I have a poor performing 2000 Sportsman 500. Recently I took it to the shop where the mechanic test drove it for 10-15 minutes and said it was one of the slower 500's he had driven. He called Polaris and they told him to replace the stock main jet with a 162.5 main. My mechanic was only able to install a 160 main because of a back order problem with the 162.5. After the installation of the 160 main I did not notice much of a difference. Has anyone else had this jetting problem and did it make a noticeable difference with the 162.5 main installed? My elevation is around 800-900ft.

 

what is slow top or bottom,what is your top speed.My brother has a 96 Sp500 I have a 2000 SP500,He beets me on the top,My dealer said it shouldnt.I tried jetting clutching,nothing realy made difference

 

I just remembered a firend bought 2000 also and it was real turd.It had a speedo I guess it control engine timing or something,but once they replaced it the machince ran great.

 

I keep hearing about people going to a larger jet. Most of the SP500s I have seen have been rich from the factory. I am using a stock jet and running a 2 inch snorkel and my SP500 has smoked every SP500 I have raced. It will even outrun one with all the HO mods plus pipes, head work and high compression piston along with other mods. I still get beat by a griz on flat smooth surfaces but only by one lenght. Before you go changing jets, check your plug to see if you are actually lean or rich. I am still a little rich after increasing the size of the air intake. BTW, my bike is one of the only SP500s I have seen that has enough takeoff to ride a wheely.

Greg

http://photos.yahoo.com/gregsims01

 

greg ihave sportsman ho what is 2 inch snorkle thanx

 

Greg has snorkeled his various intakes so that he cna submerge the quad in water.

 

No No.... thank you trimmer. Just trying to help Cheetah.

Greg

 

I jetted mine down to a 155 main. Helped a little, but it is still a dog up top. I'm not too worried as I am running 27' Mud Bugs all around- I don't expect much for top end

 

I am lacking big time on low end, as for top end it will do about 52 on a long flat black top........to me this is poor.

 

My '99 would do 59, according to the speedo. One other thing to check is belt condition. 59 was right after a belt change. If you change the belt, you may consider getting the one for a ranger. It has grooves cut in the top of the belt that help it move more air, thus cooling the belt and clutches better. A worn belt will definitely reduce top speed. If you've loaded the machine down too much while in high range, or pulled really hard in low range or reverse, the belt may be worn. Even though it may be the same width across the top, and look to be in good condition, I would replace it. They're only about $32, so it's worth a try.