I have an 02 sportsman 500. The other day I went riding and about 2 miles into the ride it started to run poorly. The motor would sputter at mid to upper rpms. I could feather the trottle and get it to start running again. Wouldnt act up all the time and never did die. It worked fine the last few miles of my ride. Any ideas what I should look for? I have extended warranty but if its not acting up my dealer will not be able to figure it out.

 

Sounds like something in the carb. Probably rode fine at first until the gas in the bowl ran out, then couldn't get anymore fuel, or not enough. Check the fuel lines too, as well as the air box and such for blockages.

 

Pull the carb float bowl, and look in the bottom. If you find some crud in there, the carb should be cleaned out. And while your at it, put in an inline fuel filter. Polaris makes some good ones for snowmobiles, that work good on atvs.

 

Ill check all those things tomarrow, thanks for the replies. I kept fresh gas in it, Ive gone so far as to drain the tank if it sets for more than 3 weeks.It has a newer fuel filter also. could the fuel pump be acting up?