Just a quick question.my polaris sportsman 500 ho runs fine but i can not get it over 45mph on flat pavment.i used my gps and fast as it would go is 48 down hill.i have seen these same machines doing 60 mph on you tube.i have changed my belt and other than the mph seems to run fin what could it be?thanks in advance.

 

tire size, clutch setup..sprocket size..

 

Thanks for answering back.its all stock nothing has been changed.

 

I'd check into the clutches. Primarily the rear rollers and helix are the main wear items along with the guide buttons and washers in front and rear of the one way bearing in the front clutch.

 

Thanks buddy ill take a look.

 

It might be come to think of it after you hold it wot for a period of time you will feel a glitch like it wantd to give a little more then lets back out.the bike set for a while with out being rode.

 

You might be surprised by cleaning the belt dust out of the clutches if you haven't already done so. Be sure to be a in an open area with an air gun as it will make a cloud of dust. Hopefully that may help. If not,then I'd check into the clutches.

 

The problem is usually a worn belt but since you already changed it it's probably a clutch problem like OPT said.

 

Thank both of you guys for all your help .yeah frank it would only do 35 to 38 before i changed the belt so i gained a good bit just know theres more.ill check the clutches next clear day.will it be pretty obvious if the clutch is bad? Would spraying some pb blaster be a good idea after i blow all the dust out? Or is that a bad idea.and last question is when i very first got it back up and running i had to clean the carb first.would the pilot jet setting hold it back that much should i try adjusting that again?it runs fine,idels fine and reves pretty good

 

Don't use PB Blaster on the clutches as you can contaminate the belt and cause it to slip. If clucthes need to be taken apart there are several videos on youtube. You do have to have a drive clutch puller and a spider tool to separate the front clutch for service. Rear clutch just pulls off the shaft. Might be to your advantage to pull them off and have them repaired. Clutch puller isn't expensive as you can even make a home made one,but the spider tool is around 50 bucks. Polaris Spider Clutch Tool 96 10 Sportsman 500 4x4 6x6 RSE HO Duse EFI Touring | eBay For a one time use,may just be cheaper to have them rebuild and you reinstall them yourself. Plus other tools needed if the clutch bushings have to be replaced also. Here's a video I like on an old tech tearing a front clutch apart that's some what like yours. I do like the noises he make towards the end.. Plus here's a secondary,different again,but the principal is the same as it has rollers that wear.