Just curious, how long life is the sportsman 500?
How many miles / hours can you expect before you start having big breakdowns, with average riding. Not abuse.

 

Mine just went past 500 miles...heavy abuse no break down running strong even better than it was when it was new...

 

Well, a friend of mine has a 500 and he went over 4000 (four Thousand) miles before his belt needed changing. Just remember that for best belt life, If you think you need to be in low gear, do it. The only other problem he has had in over 5000 miles is his front hub started to leak at 4400 miles and he had a clamp loosen up on his coolant line. Other than that his machine has been faultless. Myself, I own an AC 500 auto.

 

I have about 800 miles so far, Replaced one front shock and the speedometer both under waranty. So far has been flawless, do alot of brush dragging, did Cochranton Poker run. This weekend was at my house in VT heavy mud no problems at all. Only maintenace was 2 oil changes and 1 grease job. Brakes and tie rod ends are fine. Lower steering stem bushing is getting a little sloppy but fine for now.

 

Should go thousands. Mine has 380. just got it a couple weeks ago, seen some on the trails with anywhere between mine of 380 and over 6000. My dealer told me that basically, it goes like this, he will see me at 500 miles for the free service, then i should not see him unless i want him to service it. I ride with 4 Polaris atv's , two Xpress's a 300 and a 400 and a two year old Xplorer 400, and a 1996 Magnum 425 all with 2000-5000 miles on them, we never have any problems. There respective machines have never been in the shop for repairs.

 

The 500 mile FREE service must be a dealership thing huh????

 

I guess so, We also get a free membership to the Local ATV club. It is a great place to do business. I think they like to make sure that , it is broken in right and the owners don't run the oil in it forever and don't grease it up. I know people that don't do either.

 

I have over 4000 miles on my 98 SP 500. To date all I have replaced is one set of front pads and two sets of back pads. I seem to average about 2000 miles or so to the backs but I think this is due to alot of trailer pulling in hilly areas. the belt will be changed this fall. Can't say enough about my SP.