Was riding my 2000 SP 500 yesterday and I got on my friend's 2003 SP 500 HO and was amazed at how much easier it steered. Other than the grease zerks on the steering shaft what else can be done to mine to make it less difficult to turn?

SLG
2000 Polaris Sportsman 500
Old Yeller

 

The only thing you can do is adjust air pressure and alter the tires. The only other thing to do is sale your and buy the newer models. If you think the 03 steers easy try an 05 or later. I have the 04.5 and the steering is 100% improved over mine and eliminates almost all of the bump steer.

 

The resistance appears to be coming from the steering shaft and not by the air in the tires as I tend to run my fronts a bit on the high side.

SLG

 

If you feel that your shaft is binding then check the bushing at the bottom. HPD and other aftermarket companies sale a replacement part that is much better than the stock. Also if the bike has been rolled your shaft could be bent. You can also check the top support mount for the steering shaft too. Some of the models required this to be greased and had a grease zerk. If you haven't done that then pull it apart and check the bushing for smooth action.

Generally the resistance is actually coming from the steering geometry and not just the shaft. The angle of the shaft in relation to the tie rods, hubs, toe'ing, all affect how the bike steers. My dad has a 2000 model sportsman and his steers hard and tends to wander.

 

Ok, I will check all that, but it may just be that it is that dificult to steer :-O

Steve

 

we have two 01 models mine has aftermarket steel wheels that are wider than stock and 26x9x12 tires the other one has stock rims with 25x8x12 tires and there is a noticable difference in the way they steer. also check the pockects and the plastic cups at the top of the struts they may be dirty or worn wierdly this can cause binding espesially if you have done alot of muddin

 

Just raising the front end off the ground and twisting the handlebars should tell you if your problem is in the steering components. A stiff breeze should steer it with the tires in the air. If all your parts check out good you can consider adding an Easy-Steer Kit.