hi, i just bought a 2002 sp700. I have to admit i was a bit apprehensive about the purchase because NO ONE around me rides popo. I'm in hondaland. I had to buy it because I got it at about half price and it was perfect. So far I have had a few problems with this bike, but none that I couldn't fix with the posts of others on this site. I love the power of this bike and the fact that other than a can am 800 I have the biggest strongest fastest bike in my area. I know there are badder bikes but for now this is all I need. Does anyone have any advice about these bikes that I should know? All you non-polaris guys need not to tell me to drive it in the woods and leave it. lol From what this bike has shown me polaris make a decent product. All the guys around home talk about how tough and low maint. there hondas are but the fact that they fail to remember is that i have about 3x the moving parts in my sus., a good ride and enough power to actually break things, unlike them. I'm not here to bash hondas, I guess I'm already defensive because I catch soooo much crap around here. Well, anyway I just want to thank all those who have posted helpful tips on here. You all have already saved me alot of money because I was able to do it myself. SO.. Hello all

 

Good luck, on your Polaris. 2002 was first year machine and only major problem was water pump cover leaking (solved by steel plate over cover) check to see if update done. Newer ones have metal cover. Just change oil and filter regularly(average about 50 hrs) keep a check on cv boots for tears,30 dollar boot cheaper than cv joint! USE LOW range under loads and under 7 mph and ALWAYS if in awd. Will extend life on 50 dollar belt! Ocassionally check play in balljoints,replace if sloppy. Use NGK plugs instead of Champion equipped. NGK BKR6E or BKR7E Hope I havent scared you off! Good machine.

 

welcome to a good forum. he gave you about the best advice in changing those fluids. if you dont know the bikes history and it has some miles on it i would change the rest of the fluids as well. imo.

 

the bike just turned 208hrs and 1900 miles. When I bought it from 2nd owner the oil look brand new. Ive put about 10 hrs on it and the oil is still impressivly clean. so are all other fluids. I think i was the first person to put it in the mud other than a mud puddle. I put a new belt on it because I wanted a spare.(used one is my spare) the belt is old enough that I have reason to believe it may be the stock one. havent lost any fliuds. It seems mighty noisy though. Is that normal? I just hear little rattles and clunks that make me feel nervous, but from what ive read up here, thats a polaris.

 

Welcome to the forum. Lot of great guys with excellent info on here.

 

Hey Cheapskate, Polaris do make some clunking sounds. It's the belt/clutch engaging that is most common. PS Welcome to the forums. The best, and funniest guys are on here to help you out.

 

Welcome to ATV Connection.

The only thing I'll disagree with so far was the suggestion to always use L range when in AWD.

Other than that, keep the fluids and filters clean, and zerks greased, and you should get many happy hours out of it.

 

I wonder too but I think he meant when hard pushing the bike through mud, snow etc... to always have it on low gear. Don't think personnally that high gear in AWD would matter on nicer roads... not sure but would like to know for sure because I always drive my 800 in AWD.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: sheepdogMSP8117

Welcome to ATV Connection.



The only thing I'll disagree with so far was the suggestion to always use L range when in AWD.



Other than that, keep the fluids and filters clean, and zerks greased, and you should get many happy hours out of it.</end quote></div>

 

At 5 mph in low range engine turning approx 3000 rpm(depending upon machine) clutch fully engages approx at 1400 rpm,which allows good power to ground. Same speed in HI range engine turning about 1800-2000 rpm,can cause clutches to run about 160 degrees hotter. If awd is in Hi when under load,can and will cause belt glazing,excessive wear. As posted previously have chart that shows 9 different ways to DESTROY belts and have seen most of the 9 ways from glazed to shredding! Most of my shredded belts were from Hi range use under load in awd. This info from customers when I pried answers from them as to what were they doing at time of failure and driving habits. If you can afford 50 dollar belts and clutch wear,then go for it! Just from and old techs observation and have had enough proof shown to me over the years. Just trying to help machines last. Good luck to all. PS not all info above just from me,but from engineers that design these machines.

 

Congrats on being a polaris owner. I know a couple people that own hondas and have had problems with them and they are newer than mine 04 700 efi sports. I love mine NEVER had any problems. To each is own but take this into consideration polaris has been a leader in atv's first with efi, IRS etc and they have been chosen atv of the year many times including 08. by atv magazine. and dirt trax tv Honda didn't even make the top 3. But not to knock hondas to much like i said to each his own everybody has different likes and needs.