does the polaris 4x4 system only work while spinning? like what if the rear wheels spin enough to engage the front but then it finds traction right after that? If it went off and on frequently it looks like it would wear out and be a disadvantage on some terrain. I am not trying to bash i just would like to know. i actually was thinking some time in the future if i ever got some money, considering buying a sportsman 500 ho or something. Even though there is no telling what or when i could get a 4x4, could u guys tell me some things to look for on used sportsmans and how well they compare to others. thanks.


currently have a 1998 yamaha blaster
fmf sst pipe and silencer
boysean dual stage reeds
cleaned up ports
holeshot copy tires
14 tooth front sprocket etc

 

Hi I got a 335 sportsman and the four wheel drive kicks in so subtle you hardly notice it engage except a surge ahead. I was out to my local repair shop and the mech there was showing me the internal parts of the on demand four wheel drive from and older 2-stroke( I think around 94 don't know what model) anyways to make a long story short, 1 front wheelbearing, cv joints, couple of U-joints, an engine rebuild, and not one part in the on demand replaced and this bike was beat all to heck. My buddies got a 500ho and loves it traded a 450 Honda for it, claims it does'nt beat him up so much after a doy of riding.

 

Polaris ATVs have an 18 - 22% difference in ratio between the front and rear tires with the rear tires having a lower ratio. This means that the rear tires must spin 18-22% faster than the front tires for the front hubs to "wedge" and the ATV to become 4WD. If someone was to install larger rear tires this would make the ratio difference greater and the rear tire would have to spin even more than 18-22% for the front hubs to engage. The reason for this is so that when the ATV is in 4WD and turning, the inside front wheel is still turning at least the same speed as the rear wheels and the hub will not engage.
If you are planning on installing larger diameter tires and wheels on your ATV, please remember that you must maintain the proper ratio between the front and rear wheels. I.E., If you install one-inch larger diameter tires on the front of your ATV, you must install one-inch larger diameter tires on the rear of your ATV. This principle will also apply to the use of larger wheels. You must retain the original ratio between the front and rear wheels in order for the Demand 4 Drive system to operate safely and correctly.

 

I am preaty sure that once you engage the front hubs they stay engaged yntil you turn the switch off to release the magnet inside the hub.

 

I think your right because he showed me how the magnet held the rollers until switched off so as long as the awd is turned the hubs are engaged but are not under power until the rear wheels slip