I have an 04 polaris sportsman 500. My rides can take me 150 miles in a weekend, (i carry plenty of fuel) and am often nowhere near civilization. Last weekend I slashed the sidewall and couldn't repair it. Any suggestions? Do people carry spare tires? Front and back tires are different sizes, so i guess I'd have to carry 2?? Any suggestions?

 

we carry repair kits and a bottle of slime (tire sealant) and we have had 2 tires w/ side wall cuts and fixed them both on the trail. oh yes and a tire pump either hand or electric. i had a hand one myself

 

Carrying a spare while possible is not very practical on these rigs especially when the space you would carry them is taken by other equip, food, gas etc. I just carry multiple kits of plugs as I have even seen fairly large sidewall slashes temporarily fixed using multiple plugs. Adding CO2 cartridges and/or a pump rounds it out at least to get me back home. As you can see I'm right next to you. 150 mile rides nowhere near civilization...that's a good weekend.. and where did you slash up your tires that bad?

 

I head out at the end of La Posada in Sparks. From there you head east towards Fernley. From there you can also almost make it to Pyramid Lake. Tons of roads/trails. The 150 miler, my longest to date, included a tent and sleeping bag. I was gone 2.5 days. It was great. Deer, antelope, coyotes, great views.

 

Do you use the thread type plugs or the plastic insert type? Where is a good place to find them?

 

I personally use the coated thread type with the extra sealer and have had good results. You can get the kits at RMS, BVH, Micheal's, Freedom or any other motorcycle/ATV shops. I'm sure other automotive outlets may carry them as well but I have not purchased mine there. I have not run the east side of the highway where you are riding but I have run all over the Dogskins and north and the Virginia Mountains west of Pyramid as well as Winnemucca Lake/Nightengale all the way north through the Selenites, Granites, etc. Great riding. I will have to try that side. Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

clicky here to see spare tire bar

 

that is the stupidest thing i've ever seen Polaris come-out with yet! Everyone should click on the link and see a perfect example of Polaris's lost direction! LOL!