What should be the max rpm on a 2012 Sportsman 500 be?
I understand clutching from Polaris snowmobiles, just bought
a 2012 SP 500 and I want to make sure my clutches are
performing correctly. Thanks Alan

 

Welcome to the forum! Don't have the 2012 specs,but the 2009 500 Ho listed 6000 max rpm + or - 200 rpms. 2012 should be close to if not the same rpm readings. OPT

 

It will feel dead for a 500 if your use to snowmobiles. A 850 ATV with 80hp is considered powerful in this sport and a joke in snowmobiling.

 

Thanks, I'll check my 500's rpm next time out for max rpm.
My SP is all stock, do you recommend any clutching changes
for more/better belt life?
Thanks Alan

 

Just clutch if your going to larger heavier 27" tires. I changed my belt every 2500 miles and the belt still looked and performed good,but for $70 and 1/2 hours work I just change it anyways for piece of mind. I had 25" Mudlites XLs with stock clutching.

Use low range on slow rough train condition or heavy strained conditions like going through thick mud or plowing and towing heavy loads and the belts last much longer.

 

Sounds good thanks for the information. I'm sticking with stock tires
for now. I didn't know if putting in different clutch weights would grab
the belt better. I had a 04 SP 500 and put in heelclicker clutch weights
which I thought I got less belt slipage with them installed.

 

I got a 2012 service manual it stats 7000 RPM's +/- 200 RPM's.
Thanks for the help.

 

About time the 500 was bumped up, had the 5800-6200 rpm limiter for quite a while.At least up until 2009. Didn't check the 2010,2011 service manuals at the shop to see if max rpm had been bumped up on these models. Enjoy the new ride! OPT