i have to change my belt about every 300 mi. for optimum performance on my sportsman 500., what kind of belt life do you guys average on your praries?

 

I have 1300 kms on my 650 right now (about 600 miles) on my original belt. I've adjusted my belt deflection twice and expect to get another 400kms or so before I replace it. Can you adjust the deflection of your belt on the Sportsman?

 

no, just put it on & go. why do you have to adjust? does it help put power to the ground? i could get many more miles from my belt if i were not concerned about performance. with polaris pvt, you just hammer the throttle, if the belt is wore the engine will race (just like a worn out clutch on a manual tranny auto) for just a bit until it bites good.

 

The 650s clutch can be adjusted to get the proper belt deflection necessary to prevent excessive belt wear and clutch wear. Deflection specs for the 650 is .87 inches to 1.06 inches. If a guy stays right around the .87 inches (or less) deflection, the belt doesn't squeel when you first hammer the throttle, which means you aren't wearing the faces of your clutches. Adjusting the clutch sounds intimidating, but after the first time, it is a piece of cake. I'd rather be able to adjust my clutch than just replace the belt every 300 miles!!!! Man, that must run into some serious coin!!!!

 

Mine has lasted 1300 miles, so far. Adjusted once at 400 mi. I believe that keeping the belt adjusted, AND using low range under 20MPH keeps MY belt young.
A P-650 belt cost a crisp $100.00 bill, THAT is another reason I take care of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

I hear ya Carver. I had to replace my belt on my Polaris quite often to get good performance. It seemed to stretch thenm out easy. The HPD belt did help, but the initial takeoff lag is back now. As for the 650, mine still has the stock belt at 575 miles and 27" tires. Hasn't slipped once. It still takes off like it was new. I am impressed with the belt system on the Kawi compared to the Polaris. Maybe thats why Polaris belts are so readily available almost everywhere.
Anything new about getting the 650 belt anywhere besides the dealer? I'm sure it won't last forever.

 

BTW, use Low range often with a Polaris at low speeds or in mud. It saves a ton of wear on the belt.

 

amen, to knowing when to use low range. i think that the 700 has a new belt that lasts longer, but if so im sure it will cost more. i pay $20 now.

 

caver, I guy I 4x4 with has 3 500HO's and they put in scrambler 500 clutch set ups and the belt hooks up better and last longer because the clutch is narrower