Wondering if anyone has run into some of the same issues as we have and what the fix is.

Shifting is very difficult at the slightest incline.

Just got a new belt out on but it seems to be slipping if you are starting on a slight incline.

When shifting into high or low it will grind and finally catch. 

Dealer replaced the belt, gave me the old but still fine belt back and it came back with the same issues.  Didn't address anything else on the list.

Overall it's a great machine but kind of embarrassing when it starts grinding like crazy or won't make it up a hill without a running start.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Wondering if anyone has run into some of the same issues as we have and what the fix is.

1- Shifting is very difficult at the slightest incline.

2- Just got a new belt out on but it seems to be slipping if you are starting on a slight incline.

3- When shifting into high or low it will grind and finally catch. 

Dealer replaced the belt, gave me the old but still fine belt back and it came back with the same issues.  Didn't address anything else on the list.

Overall it's a great machine but kind of embarrassing when it starts grinding like crazy or won't make it up a hill without a running start.

Don't own a 1000 with the new belt/clutch system but will try and answer what I can.

1- anytime there is any pressure on the transmission gears it will be hard or impossible to shift. Most times when coming to a stop on an incline and you need to change gear positions, its best to drop it into neutral before releasing the brake but yours sounds like it may well have a failing belt oneway/idler  bearing.

2- Starting on this type of system it always slips some until the flyweights generate enough pressure to stop the slip. Starting on a slope is even worse so you must get it high enough in RPMs to do that or start off in low range and change after off the slope. Prolonged slipping will damage the primary's sheaves and glaze the belt so don't let it.

3- this really makes me think the bearing is failing as the belt should not be applying pressure on the transmission to spin anything..so grinding going between the positions should not be happening. There could also be a problem with the primary's shimming that is allowing contact between the sheaves and the belt at idle. All this is easy to check.

The rest you will have to take up with your dealer.

I agree with Clark.  I assume you are shifting when the machine is not moving.

If it's grinding while shifting, then the secondary is being driven by primary.

This could happen if the idle is too high which prevents the primary from opening fully. It could also happen if the idle bearing is ceased/sticking, driving the belt and turning the secondary.  A new belt won't fix either of these issues.

It has to be opened up and inspected to identify the problem.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I agree with Clark.  I assume you are shifting when the machine is not moving.

If it's grinding while shifting, then the secondary is being driven by primary.

This could happen if the idle is too high which prevents the primary from opening fully. It could also happen if the idle bearing is ceased/sticking, driving the belt and turning the secondary.  A new belt won't fix either of these issues.

It has to be opened up and inspected to identify the problem.

Good catch on the idle being high..hadn't thought of that but I should have as all the new ones seem to be outrageously high...IMO