The job of the transmission is to change the speed ratio between the engine and the wheels. The transmission uses a range of gears — from low to high — to make more effective use of the engine’s torque as driving conditions change. Yamaha Rhino uses a type of automatic transmission called a continuously variable transmission or CVT. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions used in cars, CVTs don’t have any sort of gears. The CVT operates on a pulley system that allows an infinite variability between highest and lowest gears with no discrete steps or shifts.

That all works great until you modify your UTV. As soon as you change to bigger/more aggressive tires or add more power to your Rhino, your clutch works harder and can slip more. Clutch kits are a package of springs, weights and possibly a new belt that calibrate your clutch to your Rhino setup (tires, engine, weight) and terrain (mud, sand, dirt, snow). Clutch kit is more efficient in transferring the power of your Rhino down to the tires, it is designed to improve low and mid-range acceleration, it helps to decrease belt slippage and clutch heat, and also enhances back shifting and throttle response.

Check out more on Clutch Kits and watch educational video from EPI on UTV Weekly