Hi all. I just bought a brand new 800 ( 1.1 miles) and wondering if it is normal that it would be hard to change gears from fwd to rev or rev to fwd when the wheels are fully turned to either side? I had to straighten out the wheels to be able to shift. Just wondering if this is just because it is brand new. Any advice?

cheers
Lamps

I haven't noticed that specifically but expect that the shifter will loosen up as it is broken in and the cable/linkage stretches. I have 15 miles and found if I run it smoothly from one end to the other it will shift well into any gear. I plan to make adjustments either when needed or at the first maintenance. That said you are probably putting some stress on the drive train when fully turned, and just like any vehicle that can make it hard to change gears. My Viking behaves the same way and even regular cars or trucks will have trouble coming out of park if you are on a hill.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Anything that applies even a slight load or pressure on the gears will cause then to not slide easily...and I will say here that forcing it to move when this condition exists will bent or break the shifter fork(s). They will slide easier as they break in though. With that said, in 2wd the front end is not connected to the drive shaft and bevel gear so turning the wheels should have no effect where it "may" be possible in 4wd, especially diff-locked, that some amount of additional forces may effect the gear loading. All should have the detent alignments checked and adjusted as the factory just doesn't do a good job of that or tightening all bolts and nuts. Next time this happens put your foot on the brake and shut the key off..then try it. If no change and it's still hard, it is from the drive train. But if it suddenly becomes easy, the loading is coming from the engine-side so check the RPMs and clutches.