ATVs use one of three main types of transmissions; manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. Different riding applications require different transmissions, where fully automatic CVT transmissions are the most common.
This post will look at what types of transmissions some of the major ATV manufacturers have to offer. Not all have gone the route of fully automatic.
Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic vs. Manual Transmissions
Before we look at the specific brands and models, it’s a good idea to address what we mean when discussing automatic, semi-automatic, or manual ATV transmissions.
While there is no defined standard for ATV transmission types, you will find that most types will fit within one of these three categories.
Automatic ATV Transmissions
Any ATV transmission that can shift gear ratios automatically is typically called an automatic. There are various types of automatic ATV transmissions, where CVT (continuously variable transmission) and wet clutch transmission designs are the most common.
An automatic ATV transmission enables the rider to accelerate from a full stop to top speed without any rider input other than actuating the accelerator. In most models, however, the rider has to put the ATV in gear, typically low (L), high (H), or reverse (R), just like you would put an automatic car in D before the vehicle starts moving.
CVT-style transmission has become the most predominant type of automatic transmission in the ATV and UTV industry.
According to Polaris, they are the preferred option due to advantages such as:
- Tunability
- Ease of use
- Simplicity
- Performance Advantages
Also, it “ensures the ATV or UTV is always in the “right” gear, and the engine RPM is in the heart of the powerband to deliver optimum power to the ground at any speed and in every application.”
Manual ATV Transmissions
A manual ATV transmission requires both manual clutches- and gear-lever operation to shift gears. The rider uses the clutch to disengage the engine’s transmission in a synchronized movement while simultaneously moving the gear lever up or down to shift gear. As soon as the clutch lever is released, the gearbox reengages.
The main benefit of having a manual transmission is maintaining complete control of what gear you are in at any time. While an automatic transmission is considerably easier to operate, there may be instances where the selected gear is not optimal for the situation.
For most ATV riding applications, an automatic will work just fine. But for some riders, such as those who are into ATV racing or haul heavy trailers or equipment, it is essential to maintain complete control of the gearing to match the gearing with the engine’s powerband for optimal performance.
Semi-Automatic ATV Transmissions
Semi-automatic transmissions combine the best of both worlds for those who want to hold a gear without the hassle of operating a clutch lever.
Here are some riding applications where you may benefit from being able to hold a specific gear:
- Towing and hauling applications.
- Rock crawling/ climbing.
- Any application where you can benefit from having various gear sets from high to low at your disposal.
By utilizing an automatic clutch system, the rider can shift gears at the push of a button. Honda is currently the only manufacturer that offers semi-automatic ATV transmissions.
Polaris ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All Polaris ATVs available on the market today use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
Sportsman 450 H.O./570/850/XP1000 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | P/R/N/L/H In-line Shifting |
Scrambler XP 1000 S | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | P/R/N/L/H In-line Shifting |
Outlaw 70 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | Forward Only |
Outlaw / Sportsman 110 EFI | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | F/N/R |
Phoenix 200 | Automatic CVT | Shaft drive | F/N/R |
Can-Am ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All Can-AM ATVs available on the market today use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
Outlander 450/570/850/1000 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | P/R/N/L/H |
Renegade 570/850/1000 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | P/R/N/L/H |
DS 70/90/250 | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | F/N/R |
Honda ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
Honda remains the sole ATV manufacturer that has not adopted the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) approach. Instead, they offer a range of clutch-based transmissions with various shifter options. But do they offer a proper automatic ATV?
In order to match the convenience of an automatic CVT transmission, Honda provides an automatic DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which shifts gears almost like an automatic car does. They also offer an automatic with a hydrostatic torque converter in their FourTrax Rincon.
In this video, you will learn more about Honda’s philosophy regarding transmissions.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
FourTrax Rincon | Automatic with Hydraulic torque converter | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Three forward gears, Reverse, and electronic controls |
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT | Automatic DCT (dual-clutch transmission) | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with Reverse and Low/Drive sub-transmission |
FourTrax Rancher 4X4 Automatic DCT | Automatic DCT (dual-clutch transmission) | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with Reverse and Low/Drive sub-transmission |
Arctic Cat / Textron ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All of today’s Arctic Cat /Textron ATVs use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gears |
Alterra 450, 570 and 700 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | H,L,N,R,P |
Alterra 300 | Automatic CVT | Shaft Drive | H,L,N,R,P |
Alterra 90 | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | F,N,R |
Yamaha ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All Yamaha ATVs available on the market use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
Kodiak 450 and 700 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | H, L, N, R, P |
Grizzly EPS XT-R | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | H, L, N, R, P |
YFZ50 | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | N/N |
Raptor 90 | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | F, N, R |
Kawasaki ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All Kawasaki ATVs available on the market use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
KFX 50 and 90 | Automatic CVT | O-ring Chain | N/N |
Brute Force 300 | Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch | Belt and driveshafts | H,L,N,R |
Brute Force 750 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | H,L,N,R |
CF-moto ATVs With Automatic Transmissions
All CFMoto ATVs available on the market use an automatic CVT transmission.
Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
CFORCE400, 500, 600 and 800 | Automatic CVT | Belt and driveshafts | P/R/N/H/L |
Are There Any Automatic Sport ATVs?
While there are no automatic racing quads, a few options exist in the sports segment. In today’s market, no clear line separates recreational and sport ATVs. Many recreation ATVs are set up for active trail riding and may just as well be considered sports ATVs.
That being said, a couple of available models with automatic transmissions are advertised explicitly as Sports ATVs.
One example is the Polaris Sportsman XP1000 S and the Scrambler XP 1000 S. You also have the Can-Am Renegade series, all of which come with automatic CVT transmissions.
Are All ATVs Automatic and Belt Driven?
While the majority of ATVs on the market today use automatic transmissions, there are still some that use semi-automatic or manual transmissions.
Semi-automatic transmissions are meant for heavy utility work where the rider may want to maintain complete control by shifting gears manually.
Fully automatic transmissions are only found on racing quads and some cheaper youth models.
Examples of Semi-Automatic ATVs
Make and Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS | Semi-automatic with traditional shifter and automatic clutch | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with reverse |
Honda FourTrax Rancher 4X4 | Semi-automatic with traditional shifter and automatic clutch | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with reverse |
Honda FourTrax Rancher 4X4 ES | Semi-automatic push-button ESP (Electric Shift Program) with automatic clutch | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with reverse |
Honda FourTrax Foreman 4X4 ES | Semi-automatic push-button ESP (Electric Shift Program) with automatic clutch | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with reverse |
Honda FourTrax Recon ES | Semi-automatic push-button ESP (Electric Shift Program) with automatic clutch | Direct front and rear driveshafts | Five-speed with reverse |
Honda TRX90X | Semi-automatic with traditional shifter and automatic clutch | O-ring Chain | Four-speed |
Examples of Manual ATVs
Make and Model | Transmission type | Driveline | Gearing |
Honda TRX250X | Manual foot shifter with a handlebar-mounted clutch. | O-ring Chain | Five-speed with reverse |
Yamaha YFZ450R | A wet multi-plate assist-and-slipper clutch | O-ring Chain | Five-speed |
Yamaha Raptor 700R | A wet multi-plate assist-and-slipper clutch | X-ring chain | Five-speed with reverse |
Related Questions
What’s the fastest automatic ATV?
The fastest automatic ATV is the 91 HP Renegade 1000R, with a top speed of about 82-84mph.
What is an automatic clutch ATV?
On an automatic clutch ATV, the clutch is not activated by a physical lever but rather by shifting gears. The clutch activates automatically when the rider activates the gear shifting mechanism, usually in the shape of an electronic push-button or as signaled from the transmission in a fully automatic setup such as the Honda Automatic DCT system.
FAQ
How does an automatic ATV transmission work?
Automatic ATV transmissions, often CVTs, adjust speed and torque continuously without manual shifting, providing seamless power delivery.
What are the benefits of an automatic ATV transmission?
Automatic transmissions, such as CVTs, allow for easy operation and smooth power delivery, ideal for varied terrain and less experienced riders.
Can an automatic ATV transmission be converted to a manual one?
Converting an automatic transmission, like a CVT, to a manual is technically possible, but it’s complex, costly, and generally not recommended.
Wrapping Up
Navigating the ATV landscape can be intricate given the varied transmission types; whether it’s the pervasive CVT automatic transmissions, the control-oriented manual transmissions, or the hybrid convenience of semi-automatic transmissions. However, each type plays a pivotal role depending on the nature of the ride, the terrain, and the rider’s preference.
We hope this comprehensive look at ATV transmissions and their specific usage across different manufacturers will help you make an informed decision on your next ride.
