I've got just about 10 hrs on my 04.5 400 sportsman. The owners manual says to change the oil at 20 hrs. I've read a couple of threads where people are changing it any where from 5 hrs to 20 hrs. Why is this? Anyone have some input? Just like every one else I want my bike to last a very long time............

 

Anytime before 20 hours is fine. I changed mine at 16 hours on one and 18 hours on another Sportsman. I did mine early because I was going on rides which would have gone way over 20 hoours on the oil change.


If you want to save some $$$ and get a better oil filter buy a Wix 51358 or NAPA 1358 (made by wix). They are a few $dollars$ less than the Polaris oil filters and they are a much better filter. Use the Polaris synthetic oil.

 

To be honest, some of us just like to play with our junk.(in more ways than one-lol) It's a good excuse to put those shiny tools to work, get out of the house, and get dirty.

 

The reason why you want to change so soon is because a new motor has a lot of wear going on until it's broke in. Lot of friction and don't be suprised to see some silver in with the oil during the first oil change.

 

Did my first on wed. Found all the zerks and will be changing fnt driveshaft zerk to angled one( can't get grease gun on straight zerk) other than that did'nt really have any trouble. Just 2 complaints, 1. screen in oil tank . is this for chunks dropped into tank? 2. Better access to crankcase drain plug. got that 1 cup of oil clear to my elbow and plug ended up in the drain pan. Oh well have seen worse engineering on cars over the last 20 yrs.
And yes your oil will have a gray metal flake look to it, and new polaris oil is green. Buy a can of brake cleaner to remove the last of the oil from skid plate that the rags didn't absorb.


Rider