The Bennche Bighorn 700 is a utility UTV designed for work and off-road use. As these vehicles get older or are used regularly in demanding conditions, owners may encounter problems with starting, clutch operation, shifting, electrical systems, fuel delivery, or engine performance.
If your Bighorn 700 is not running the way it should, the symptoms can often help narrow down the possible cause.
This guide covers the most common Bennche Bighorn 700 problems, what to check first, and when a worn component may need to be replaced.
Note: Troubleshooting information is general guidance. Always check the service information for your specific model and year before performing repairs.
What Are the Most Common Bennche Bighorn 700 Problems?
Some of the problems owners may encounter include:
| Problem | Common Symptoms | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Starting problems | Won’t start or starts and stops | Battery, starter, fuel and ignition |
| Clutch problems | Poor acceleration or delayed engagement | Clutch and CVT components |
| Shifting problems | Difficult or abnormal shifting | Shift mechanism, clutch and belt |
| Battery problems | Slow or weak starting | Battery and connections |
| Engine problems | Stalling or loss of power | Fuel, air and ignition |
| Overheating | Excessive engine temperature | Coolant and airflow |
| Electrical problems | Intermittent electrical functions | Wiring and connections |
| Fuel problems | Hard starting or stalling | Fuel supply and fuel lines |
The same symptom can have more than one possible cause. For example, poor acceleration may be related to the engine, clutch, CVT, or another drivetrain component.
Start with the simplest checks before replacing parts.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Starting Problems
Starting problems can range from a weak starter response to an engine that cranks but will not run.
Bighorn 700 Won’t Start
If the starter does not crank the engine normally, start by checking:
- Battery condition
- Battery terminals
- Ground connections
- Starter connections
- Fuses and related wiring
If the engine cranks normally but does not start, the fuel and ignition systems should also be checked.
Starts but Won’t Stay Running
If your Bighorn 700 starts and then shuts off, possible areas to inspect include the fuel supply, ignition system, air intake, and electrical connections.
The exact diagnosis depends on when the engine stops. For example, a vehicle that stalls immediately after starting may require a different inspection from one that runs normally for several minutes before shutting down.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Clutch Problems
Clutch problems can affect acceleration, engagement, and power transfer.
Common Bennche Bighorn 700 clutch problems may include:
- Poor acceleration
- Delayed clutch engagement
- Loss of power under load
- Unusual clutch noise
- Engine RPM increasing without normal acceleration
- Jerky or inconsistent takeoff
Clutch Slipping
One possible sign of clutch or CVT problems is when engine RPM rises but the vehicle does not accelerate normally.
This may be more noticeable when:
- Driving uphill
- Carrying a load
- Accelerating from a stop
- Operating at low speed
Do not assume the clutch is the only possible cause. The CVT belt and other drivetrain components can produce similar symptoms.
Delayed Clutch Engagement
If the UTV takes longer than expected to begin moving after applying the throttle, inspect the clutch and related CVT components.
Look for visible wear, damage, contamination, or abnormal movement.
When Should You Replace the Clutch?
If the clutch assembly is worn or damaged and the symptoms match the condition, replacement may be necessary.
For compatible replacement options, you can browse our Driven Wheel Centrifugal Clutch category. The category currently includes a clutch assembly specifically listed for Bennche Bighorn 500/700 models from 2010–2017.
Internal Link → Driven Wheel Centrifugal Clutch
For the specific Bighorn application, the product page lists compatibility with Bennche Bighorn 700 2010–2017. Always compare the model, year, and part information before ordering.
Internal Link → Bennche Bighorn 700 Compatible Clutch
Bennche Bighorn 700 Transmission and Shifting Problems
Shifting problems can make the UTV difficult to operate or cause abnormal movement.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty selecting a gear
- Difficulty shifting between gears
- Abnormal movement when changing direction
- The UTV attempting to move when it should not
- Unusual noise during shifting
Before assuming that the transmission itself has failed, check the related components.
The clutch, CVT belt, shift mechanism, and engine idle can all affect shifting behavior.
What Should You Check?
Start with:
- Shift mechanism and linkage
- Clutch operation
- CVT belt condition
- Engine idle behavior
- Any unusual noise or resistance
If the problem occurs only under certain conditions, note exactly when it happens. This can make troubleshooting easier.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Battery Problems
Battery problems can cause starting issues and intermittent electrical symptoms.
Common signs include:
- Slow cranking
- Weak starting
- Intermittent electrical functions
- Lights becoming weak
- Battery repeatedly losing charge
Start by checking the battery terminals and cable connections.
If the battery continues to lose charge after charging or replacement, inspect the charging system and electrical connections instead of replacing the battery repeatedly.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Engine Problems
Engine problems can appear as:
- Poor performance
- Stalling
- Hard starting
- Loss of power
- Rough running
- Unusual engine noise
Because several systems affect engine performance, check the basics first.
Depending on the symptoms, inspect:
- Air intake
- Fuel supply
- Fuel lines
- Fuel filter
- Spark plug
- Electrical connections
- Engine fluids
If the engine runs normally at idle but loses power under load, the cause may be different from an engine that cannot maintain a stable idle.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Overheating Problems
Overheating should not be ignored.
Possible causes can include:
- Low coolant
- Restricted radiator airflow
- Dirt or debris around the radiator
- Cooling system problems
- Insufficient cooling
Always allow the engine to cool before inspecting the cooling system.
UTVs are often used in dirt, mud, grass, and dusty conditions. Debris buildup around the radiator can restrict airflow and contribute to overheating.
If the Bighorn 700 continues to overheat after basic checks, further diagnosis should be performed before continued operation.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Electrical Problems
Electrical problems can sometimes be difficult to locate because one bad connection can affect multiple systems.
Possible symptoms include:
- Starting problems
- Lights not working correctly
- Intermittent electrical functions
- Accessories losing power
- Unexpected electrical behavior
Start by checking:
- Battery terminals
- Ground connections
- Wiring
- Connectors
- Fuses
- Signs of corrosion or damage
If the problem comes and goes, pay particular attention to loose connections and damaged wiring.
Bennche Bighorn 700 Fuel Problems
Fuel-related problems can cause:
- Hard starting
- Stalling
- Poor acceleration
- Rough running
- Loss of engine power
Possible areas to inspect include:
- Fuel supply
- Fuel lines
- Fuel filter
- Fuel connections
- Fuel contamination
- Air intake
If the engine starts but quickly loses power or shuts down, the fuel system should be checked together with the ignition and electrical systems.
How to Troubleshoot a Bennche Bighorn 700
When diagnosing a Bighorn 700 problem, start with the symptom instead of immediately replacing a part.
1. Identify the exact symptom
Ask:
- Does the engine crank?
- Does it start?
- Does it stay running?
- Does it accelerate normally?
- Does it shift normally?
- Does the problem occur when the engine is cold or hot?
2. Check the basic components
Inspect the battery, connections, fuel, wiring, fuses, fluids, and any obvious physical damage.
3. Focus on the related system
For example:
Poor acceleration
→ Check the engine, clutch, CVT, and drivetrain.
Won’t start
→ Check the battery, starter circuit, fuel, and ignition.
Difficult shifting
→ Check the shift mechanism, clutch, CVT, and idle.
Overheating
→ Check the cooling system and radiator airflow.
4. Look for wear or damage
If a component is worn, cracked, damaged, or no longer operating correctly, compare it with the appropriate service information before replacing it.
5. Verify the replacement part
Before ordering a replacement component, confirm:
- Model
- Year
- Application
- Part number, if available
- Dimensions or specifications
This is particularly important for older UTVs with multiple compatible configurations.
When Should You Replace a Bighorn 700 Part?
Not every performance problem requires a new part.
Replacement may be appropriate when a component is:
- Excessively worn
- Physically damaged
- Cracked
- No longer functioning correctly
- Outside the applicable service limits
For example, if a clutch component shows significant wear or damage and the symptoms match a clutch-related problem, replacing the affected component may be necessary.
Always verify compatibility before purchasing a replacement part.
For the Bighorn 700, our compatible centrifugal clutch listing specifies Bennche Bighorn 700 2010–2017 among the supported applications.
Internal Link → Driven Wheel Centrifugal Clutch
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bennche Bighorn 700 problems?
Common problems can involve starting, clutch and CVT operation, shifting, battery and electrical systems, engine performance, fuel delivery, and overheating.
Why is my Bennche Bighorn 700 losing power?
Loss of power can have several causes, including engine, fuel, ignition, clutch, CVT, or drivetrain problems. If engine RPM increases without a normal increase in vehicle speed, inspect the clutch and CVT system.
Why won’t my Bennche Bighorn 700 start?
If the engine does not crank normally, check the battery and starting circuit first. If it cranks but does not start, inspect the fuel and ignition systems.
Why is my Bighorn 700 difficult to shift?
Shifting problems can involve the shift mechanism, clutch, CVT system, belt, or engine idle. Check these related components before assuming the transmission itself has failed.
How do I know if my Bighorn 700 clutch needs replacement?
Poor acceleration, delayed engagement, unusual clutch behavior, or engine RPM increasing without normal vehicle acceleration can indicate a clutch or CVT-related problem. Inspect the components for wear or damage before replacing them.
Conclusion
The Bennche Bighorn 700 can develop different problems as it gets older or is used regularly in demanding conditions. Starting issues, clutch and CVT problems, shifting difficulties, battery and electrical faults, overheating, and fuel-related symptoms can all affect performance.
The best starting point is to identify the exact symptom, check the related system, and avoid replacing parts before confirming the likely cause.
When a component is worn or damaged, make sure the replacement part matches the specific Bighorn 700 model and year.