Railroad beds are notorious for the amount of drag put on your tires. Try asphalt, you will probably hit 56 MPH.

 

I get almost 60 out of mine with my GF on the back. I weigh 180 I won't say hers, she would probably find out somehow. it is considerably less than mine.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. This site is great. I have a 2000sp500, 250 miles, hopefully the engine will perform as its driven more. The 'K&N' filters seem to be a common theme- I'll have to start looking for one (anyone know a site?). Next, I have no desire to hit the blacktop with this machine.......I like the hills, etc. Last, thanks again.

 

Yeah there is a problem. It is a Polaris that is why it is so slow!

 

Yesterday somebody suggested replacing the main jet in the carb with a 162.5 for increased performance on "lazy feeling" Sportsman 500s.

This cure supposedly came from Polaris in a service bulletin.

 

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jy2776 wow thank you for clearing it all up for us! what would we do without people like you, who must have great wisdom and knowledge of all things atv.

 

I have no patience for idiots. If you cant offer constructive thoughts ty, stay out of this forum!

 

jy2776 is right...Polaris lacks a little on their speeds.
But they all look nice and have great 4x4 systems.

 

If polaris is slow what is a honda foreman 450 that will only do 48? Or a Rancher that will go 4mph faster! ANd the thing about that is that the polaris weighs over 100 pounds more. Go figure