CLUTCHING & CVTs, WHY ARE THEY SO GOOD? - SHOP TALK EP. 13 | Polaris Off Road

SHOP TALK
This week, Shop Talk Episode 13 talks through all things Ranger clutches and CVTs. Upgrades, how they work, why we choose to use them, and the design behind it all!
VIDEO SHORTCUTS
0:23 - What is a CVT?
2:53 - Technical Breakdown
5:37 - Why is a CVT Good?
7:18 - High vs Low Gear
7:57 - Low Gear Importance
9:53 - Clutching Upgrades
10:16 - Clutch Balancing
10:50 - Laser Alignment
11:34 - Improved Wear Parts
13:40 - Clutch Cooling
14:34 - Clutch Tools
15:56 - Belt Slip
16:50 - Clutch Spreader
17:45 - How to Change a Belt
19:03 - Belt Break In
POLARIS STUFF
Instagram - / polarisorv
Facebook - / polarisorv
Website - offroad.polaris.com/en-us/
Newsletter - offroad.polaris.com/en-us/sig...
OTHER RESOURCES
Rider Safety - offroad.polaris.com/en-us/rid...
Polaris Owners Manuals - www.polaris.com/en-us/owners-...
Polaris Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Polaris Off Road Vehicles
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[@Derbyshirequads836]

Great explanation video: keep em coming 👍 Ranger Kinetic details would be really cool 🙏

[@roykrell2134]

Very informative video , well presented . Easy to understand how they work .

[@tylertorres4843]

For trail riding the CVT is a game changer. Polaris does a good job at this.

[@jonwarwick1017]

Maybe if you add an aftermarket clutch kit so it actually woks properly, like it should from factory

[@nicholasvaughn2386]

Polaris does a good job? Then why does my Pro XP pop from the clutch everytime I take off from a stop. A 26k or more expensive machine should never do that. I don't care what anyone says. Hell I have been waiting on a fuel pump to really go ride, they can't even get those right. They should never issue a stop ride until they have a fix.

[@jerryrumbolt1528]

Game changer? The cvt has been the game for decades.

[@griffinnicholson]

Great information, keep it coming!

[@joseramos7476]

Great way to explain, thanks!

[@ryanbraun2000]

Just want to say Thank You. Amazing videos! Great info! This makes me feel like Polaris cares about us taking care of our machines. I'm on my 2nd machine and guaranteed not the last! Thanks again. Ryan from So Cal

[@PolarisORV]

thanks for riding with us, Ryan!

[@NicBeining]

Nice job! Any resources to help determine when it may be time to change belts during routine maintenance before a catastrophic failure?

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

Do you have a video on what winches fit with the polaris high coverage bumper on a 22 RZR Pro XP ? Or any parts configurator site to put builds together on sponsored brands like pro armor, ridged etc. Thanks

[@dirtymoney05]

It would be nice to have a shaft. I hate wet belts

[@chrisbrierly]

I would love to see more detailed explanation of the primary clutch and the weights. Specifically tuning and how changing the weight of the cams affects the operation. Ie engine speed , and final vehicle speed.

[@PolarisORV]

Thanks for the feedback, Chris! We will keep that in mind😀

[@mixflip]

I wonder why they dont use metal belts like cars have?

[@eddiemonroy5383]

Any Informatives on the 2022 General XP? Mine went into Limp Mode when the belt got wet and slipped. Luckily it was an easy fix.

[@brianjohnkeating]

Is this the same two clutches on a 2023 General? Secondary clutch has rollers and not the old square pucks?

[@Thebackson]

Can you show how the ranger kinetic drivetrain works in comparison?

[@tj8310]

It doesn't have a clutch system, it uses a direct belt drive similar to the quickdrive belt on polaris sleds

[@keltongraham8377]

What would cause a high pitch whistle when running in low? Ranger is factory snorkeled and it’s ear piercing from the belt exhaust

[@Deerlover75]

Belt too tight ?????

[@Rio5kay]

Is it bad for your clutch and belt to let it idle often?

[@timolando]

I noticed you talked about hard shifts, but no fix described. I have a 21 ns that I feel like I am going to break the shifter

[@Nwflyingsolow]

Get a shim kit, take the bolt out of your secondary count the washers put another, on toque to spec put the belt on. Start your machine of your secondary is spinning out in another shim. If you get to 8 shims you have a engine transmission alignment issue

[@johnc7406]

Why is the clutch on a 2024 pro so clanking when engaging? I've read its normal. But very irritating.

[@sxxkkllmmmclean7894]

How long does a belt last? Steve from West Virginia

[@Chris_at_Home]

I had a 2004 600 Sportsman that I put a few thousand miles on pulling a trailer most of the time to our remote cabin though water sometime almost over the front rack. I never had a belt problem and before I sold it to a friend I checked the belt and it was hardly worn at all. I have 2017 900XPS with a 1000 miles on it and I changed the belt that my son said was hardly worn. He has worked as a mechanic and now in sales (top sales for NW USA this year) for Polaris for 24 years. I wanted to check everything out under the cover and changed it because I’m 70 and don’t want to walk.

[@dr187mx]

Any solution for the exploding primary yet?

[@jessegully8762]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they took care of the customers that already purchased a 30k plus machine. Maybe extend warranties we have not been able to use for MONTHS!

[@BlueSharkRides]

They are being completely replaced with Turbo R primaries.

[@ericlessard5021]

I put a pro xp clutch on my xp turbo this summer, i hope it wont explod...

[@nicholasvaughn2386]

​@@ericlessard5021 does your pro XP clutch pop when taking off? Mine does unfortunately.

[@ericlessard5021]

@@nicholasvaughn2386 what do you mean by pop? Mine is smooth...

[@stevekight1955]

Some smaller cars use this same technology, just heavier duty parts.

[@murphslife6481]

Bama boyz

[@DUSIan-in2ru]

I've got a 2022 RZR XP 1000 4 seater. I have very added a windshield and spare tire and ice chest and toolbox and I also have a bump seat for my kid in the back seat. Probably 300 lb plus added on. Should I adjust my shocks at all because of weight added?

[@ElanTuna69]

Yes you should try to different settings

[@DUSIan-in2ru]

Do they have videos on how?

[@ElanTuna69]

@DUS1081 Ian I believe so if you check their posted videos

[@DUSIan-in2ru]

Yes don't see anything. No recommendations anywhere.

[@ElanTuna69]

@DUS1081 Ian check the KZbin page for shock therapy. They have good setup information

[@robbnutter4665]

If there are no gears, why is the belt corrugated?

[@ElanTuna69]

The ranger xp1000 are a big pain to get the clutches aligned plus it has a harsh engagement. Maybe they need to visit gilomen innovations to help fix these issues. Polaris has these engines so detuned as well. It's also a sever pain to get the clutch cover off compared to the general and rzr xp1000. Engineers need recognize this when designing these machines. Northstars are even more of a pain

[@Deerlover75]

I’ve got a 2019 General and have that harsh engagement. Do you know what causes that?

[@NicBeining]

Getting the clutch cover off my ‘21 NS is ridiculous even in ideal conditions like my garage. I don’t think those bolts could be positioned any worse relative to the frame.

[@stirv6462]

Right?

[@neilnemetz]

How do we know when the belt should be replaced?

[@chrisharmon8858]

I'm sure there's many variables involved. We've had two shred on us in the last 10yrs or so. One was at 4200 (2021 Ranger 1000 xp) miles and the other was at 3800 (2012 Ranger 800). On our 2014 Ranger 900xp we changed the belt at 3500 miles and I'm still running on the new belt at 6000 +/- miles. I plan on changing that one at 3500 unless it shreds before hand. Most of the miles have been at the road 50/55 mph. Very little low gear.

[@neilnemetz]

@Chris Harmon that's very interesting since Polaris states the Ranger should mostly be operated in low gear. Thanks for the real world experience.

[@pete1735]

When you put it to the floor and it doesn't move or when trying to go up a hill and belt smokes it's not rocket science

[@NicholasJohnston]

OK... so afer watching this video.. and knowing about the recall for the Turbo motors... why isnt a new belt being issues as part of the recall kit to fix the clutch? You basically come out and say with new clutches you should be using a new belt... but Polaris is distributing the clutch kits with no new belts. That doesnt make sense.

[@pete1735]

It's all about the money mister

[@johnwayne5976]

I am tired of changing belts. Old technology.

[@user-eh9uy3cr2p]

This is amusing. The 2021 turbo s is on its second “stop ride” for bad primary clutch. You guys obviously have a lot to learn. 30,000 people haven’t been able to use their machines for the last 5 months. Pretty ballsy to make a video on how awesome y’all are at CVT. Lol. Tell that to the customers who are waiting for you to fix their machines.

[@williebusque2232]

Nice video

[@Darkcruzer23]

What's more amusing is buying a Polaris when there are better options, then complain

[@user-eh9uy3cr2p]

@@Darkcruzer23 please. Enlighten.

[@jonwarwick1017]

​@Darkcruzer23 anything else is a better option

[@williamtoney2599]

Just let Pat do all the talking…..the other guy just parrots back what Pat said..

[@pete1735]

Polaris clutching sucks period

[@Chris_at_Home]

Different people drive different ways on different terrain. There are things you can do to your clutch to make it for your situation. We do that on both our snowmobiles and Ranger.

[@pete1735]

@Neveragain572 yes I understand that I actually bought new clutching 1600 what I'm saying is that we pay enough for these machines shouldn't have to spend another 10or12000 on aftermarket parts just like doors and tops and windshields it's all about the money

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@pete1735 I just change the weights and ramps on my stock clutch.

[@justinaltemeier1533]

Is this video a joke?? This is the WORST part of the entire machine! the clutches in an 800 was day and night better than the jokes in the XP 1000's