I just picked up a Sportsman 500 (i think its a 1999). It was my mother-in-law's and she doesn't know much about it, and hasn't found any paperwork yet. It has been sitting outside for 3 years (rain/snow/sun/etc). I have no manual and no clue on what I will need to do to get this thing running again. I know I need to start by changing all the fluids, but from what I have read on here this is more complex than a simple drain/fill. can someone list the steps and/or types of fluids needed to change for the:
1. Engine
2. Radiator
3. Tranny
4. Front diff
5. Rear Diff
6. Grease nuts
7. anything I am forgetting

Also any tools needed besides a basic set? Anything else I need to know?

 

Run your VIN on this site. It will tell you what year you have.
http://www.pronto-net.com/vin_app/vin.php

 

Well ain't that a neat site.

 

The 10th digit is the year. But some years they used letters instead of numbers.

The VIN is always 17 digits. The first digit is the country of origin just like a car. 1 & 4 - US, 2 - Canada, 3 - Mexico (Do they make quads?), J - Japan, K - Korea, etc.

Here's another link that explains a lot of the numbers.

http://www.atvstyle.com/index.php/atv-vin-number

You can search for owners manuals for sale too.

 

it wouldnt hurt to get a manual for this bike if your going to do alot of work on it. the fluids are pretty straight forward and its more of putting the correct fluid back in. if this has been sitting for 3 years w/out running then im guessing the carb will have to come off to be cleaned real good for sure. maybe someone will that year can tell you what you need for proper fluids.