wolf – 33

About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded The Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.

Can-Am Takes Top Two Spots at Steele Creek

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Warnert Racing / Can-Am DS 450 rider Adam McGill made a hard charge on the fifth and final lap to take the afternoon overall and the XC1 Pro class win.

The Steele Creek GNCC course was rough by the end of the day, but that didn’t prevent him from making his move to get around teammate Chris Bithell who took second overall.

This is McGill’s first win on the Can-Am DS 450, and the first afternoon overall for the machine in 2011. The podium finishes put Bithell in second for the championship battle and McGill in third.

“Adam and Chris put on a great battle on the final lap,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “I am extremely proud of these two racers, along with the entire Warnert Racing crew who have worked very hard to get the DS 450 to where it was today: on the top two spots of the podium.”

The morning race also saw a Can-Am rider on the podium. Can-Am X-Team racer Michael Swift took third overall and won the 4×4 Open class and stayed atop the class points ahead of fellow X-Team racer Bryan Buckhannon, who finished third in the class.

Both riders race the Can-Am Outlander 800R X xc. The 4×4 Open podium sweep was completed by Outlander 800R XT rider, Rick Cecco, who finished second.

X-Team racer Kevin Trantham continued his unbeaten streak in the 4×4 Lites class on his Outlander 500 XT, while Forrest Whorton also remained unbeaten in the 4×4 Super Senior (45+) class on his Outlander 800R X xc. Racing his Can-Am Renegade 800R X xc, Cliff Beasley remains three for three in the U2 class as he won this weekend.

Racer Quotes:

“I am so happy to take a win for our team. I really have to thank Can-Am and everyone who has helped me get to this point. I just tried to stay focused and keep my head down and when I saw Borich fall back, I pushed even harder.” – Adam McGill

“I’m glad to be on the podium again. Everything went really well today and itÂ’s great that out team topped the podium.” – Chris Bithell

Round four of the 2011 GNCC series will be at the Big Buck GNCC near Union, South Carolina on April 9. This will also be a side-by-side vehicle race featuring the Can-Am Commander line of side-by-sides.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2011 schedule, the 2011 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

ITP DOMINATES STEELE CREEK GNCC

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Adam McGill captured an exciting and emotional victory at the third round of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, held under nearly ideal racing conditions at Morganton, North Carolina.

After coming close numerous times during the last few seasons, McGill made the Steele Creek GNCC his first win since 2008. It wasn’t easy, as his Can-Am/Warnert Racing teammate, Chris Bithell, also put in a strong performance at this event.

Bithell had charged up from a mid-pack start to battle early leader McGill for first on the final lap, and at the checkers it was McGill topping Bithell by just four seconds.

Both riders were using ITP Holeshot GNCC tires on the front of their Can-Am DS 450s. McGill decided on ITPÂ’s QuadCross XC tire for the rear of his quad, while Bithell chose ITPÂ’s Holeshot XCR model.

Steele Creek was Bithell’s third straight podium finish to start the season, putting him in second place in the XC1 Pro point standings. McGill’s win, combined with fourth- and third-place finishes so far, moved him up to third in the standings.

ITP riders are enjoying considerable success in many other classes as well, most notably in the morning amateur races. Ageless Dave Simmons has won the Masters 50+ division at every event in 2011, in the process claiming overall victory at two out of three (and he was second overall in the other).

Angel Atwell has been using ITP tires to put herself into a tie for the lead of the Women’s class points chase, while Can-Am/Warnert’s Lexie Coulter is just one point behind in third. Both of these fast ladies have taken a class win this season.

ITP is once again providing generous contingency and trackside support for GNCC competitors in 2011. For more information or to become Team ITP GNCC rider, see us at the events or visit www.itptires.com/racing.

FIRST RIDE: 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS

Mike Lester
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FIRST RIDE: 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS

Last week Dirt Trax Magazine got the opportunity to throw a leg over the 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 in the mountains surrounding Medford, Oregon.

Saying the Brute Force 750’s engine is a bit snappier as a result of this season’s modifications is like saying Pismo is a bit sandy. Kawi wants this to be its year to shine and has come to the table with a winner. The icing on the cake is the addition of electric assisted power steering.

While climbing to 4000 feet elevation, fuel delivery to the Brute’s 90-degree 749cc V-twin mill was smooth and linear. There were times we were practically vertical in our ascent and right when you needed that extra burst of power, the engine never stuttered once. The Kawasaki’s power is exceptional and low-end grunt has improved to get you up and over the crest without the slightest concern.

Power steering remains one of the best innovations since independent rear suspension. Don’t let the haters fool you. During our ride, there were plenty of rocks hidden under the snow-covered trails providing just about every opportunity for the bars to be ripped from the riderÂ’s hands. Every hit was absorbed thanks to the input received by the EPS assist motor, leaving the rider feeling completely in control over extreme terrain.

One thing we truly love about Kawasaki ATVs is how we feel in the saddle. The seating position feels slightly taller than competitive brands, but it provides a better view over the front racks and makes sitting-to-standing transitions much easier.

Handlebar height is just right for a 6-foot rider size and the simple addition of sportier grips on this model provides the feeling of enhanced steering control especially when coupled with the new EPS.

You can expect a full report in the upcoming issue of Dirt Trax Magazine available in late April and you can bet we’ll be pulling all strings to get a Brute force 750 for testing on Dirt Trax Television this season.

Until then, make sure you’re signed up for Dirt Trax Magazine on Zinio.com to be among the first to get this issue (Volume 12, Number 3) without even leaving your house. Technology is awesome!

BEST IN CLASS: Best 2-Upper

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BEST IN CLASS: Best 2-Upper

WINNER: 2010 Can-Am Outlander Max 800R

It was Can-Am who delivered the first purpose-built 2-up ATV and altered the market forever.

Today, the Outlander Max stretched chassis offers a rock-solid base to carry two people in complete comfort and safety.

In fact, we’ve argued the Max is actually more stable in gnarly, twisty, off-camber and hilly terrain with two on board than when driven solo. Might be a bit of an exaggeration but we think it’s an incredible way to carry two people, period.

Making the Max worth extra jing is the formidable Rotax 800R V-twin chugging 70 ponies. The exhaust sounds alone from this mill are worth the price of admission.

Can-Am’s unique Visco-Lok 4×4 that requires no manual engagement of 4-wheel drive or diff-lock, unless the driver chooses it, great factory wheels and tires, beautifully crafted seats and storage areas plus a host of well-thought-out comfort amenities put the Outlander Max at the top of the twofer game this year.

RUNNERS UP

2010 Sportsman Touring 850 EPS

Bristling with comfort amenities, the Sportsman was oh-so-close to taking the BIC again this year with our editors arm wrestling over details. The “Comfort Ride” fully suspended rear passenger king-queen seat is an amazing feat of engineering providing an almost serene, smooth ride for rear seat passengers.

Combine this with the XP platform’s super narrow ergonomics and both rider and passenger can take on terrain effortlessly for hours at a time.

2010 Arctic Cat TRV Cruiser

Arctic Cat is downright competitive this year offering this amazingly well equipped, top drawer 2-up touring ride. The amenities here scream “Big Miles!” with a beautiful and functional rear luggage box and front fairing.

Creature comforts extend to thoughtful heated front and rear grips and an excellent digital gauge package. We cannot overstate how torquey and powerful this 1000cc twin is when carrying a full load of gear and two adults.

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