I was riding the other day and had something happen with my 06' Sportsman 700 that has never happened before. I had probably ridden around 10 miles through some pretty nasty terrain and was traversing up a pretty good incline through some boulders when my bike just stopped. I began to throttle up and smoke was coming from the plastic case on the belt side. The bike would not move so I throttled down and then hit the gas again and no problem. It did this twice throughout the day. I guess my question is, is it time to change the belt? My bike has 56 hours on it with 600 miles and the original belt. I have never had a problem before and would like to know if this is a normal thing. Also can you guy's tell me the best belt to buy? I have been looking and there are a lot of Company's claiming a lot of things. I would like to have the best belt for the money.

 

Are you using low for that nasty rock crawling. If not, you should be. Nothing preserves the belt as much as low range when you are under 10 mph.

 

Sounds like you burnt the belt get a new one ASAP. Polaris belts are the best!!!!
Use low range for low speed/high torque riding!!!!

 

The only sure way the primary will grap a belt while in "high range" really well,while in a high touque sitiuation is with higher motor rpm. Unless you willing to go up that "pretty good incline through some boulders" at 15 mph to 60mph you should use low range.

If find the polaris belt are good and do not really cost more than after markets. Are you sure you belt is done for?

 

if you were in high rabge going slow you heated the belt up as well. need a new one and yes the polaris belt would be a wise choice and use low range in the nasty stuff.

 

Thank you for the reply's. No I was not in low, I guess I will consider it a lesson learned. I just kinda felt that the higher RPM that the low range caused was worse than just riding in high. Once again thanks guys, I will order a belt today. TLC I'm not sure if the belt is smoked. I put another 6 miles on it and didn't have any problems, but I would rather be safe than sorry. If I get it apart and the belt's ok I will use it as a spare.

 

make sure it wasnt just getting wet and muddy causing it to slip as well. only takes a very little silt and water to make it smoke the belt.