I want a CVT transmission
A CVT...
I've actually given a lot of thought to that... Paricularly when talk turns to an all-wheel drive Spyder. Can Am has the powertrain and engine already running in their Commander 1000. All-Wheel drive AND the CVT to boot! :thumbup:
BUT...
The CVTs that we know and love won't work well in this application... CVTs are tremendously efficient; but only within a VERY narrow range of operaton. The current models don't offer a wide enough range of "gearing" to allow for a decent top-end. Currently; the fastest of the ATVs or UTVs on might run about 75mph...
True; some of that is due to the manufacturers being terrified of what might happen if they turned them loose without limitations... but you're still not going to be able to add anywhere NEAR another 30 mph or so on top, and still have low enough gearing to get you off the line smartly...
And have you ever had to replace a sheave after you've "grooved" it from too many dragracing starts?
I also think that the drivebelt that is used in them might not survive the heat under the Tupperware...
For the record:
I've played with CVTs since the mid-sixties...
I've changed flyweights, spacers, rollers, and springs up front in the primary clutch
I've poiished secondary ramps
I've changed secondary heixes
I've played with the reduction levels in the chaincases...
You end up moving the acceleration rates around; but it almost always costs you something in another place...
But Doc would have a BALL with a CVT on a Spyder... :2thumbs: