Flip the switch anytime?

[Amccoy]

I am referring to the drive mode switch. I am not sure of the mechanics of how it works so...
My question is: Can I switch turf mode, 2wd, 4wd or 4wd(adc) from one to another while in gear without causing problems? Or should I be in neutral or park when I do it?

[Kevcules]

Hi there

I'm not familiar with the newer style bikes but the important thing is to not be rolling when changing gears. Be completely stopped and you should have no trouble. Maybe the newer bikes can do that but my 2001 can't.

Kevin

[blueline15]

Amccoy, you absolutely can, at any speed, in any gear. With on very important exception, if the rear wheels are slipping, and you put it into 4x4 at this point, it's very likely the roller cage in the front diff will break at that moment.

That's why I suggest, to be safe, get off the throttle for a second before hitting the switch. This will put you at a coast when you switch, which means the front and rear tires should be turning at the same speed.

That's key, you can be moving, but you want the front and rear tires turning at the same speed, thus getting off the throttle for a second should insure that.

You wont break the roller cage every time you hit the switch with the rear wheels slipping, but eventually you will.

Sorry for sounding so repetitive, but I wanted to be very clear.

[SeanE1987]

Like blueline said, done engage 4wd while the rear wheels are spinning, you will notice that if you switch into turf mode while moving, the ecm wont even engage the diff unlock solenoid until you drop below 15 mph or so. They engineered it to sorta protect itself.

[Amccoy]

Originally Posted by SeanE1987

Like blueline said, done engage 4wd while the rear wheels are spinning, you will notice that if you switch into turf mode while moving, the ecm wont even engage the diff unlock solenoid until you drop below 15 mph or so. They engineered it to sorta protect itself.

Does this mean that turf mode doesn't work at over 15mph or just won't engage until under 15mph in the specific situation you described?
BTW SeanE1987, I've been bragging about your EPS mod and I don't even know you! But that is so cool... X2 with EPS.

[bobx2]

Once you are in turf mode, it will work at any speed. All it is does is unlock the rear diff. Think of it like a jeep with an air locker in the diff.