DOES THE CAN-AM RYKER HAVE NEUTRAL
Why a Can-Am Ryker Should NEVER Be Run Between Forward and Reverse
There Is No Neutral on a Ryker
The Ryker does NOT have a "TOW MODE" it must be put on a flat bed / trailer to be Towed. If it must be moved (NO TRAILER) 5mph in forward gear position for a short distance will work but can cause damage.
The Can-Am Ryker uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) combined with a mechanical forward/reverse gearbox. Unlike a manual or semi-automatic transmission, the Ryker does not have a true neutral gear.
The dashboard only displays F (Forward) or R (Reverse) because those are the only valid operating positions. Any position between F and R is not neutral—it is an incomplete engagement of the forward/reverse mechanism.
“Between F and R” Means Partial Gear Engagement
When the selector is left between forward and reverse:
The engagement dogs inside the gearbox are partially meshed
The shift mechanism is neither locked nor disengaged
The drivetrain is under constant mechanical stress
This condition is mechanically unstable and not designed for operation.
Even though the vehicle can roll smoothly if it is perfectly in between F & R you should never have the engine running in this position.
You can roll the Ryker by hand in this position, or in F or in R while the vehicle is off.
If you ever hear any clicking sounds while moving the vehicle by hand in this MID GEAR position. That's because it is about to slip back in Forward or Reverse.
A CVT Applies Torque Automatically
On a CVT-equipped vehicle:
There is no clutch lever to isolate the engine
The primary clutch can begin applying torque even at idle
Engine rotation is transferred toward the gearbox whenever the engine is running
This means that while it may feel like neutral, the transmission is actively being loaded.
This Causes Real Internal Damage
Running the engine while the selector is between F and R can lead to:
Rounded or chipped engagement dogs
Bent or worn shift forks
Excessive wear on forward/reverse gear faces
Gear chatter and heat buildup
Metal debris circulating through the drivetrain
These failures often result in extensive and expensive repairs.
It Can Drop Into Gear Without Warning
Because the gears are already partially engaged:
Engine vibration alone can force engagement
Torque from the CVT can pull the transmission into F or R
The machine can lurch forward or backward unexpectedly
This is both a mechanical and safety hazard.
The System Was Never Designed to Operate This Way
The Ryker’s drivetrain is engineered to operate only when:
The selector is fully in Forward or fully in Reverse
Any other position is undefined and unsafe
If the dash does not clearly show F or R, the transmission is not in a valid operating state.
“It Didn’t Break Immediately” Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe
Transmission damage from partial engagement is often:
Progressive, not instant
Internal and invisible at first
Only noticeable once significant wear has already occurred
Lack of immediate failure does not mean the practice is acceptable or harmless.
Bottom Line -
The Can-Am Ryker has no neutral
“Between F and R” is partial engagement, not a safe state
Running the engine in that position loads the CVT and gearbox
It leads to accelerated wear, internal damage, and safety risk
The only correct operating positions are fully Forward or fully Reverse
Anything else is mechanically incorrect—regardless of anecdotal claims.
