i own 2 03' model sportsman 500's and 2 04' model sportsman 500's one being the HO. I have had a reocurring problem with the atv's being stuck in reverse. i have narrowed it down and know it is either in the shift linkage or the actual shifter. my dealer tells me it is in the adjustment of the shift linkage, my only problem with that is every time he adjusts it, the machine promptly does the same thing within one or two rides. any help on adjusting the rods right or working on the shift lever?

 

If have adjusted linkage a couple times,then probably shift box wear,especially if shift lever has a lot of slack. Can rebuild,but really need parts breakdown or manual to help you if you do it yourself. Good luck

 

thanks, we tried cleaning the shifter assembly and putting it back together. we will see wether that works or not however i have noticed now that when i place the atv in gear the machine begins to creep. is that a linkage adjustment issue or a clutch issue.

 

its either a clutch issue or the idle got turned up a little

 

Creeping clutch problems on 01 and 02 models usually are the ones I have that have trans lockups! Alignment on clutches,one way bearing usually the cause,will become hard to shift and extra effort on shifter will sometimes cause it to lock in gear,usually they come in locked in low or reverse! Clutch creeping must be addressed first and then adjust linkage and shouldnt have any problems! Good luck

 

well both of the last posts make perfect sense. my idle was turned up a little bit to high and when i blew out the excessive dust inside the clutch it helped slightly. so i guess its off to the dealer to adjust the clutch. thanks old polaris tech and eggenz7 for all the help. on a happier note my 04 sportsman 500 HO is back to normal after adjusting the shift linkage and rebuilding the shifter.