One thing to do is to make sure your exaust is not pluged.There is a pipe towards the rear of the muffler that snorkles downward,make SURE that this pipe is clear.I had a problem recently with no power on the Xplorer.I installed newer clutch springs,new belts,carb adjustments ect,and none of it worked.

I happened[by accident] to notice that the exaust pipe had clogged with mud,it than hardened and closed off more than half of my exaust.I cleared this up,and man,does this baby move now.


Try this,[huge differance]
Change the primary spring on your front clutch to the green color one,your belt will hook-up like you've never seen it before.My Xplorer will now wheelie EFFORTLESSLY.Rick Ritter sells the springs for around 25 dollars,well spent money to.===Bill

 

Bill this sounds like a good setup, sorry but I don't know who or what Rick Ritter is. Is this a catalog or a mechanic you know? I would like to try it!!!

 

Greg,

I took a look at your pics. When you go submarining, can the exaust pipe be submerged without taking on water?

JA

 

The engine exhaust is not an issue when submerging a quad. I see engine exhaust snorkels all the time and the people tell me they have done it because the quad dies in water. It does help keep mud out of the exhaust, but the reason most bikes die in deep water is the drain line on the carb.

I think you got two really good responses. Both I have seen personally. If you do get mud in your exhaust and do not clean it, you will have to rebuild the top end eventually as I have just done for a friend. Walexa is right about the belt. A worn belt will severely effect perfomance. Top end and take off.
(Look... I can just repeat what others have said and look like I know something) Ha!

Greg

 

(cough)(cough)air(cough)fil(cou)ter(gh)

 

MUD IN EXHAUST WILL RUIN YOUR DAY.
BERT

 

Cheetah,
You can contact RR at 1618-644-3211.He sells high performance parts for quads.He will spend as much time on the phone with you as you need.Tell him what you want out of your clutching,and he will recommend the correct color spring.
Best of luck,
Bill

 

My 2000 SP500 only has 250 miles on it so I don't think it's a belt problem already, air filter looks new!!

 

Is the timing on the Sportsman 500 adjustable?

Don't forget, you quad is still breaking in and will get faster with a few more miles. But... on the other hand, some are slower than others for some reason. Could be the timing/jets/mixture screw.