Hey guys I have a stock '03 Polaris 330(similar to a magnum or trail boss). Its basically a 2wd utility ATV but I dont have the money for a different one and I cant sell this one. Do you guys think it would be a bad idea to try to race it? Ive never raced before but really want to try XC racing. And if I do race what should I do to my ATV(modifications and such) and what else would I need(safety gear, etc.,)?

 

Anybody?

 

It would be a little heavy and underpowered to race and be competative, but you can race anything if you really want to. Skill can make up for a lot of an ATV's shortcomings, if you can really handle this quad, I say give it a try and see what happens. Safety gear, the standard helmet, roost guard ( chest protector) good gloves or hand guards for rock and branch whip protection. A neck roll is not a bad idea, can save you from neck or spine injury if you get tossed off. For the quad, decent tires, make sure the suspension is set up for rutted, bumpy terrain. You will probably need a tether kill switch to be legal, See if you can find a reasonable clutch kit, something that will give you good low end and acceleration, XC is more about short bursts and corners than top speed. I dont think an exhaust would do you much good, unless you can find a good used one, then open up the air box and rejet for the extra flow. This will keep your investment to a minimum, and still have a good trail quad,XC is very tiring, make sure you work out and tone your arms and shoulders, you will be doing a lot of manuvering in and out of crowded lanes in tight woods and such, so arm pump can get bad. Some XC racers I know carry a camel back water holder for keeping hydrated during the race, thirst can make you feel tired quicker, and you work hard in an XC race.

 

My quad has the power I need right now, more could be useful but not necessary for my skill level. My quad has no rear brakes right now because some weird issue with the brake lines(Ive been told this happens on most Polaris). Ill be buying my roost guard and a new helmet soon, not sure on brands, but I have to keep each under $100. My suspension is pretty good in the rough stuff as far as Ive pushed it at least. Where should I look for a tether kill switch? Also, are there padded riding gloves? I get really bad cramps after 2 day trips and get calluses because I rarely wear my gloves

 

I would get those brakes fixed before doing anything !! A tether kills the engine if you fall off, so your quad does not go off under power without a rider, in case the throttle is damaged or sticks. Most races require a tether for you to compete to protect you,the other racers, and spectators that could be hit by a runaway quad. I have seen some nice racing gloves with plastic knuckle inserts, that would keep your hands protected. For blisters, they make a kevlar liner glove you wear under your riding gloves, protects your skin from abrasion that causes blisters. A good set of grips will go a long way to make long rides/races more comfortable. Go with a soft/medium compound that will be softer on your hands, I have used Oury grips before, the big blocks are very grippy, and easy on the hands. On my current quad, I use ODI Rogue grips, these lock on with a locking collar,and are very comfortable and give you a great grip. Stock pads tend to be thin and poorly cushioned, probably why you get blisters.....and wear the gloves !!

 

Had a 325 with a stage 1 RCR kit. Would I race it? No. Suspension isn't made for it and it's too heavy. A TrailBlazer or Scrammy 400 2 stroke would be a much better choice if you want to stick with Polaris and an automatic.

 

If I'm thinking correctly, and this morning it is a challenge, I think the rear brake problem he's referring to is the pedal not working. You can bleed the brake cylinder by the pedal and that may work. It may also just be temporary, it was on mine. But he still should have front and rear brakes from the handle bar.

If that's not it, yeah, get that fixed before you do anything.

 

I don't get rear brakes even with the handle bar brakes. I tried bleeding the rear brakes in the back(on the calipers) and got my front brakes working better but the rear caliper doesn't build up pressure or maybe I just need new caliper. Is there a way to check if it's my brake line or th caliper?

 

Any leaks around the caliper? May just need new seals.

If the front brake is working with the handle bar, and the rear isn't working with that or the pedal, I'd suspect the caliper. One of the things that are easy to get to on the quad.

 

Another thought, the caliper my just be frozen. When you have the bleeder valve open on it, does any fluid come out when you use the brakes? If not, you've more than likely got a line problem or possibly a seal problem in the master cylinder. If you're getting fluid, then it's going to be in the caliper.