just got a sportsman 500 h.o.today.wow the power is awesome.i love it but have two questions.what would be the best break-in procedure and my wife and i will be riding it together should i always use low.it,s awful slow in low but i don't want to fry my belt.any help will be appreciated.

groundhog
2001 sportsman 500 h.o.
1996 chevy 4x4

 

Well the nice thing is it's a four cycle so breakin isn't nearly as strengent as a two cycle. But none the less the biggest thing is not to run WOT for extended periods and to alternate throttle positions, fast and slow. I would put an hour or so on it just cruising around then you should be good. It won't take very long to seat the rings or valves, just make sure you change all your fluids and fuel filter after 5 or 6 hours of riding.

 

I wouldn't take it full throttle until close to 50 miles, and then not for any long periods of time. I'd change the oil after 150- 200 miles, and then every 500 after that. As far as the range goes, high will do for most trail riding situations. I would use low when doing any technical or only slow speed riding.

 

Dont be afraid of the belt all the BS you heard just isn't going to happen.

 

how much did ya have to fork over for it???

 

when I got my HO my dealer said 20-30hrs for brake-in and just to very the throttle position.

Sportsman 500HO it's big it's bad it's Yellow

 

silverado-paid 6300.thats the best he'd do

 

thanks chopperbill-glad to see your back!!!

 

Break it in like you are going to ride it. If you ride slow and easy break it in slow and easy. If you ride hard and fast break it in that way. I have raced motorcycles and cars for 12 years and have always had very good results this way.