Warranty's up on 2 sp500', taking over maint./minor service myself.. Have picked up the 3 ring binder factory sevice/maint. manual--great reference book by the way--, and have gotten familiar with same. Looking for the kind of tips self maintainers come up with to make things easier.. Example-- getting ready for a trip to 9000ft. doing the main jet change and the pilot screw adj's myself---easiest way to change main jet????,, do most people do it from the bottom-or just lossen the clamps and rotate the carb 90 degrees- or is it best to pull the carb out and change the jet??? Also I have the different clutch weights and wonder if this mod. is really that necessary for a short, pleasure trip. I have done both, trips to 8000-9000 ft. max w/ 6500ft. min. elevation-with a weight change out and with-out-- and I really can't say that I noticed any diff in the way the machines ran. Any special tools to recommend?? Thanks for any tips you might offer. I am also thinking of a trade up to the new 2001 sp 500 ho-- can anyone recommend dealers in the missouri -Truman lake area- that is fair priced and excells in their service work?

 

Gandalf,

Can't help with the questions but I am curious about the manual you bought. There is a service manual specific to the Sportsman. It is Polaris part number 9915686, is an excellent service manual, and goes for about $40. It is a bound book, not a 3 ring binder as you describe. Did you buy the Master Service manual that covers all models, not just the Sportsman?

DJ

 

Deej, yes manual is for all models. My mistake -it's a 5 ring binder- very heavy, but lots of info. Very little you couldn't do with the right tools and this manual. Covers the whole bike(s).

 

Best to partialy remove the carb and rotate it to replace the jet, just be sure you tuck the choke cable back into position when you go back. Dosn't take long when you get a routine down. I too can't tell any difference with the wieght change. The manuel is bound and sells for about $30 in the US. When I first got my 500 I rode at 12000 plus feet and got along fine with the stock jet. The new diaphram carbs do better at altitudes then the "plain" carbs.