Hi New to the group.

I need some help with my sportsman like the title says its a 2002 700 sportsman. I recently replaced the battery and all the fluids including transmission, motor oil, front and rear axle fluids, and coolant. Ran just fine for the first few miles then all of the sudden smoke started coming from the front end some where. I pulled over and started looking but couldn't determine where it was coming from, too damn windy that day. I managed to limp it back home after another mile or so the statr code started flashing. It only flashes while in motion and does not flash when it is in park. I read on another forum that it could be the stator, according to the service manual it could be the transmission switch. I am looking for some direction before I start trouble shooting.

I used all Polaris brand fluids drained and filled according to the book. It still starts and runs fine. are the two symptoms related or separate, i.e. the smoke and the error code?

any help is appreciated.

 

If you have the original Ducati ignition system this should solve the problem.Polaris 2202602 - Kit, Ignition : Babbitts Polaris Partshouse Plus here's a good video on installation.

 

Would the old ignition system shorting out explain the smoke coming from under the front rack?

 

This system could do just about everything. Rough idle,backfiring,excessive fuel use,etc. Some have even killed their machines only to not have them start back up again.You may get lucky and just have a short,but check it out carefully.If in doubt remove the positive battery cable until you either find the problem or decide to change out the ignition system.

 

Thanks for the quick feedback OPT, I tore into it tonight and found the source of the smoke. I am not extremely familiar with electrical stuff but I believe this is the Voltage Regulator. I found them on e-bay for around $25. My machine still has the original Ducati ignition system, but until it goes out completely I don't really want to spend $500 right now if I don't have to.

 

Yes looks like the regulator took a dump.Don't blame you for not wanting to fork over the big bucks yet. Replace the regulator and see how it does. I wouldn't ride alone though as this ignition can quit on you at any time.