After riding a '83 yamaha 200 3 wheeler for 14 yrs finally decided to update and purchased a new carry over 01 sportsman 500 HO, and WOW have I been missing out. The ride, power and comfort are out of this world. Just bought it Sat., have put 2.6 hrs. on so far. After reading a lot of forum info went ahead and bought the 5 year extended warranty, seemed like a good buy (zero deductable). Any points on proper care of machine? Also, have noticed a whining noise (tranny or ebs maybe?) around 30-35mph, normal noise? Have been reading a lot of posts here and have enjoyed the info, hope you don't mind a new guy.

 

Congratulations on your polaris. I had a sp500 and now have a sp700. There isn't a better ride out there. The only things I have had to do is grease (often) change oil and get the water pump fixed on my 700.

 

whinnying noise is normal.

CONGRATS on your new 500 and a BIG welcome !!

i've been riding Sportsmans since '99 and they are one TOUGH, RELIABLE ATV! i am continually impressed with the Polaris improvements year after year to.

the SP500 has always been a good seller- i can't believe you found a new carry-over 2001. hope you got a good deal concidering the '03 has a $400 lower MSRP than the '02 models.

-MT

 

I think I got a good buy on the '01 ($5599) $1000 less than what the dealer wanted for an '03. Thanks for the welcome.

 

Congrats on getting a great machine. Don't skimp on maintenance. Grease often, helps push out any water that may enter seals and bearings. Change oil more often than user manual suggests, oil is cheap. Check front hub fluid very regularly, like once a week. And another item to check is the battery connections. Check for tightness, keep clean and well greased to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance is cheap, repairs are not. Routine maintenance allows you to find that torn or split CV boot, bent stearing rod, loose bolt, etc., before it can do damage to your machine and/or you.

 

well i have had 4 magnum 500's and i wouldnt say that you really have to grease it that often unless you are always in mud and water.......i say that on a new machine you shouldnt have to do anything to it for a long time........i rarly grease the thing and the bushing are still in new condition and u joints too.........polaris' last nomatter how hard you treat them........unless you are acting like an idiot on it.......the one at our hwy dept which is a 99 magnum 500 never gets the oil changed or greased or anythinng done to it and it still runns like new and everything is solid on it.........

 

Sportsmans Rock.....Stittsville....<U>do you recommend the same type of maintenance for all ATV's</U>....I am asking since I am soon to get a 600 Twin. I already know the general maintenance schedules but as we all would agree....an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure !!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Thanks for any info. on the above mentioned question.....

 

Congrats on the new ride. Buy a shop manual and just do the maint Polaris recommends. Just like all ATV's, follow the manufactures recommended maintanence schedule and be happy for a long long time.

And remember, when you come to a fork in the road, take it.

 

1 month, 200 miles, or 20hr- whatever comes first. that's what my 700 owner's manual reads for the FIRST oil change. i think the 600 would be the same.

i've found myself kinda bored lately, so i have been forcing myself to read EVERY page in my owner's manual. LOL,LOL!

a couple pages every day. that's about all i can take before it puts me to sleep.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

see-ya.........gotta go fall asleep now![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

-MTPockets

 

Thanks for the info, sounds like a picked a great machine, looking forward to lots of enjoyable miles.