I have a 99 Sportsman that seems to be tougher to steer than other quads I ride with. It is cewrtainly more difficult than my 98 Grizzly or my buddy's Kaw 650. This is not a problem until you get on the twisty trails where the real workout begins.

Is there anything that can be done to lessen the steering effort?

THanks,

Slim[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Slim, I just make sure to keep everything lubed. If you pull back the boots on the rod ends, and give each of them a shot of Tri-flow. I keep the little straw attched so as to get a more direct shot of lube in there.

 

Also, you might be sure to check the air pressure in your front tires before each ride (if you don't already). They may not look low, but its amazing what a little more pressure can do for making it easier to turn.

 

lube and tire pressure is certainly the key.

On some trails , I even pump my front tires up to 9-10 psi
to make it easier to steer.. I've found the 4-5 psi recommended
pressure gives me a real workout on a tight twisty trail...

Only downside to higher tire pressure is a tad more bounce(not
much at all on an irs machine like a sp 500) and a little more centerline wear on tire,
otherwise it really makes steering easier..

The 2001 and up model sportsman has a different steering
unit and steering effort is significantly easier.. great improvement
over the 2000 and older models...

 

Try not to use 4WD unless you need it in the tight trails, My 325 Mag & 700 twin do the same thing. Other than that your riding the best and getting a good workout to boot.

 

nuckles, your 700 twin is a breeze to steer
compared to the pre 2001 model sportsmans..
polaris redesigned the steering after 2000 and it's
a good bit easier to steer now.. if u think your 700 is
bad, try a 98 or 99 sportsman, you'll see what we're talking
about..

Actually, the 4wd is not all time 4wd, it is on demand when their
is slippage, it will kick in..you can leave your 4wd engaged and
it will only come on when needed.. that' s a great thing about
polaris vs other makes...

 

Get the front end aligned.
Maintain even tire pressure left & right.

 

Gents,

Thanks for the info......I am off to find some Triflow and will follow up on the suggestions.

Slim

 

When I had my 98 SP I modified the steering arm, it worked great. It reduced the steering effort by approx 25% which was very noticeable. Come to think of it I may still have a set in my tool box, I'll have to check. You will loose a little of your turn circle but for me it was worth it. I also modified the tie-rod ends because the OEMs wore out after only 500 miles and that is with good lubrication. The new tie-rod ends were on the quad up until I sold it 1500 miles later and were still tight.

 

Trail Dog,

What type of mod are you talking about????......sounds like it's somthing I need to do. Is is something that can be done in my garage or do you need to be a mechanical marvel to get it done?

Parts???

Thanks,

Slim