Today I bought a new polaris drive belt for a sportsman 500 (2000) Part# 3211069 I put it on and when I start it, the clutch engages at idle speed and forces the bike forward without even touching the gas.The part # is the same as my old one but when you hold the belt up to match them up, my new one looks shorter. Is this normal, do you have to break in a new polaris belt. or is mine a defect. Thanks

 

The new one is going to look shorter because it is not worn like the old one. You might want to drive around for a bit to break it in or you may have to shim the secondary clutch. Your idle may also be too high. Lower the idle.

 

I measured the old belt it is 1/8" longer than the new belt, I'm concered if I run the bike to long with the belt on, I will wear it out. my idle is fine because when I put the old belt on it runs good,