Just bought a new Sportsman 800X2 and impressed with everything about it. Only concern has been the exhaust system which runs along the rider's right leg to the back of the machine. When idling or running at lower speeds the outside deflector over the exhaust pipe gets extremely hot. I'm concerned that either the rider or passengers getting on/off will get burnt. I also noticed when sitting on the passenger seat that at idle a lot of heat comes up between the main and auxillary seats.

I am concerned not only with the safety and comfort of the riders but also the plastic panels of the ATV that are near this exhaust. Even though there is heat tape along the inside of these panels, they also get hot.

Is this a common design issue with the Sportsman? Is there anything I can do?

 

I asked my dealer that very question today when I picked up my new 800 x2. He said the earlier 800's had melting problems but the x2 hasn't had the same problems. As far as between the seat, I can't answer that one.