
Electric Shift, or ES, is a type of automatic transmission found in four-wheelers, which removes the need for the operator to manually shift gears. This allows the rider to focus on balance, direction, and traction, without worrying about selecting the correct gear. ES is generally found in adult ATVs and is designed to keep the engine in its optimal RPM range, where it can operate efficiently and produce maximum power. While some prefer the simplicity of foot-shifting, others appreciate the convenience of electric shift, especially in situations where frequent shifting is required, such as plowing and yard work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric shift is a type of automatic transmission |
| Advantages | Faster shifting than foot shift, hands-free, smoother, less chance of sticks flying up |
| Disadvantages | Requires one hand, can be difficult to hold a bow, can be unreliable, can be difficult to repair |
| Procedure | Turn key off, set to ESP, turn key on, move lever from "N" to "D" |
| Reset | Turn the key on while holding Up and Down shift, wait for 'N' to blink, then release both |
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What You'll Learn

Electric shift vs foot shift
Electric Shift and Foot Shift are two types of gear-shifting mechanisms available in four-wheelers. Electric Shift, as the name suggests, involves an electric motor that shifts gears, while Foot Shift is a manual process where the rider uses their foot to change gears.
Electric Shift:
The Electric Shift (ES) system offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides smoother and faster gear shifting compared to Foot Shift, making it a popular choice for trail riding on smooth trails where frequent gear changes are required. The ES system also comes with an emergency backup manual lever in the toolkit, allowing riders to manually shift gears in the rare event of a solenoid failure. Additionally, ES models often include additional features such as electric gauges, a cooling fan, and full floorboards, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Foot Shift:
Foot Shift, on the other hand, offers simplicity and reliability. It is a preferred choice for many riders due to its mechanical simplicity, with one less thing that could potentially malfunction. Foot Shift keeps the rider's hands free, which is especially useful when carrying items like a bow or rifle while riding. It also provides more response and control, making it ideal for activities like plowing, yard work, and farm work.
The choice between Electric Shift and Foot Shift ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Electric Shift is more convenient for frequent gear changes and offers additional features, while Foot Shift provides simplicity, reliability, and the freedom to have both hands unoccupied during rides. Some riders may opt for Foot Shift due to its familiarity and mechanical robustness, while others may embrace the technological advancements and smoother shifting of Electric Shift.
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Pros and cons of electric shift
Electric Shift (ES) is a feature offered by Honda on its ATVs. It allows the rider to shift gears electronically, instead of using a foot pedal.
Pros of Electric Shift:
The ES system offers a smoother and faster gear-shifting experience. It is also beginner-friendly and is preferred by many for activities that require a lot of shifting, such as plowing and yard work. The ES models also come with an emergency backup manual lever, which can be used in the rare case of a solenoid failure. Some users also report that the ES models come with additional features, such as a cooling fan and system, speedometer, and other electric gauges.
Cons of Electric Shift:
The ES system has been reported to be more prone to breakdowns and repairs. Some users have also reported specific issues, such as getting a gear stuck in first gear, and issues with upshifting. The electric shift also requires the use of hands, which can be a problem if the rider is carrying something. Additionally, the ES system is generally more expensive than the foot shift system.
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Pros and cons of foot shift
Electric Shift, or ES, is a feature available on some four-wheeler models, such as the Honda ATV and Yamaha Ultramatic. It allows for electric gear shifting, often with the simple push of a button, and is considered more convenient and faster than foot shift.
Now, let's discuss the pros and cons of foot shift:
Pros of Foot Shift:
- Simplicity and Familiarity: Foot shift is a simpler mechanism, with some users preferring it due to their familiarity and comfort with manual gear shifting. It is a traditional feature in most street bikes, dirt bikes, quads, and trikes.
- Reliability: Foot shift is considered more reliable as it is a basic mechanical system that is less prone to breakdowns. Electric shift systems, being more complex, may require more repairs.
- Hands-Free Operation: Foot shift allows for hands-free operation, which is advantageous when riding with something in your hands, such as a bow. It provides more freedom to hold and manage other equipment while riding.
- Durability: Foot shift has proven durability, with older models of four-wheelers still functioning well after many years of use.
Cons of Foot Shift:
- Inconvenience in Certain Situations: While foot shift offers hands-free operation, it may be less convenient in situations that require frequent shifting, such as plowing and yard work. Electric shift is often preferred in such cases.
- Slower Shifting: Electric shift is generally faster than foot shift, which may be a factor for those seeking quicker acceleration and gear changes.
- Preference for Automatic: Some users prefer automatic transmission over manual, as it eliminates the need to worry about shifting gears manually.
Ultimately, the choice between foot shift and electric shift depends on personal preference, the intended use of the four-wheeler, and the level of convenience desired.
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Manual shift vs automatic shift
Electric shift refers to an automatic transmission system in four-wheelers, where the gear-shifting duties are handled by a computer-controlled transmission. In contrast, a manual shift system, also known as a stick shift or standard shift, requires the driver to manually change gears as they accelerate and decelerate using a gear lever or stick.
Manual Shift vs. Automatic Shift
Manual transmissions have traditionally been favoured for their fuel efficiency, but modern automatic transmissions have become more fuel-efficient as they gained additional gears and relied less on a torque converter. Automatic transmissions are now considered more fuel-efficient than their manual counterparts. Automatic transmissions are also more commonly available, with the vast majority of new vehicles sold in the US featuring this type of transmission. They are also preferred for their ease of use, as they allow drivers to focus on balance, direction, and traction without needing to worry about shifting gears.
On the other hand, manual transmissions offer more control over the vehicle, especially in quads, where manually changing gears can help maintain the engine's RPM in the best range for optimal power output. They are also preferred by some drivers for the sense of control and engagement they provide. Additionally, manual transmissions are generally less expensive to purchase than automatic ones, but they may have higher repair costs due to having more moving parts.
While electric vehicles (EVs) mostly feature automatic transmissions, there have been prototypes and DIY conversions of EVs with manual transmissions. However, the main factor behind a manual transmission in an EV is the voltage, as higher voltages do not typically require a transmission.
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Semi-automatic transmission
Electric Shift, or ES, is a type of semi-automatic transmission found on some four-wheelers. Semi-automatic transmissions are very similar to manual transmissions in that the operator selects the gear according to the situation they are in. However, unlike manual transmissions, semi-automatics do not have a separate clutch lever. Instead, the clutch is operated through the act of shifting gears. This frees the operator to focus on controlling the four-wheeler without having to worry about operating the clutch.
The two main types of automatic transmission are Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and single-speed transmissions with the option of reverse. CVT is generally found in adult ATVs and helps the engine to operate at its most efficient and produce its maximum power. Single-speed transmissions are more commonly found in youth four-wheelers, allowing riders to learn how to handle the vehicle without the added complexity of shifting gears.
Some four-wheeler owners prefer manual or automatic transmissions to semi-automatic, as they feel that semi-automatics are more delicate and prone to problems. However, others appreciate the convenience of semi-automatic transmissions, particularly in situations where they are shifting gears frequently, such as during plowing or yard work. Ultimately, the choice between manual, semi-automatic and automatic transmissions is a matter of personal preference.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric shift, also known as ES, is a type of automatic transmission on a four-wheeler that removes the need for the operator to manually shift gears.
The electric shift allows the operator to focus more on maintaining traction and stability, without worrying about selecting the correct gear. It is also faster than a foot shift and provides full floorboards, reducing the chance of sticks flying up at the rider.
Some users have reported issues with the electric shift system failing or getting stuck in a certain gear. Additionally, having something in your hands while riding can be inconvenient with the electric shift as it requires the use of both hands.











































