I baught an 05 sportsman ho new in march. I already own an 04 honda rubicon and a 1995 honda 300 fourtrax. My sportsman seems to be very lethargic when I try to crank it after it's been sitting for a day. Both my honda's can sit for months, and crank right up, however, I have to coach my sportsman to crank and stay running. Once been on for 2 or so minutes it runs fine. Both are carbs. Is this normal, and/or does it do it on other brands (suzuki, yamaha, kawa, etc. ) ?

 

Hey Pope, what you probably need to do is turn up the idle screw on the carb. With the engine warm and the trans in neutral, adjust the rpm level to 1300. You will find that the machine will be more warm blooded at this setting. In the winter you may want to go to 1350 rpm. Another great trick would be to retrofit a three position choke **** from a 2000 Magnum 500. Best choke **** Polaris ever had. Foolproof and fast starting.

 

Thor in addition to your suggestion, I had the same problem. All I needed to do was adjust the throttle cable to bring the rpm to 1100. By removing the rubber boot on the cable near the handlebar there will be a threaded adjuster and lock nut. Adjusting one way or the other will increase or decrease the engine rpms. Found this out with Odin on our summer trail ride.

Mac The Red Rhino
05 Sportsman 500 HO

 

i did that and when i would drive it and let off the gas it would keep GOING and i almost slamed it into a wall so i put it back down.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Bob