Hi;
i have a 2005 sportsman 500 h.o. im having problems shifting when its running, when not running seems to shift better. if the bike is in gear it continues to creep forward or back. the bike seems to not want to go more than 40mph. clutch work has been done. ideas?"

 

Common problem on creeping on some of the 500 Sportsmans. Usually adding or removing shims behind the rear clutch can keep the belt centered on the front clutch and not allow the rear clutch to keep turning. This can cause a strain on the gear case and hard shifting. Plus in an open area blow out all the accumulated belt dust(does make a mess) At times I've had to shim the rear clutch along with belt replacement especially if there are any glazed/burnt spots on the belt. The one way bearing in the front clutch has two washers,a fiber at the rear and a brass one in front that can wear and cause the one way bearing to wobble causing the belt to ride on the inside or out side of the clutch sheath,causing creeping.A spider tool has to be used to separate the clutch to replace these. Usually shimming and belt replacement helps.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse
http://www.cyclepartswarehouse.com/f...2005&fveh=5659
If it only goes 40 then sounds like you need to recheck the clutches and belt! If your model has the ramp buttons(two different rear clutches are offered on the 2005 model) sounds like you need to check into it along with checking out the belt.

 

Thank you for your input! Jst tried out bike to make sure it's still creeping. The tires would spin on the concrete floor with the brake on. It's definitely creeping. I hope your suggestion can fix my issue. Would the check engine sensor be associated with that? I've also been having problems with the starter wheels binding. New starter a couple times over. Any association? Cheers.

 

What is the rpm at idle?? Shouldn't be spinning tires with the brakes on. One of the things you can do when cranking is blip the throttle as soon as it cranks. This helps kick the starter bendix back to where it doesn't continue to hang up on the flywheel after it cranks..

 

Rpm has been played with, but it idles at about 1220, which is typical for it I think. Seems like its reving out at 6000 or so and not creeping higher that 40 mph. It's a new belt. Creeping Jst seems to be getting worse. Cheers.

 

Polaris belt or after market? Does make a difference.Some are too wide. I'd still pull the clutch cover and see where the belt rides in relation to the front clutch. Shimming the rear clutch may help. Don't let it continue to creep as it can glaze a new belt.

 

It's a Polaris belt. They Jst replaced a bearing in the front clutch I believe. Misplaced receipt. Had creeping issue prior to clutch work and new belt. I'm taking it somewhere else this weekend with my new insight u've provided as its over my head. Hopefully riding again soon! Thanks for the help. Cheers.