I just checked my belt on my 2001 sportsman and when i grab the top and bottom of belt and squeeze them together i only had 3/4 of an inch...does that mean this belt is toast>

 

You have the 2001 400 Sportsman which takes the Polaris 3211077 belt.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse
Your belt dementions should be Length: 40.875"
Width: 1.188"
according to Dayco's conversion specs. HPX2203 - Polaris Dayco HPX (High Performance Extreme) Belt. Fits most Polaris ATV, except 600 & 700cc models. | ATV Parts | MFG Supply

When a belt wears its usually only the width that changes to the narrow side.

 

i just bought a new belt..how the hell do you put the thing on...is there a trick

 

Its easy. They guy takes the clutch off just to check it, but he shows you how to put the belt back on at the end of video. But the Bike in nutreal and walk it on. Make sur the belt arrows are on the right way and wash new belt in soapy water.http://www.snowmobilefanatics.com/fo...t-washing.html

 

A little tougher with a bike that has ebs,but muscle it on.like tlc said,put it over the front clutch,then walk it over the rear clutch

 

got it..thanks guys

 

I have an '01 Sportsman 400. Is the setup similar. I need to check the belt. ATV is slipping during load and I hear a slapping noise occassionally.

 

Just place a straight edge over both clutches,pull down on the belt and if slack is more than one and half inches from top of belt to straight edge,the belt is worn past the limit.This is what the book says,but if it's slipping under loads and slapping the cover, that usually tells you the belt is worn. Belt wear is on the edges,so look for any glazed/burnt looking spots on the belt.Just walk it off the rear clutch,place the new on the front clutch and walk it on the rear.

 

Old Polaris Tech,

I have a friend that does my maintenance. He races ATV's & dirt bikes and has all the proper tools and equipment and is a good friend. He informed me that he replaced my drive belt this past summer - about 4 months ago. He said the one he replaced was frayed & in pretty rough shape. I haven't taken the cover off yet so I do not know the condition of the (new) belt. If the belt needs to be replaced what would cause the belt to go bad in such a short time? He said the replacement belt was from Polaris - 3211077.

I only use the ATV for mowing (5 acres) and doing some light work around the property. Probably 4 hours of mowing each week pushing a 52 inch mowing deck. I do have some steep hills that sometimes require 4wd to get up them while mowing. In the winter I put a plow it.

Bought the Sportsman in 2003 with only 500 hrs on it. Only rode it in the mountains once and for the past 10 years it is only used around the property as described above. Very seldom go over 20 mph unless messing around for a few minutes.

As long as I need to check the belt I would like to know what else to be looking for. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

They only way to premature belt wear is to do heavy load work or riding conditions like thick mud or slow steep hill riding and not use low range.

The video above is more or less what all Polaris CVT look and operate like. Even if you have no ebs the only difference is it would not have the one-way bearing which you will not spot anyways.