A primary clutch of a continuously variable transmission with a launch mechanism is provided. The primary clutch includes a central post, a fixed sheave assembly, a movable sheave assembly and a locking mechanism. The central post is configured to receive rotational torque from a motor. The fixed sheave assembly is statically mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly is mounted on the central post. The movable sheave assembly includes a movable sheave system that is configured to move axially on the central post towards the fixed sheave assembly as RPM of the primary clutch increase. The locking mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively prevent movement of the movable sheave system independent of the RPM of the primary clutch.