Hi.

Just bought a "new" 05 Sportsman 800. Less than 100 miles and very well kept. I took it out for it's baptism trail ride last night and the darn thing would randomly start breaking down and backfiring like I got it wet. If I turned the ignition off then on it would go away for a while and then just randomly do it again. The driving conditions were all very different and I never really got it wet. Ideas???

 

Sounds like you have ECM issues, I seem to recall that Popo had trouble with the boxes in the '05s and '06s But I could be crazy too.
Q

 

no recall on the 800's in 05. check all connections and voltage whewn it does it again to make sure its putting out correct amount as these need a steady 12.8 or better if i rememebr right. also if its a lack of fuel realted issue, the fuel pump could be starting to have issues as they did in the 05's. just a couple of idears.

 

Stendori
Do you notice much difference in the power of the '08 vs: the '06? I just bought an '08 Sp 800 and was reading that the HP is supposed to be up to 58 now. I've only got an hour and a half on the engine so I'm not getting in it but compared to my '04 ATP 500 HO it's a freakin rocket sled.
Q

 

yes there is a little power increase and you feel it in midrange the most. imo.

 

Check you ignition coil. I have had several customers with 700s and 800s from the 2005 m.y. with the older design coil have failures resulting in loss of power, backfiring, running on one cylinder, etc. And yes, they were low hours/miles.