Really, did not know that. Learn something new everyday. Thanks

 

I imagine both the Sportsman 500 H.O and EFI is on borrowed time with the XP550 being made now. 1996-2009 was one heck of a long run for a ATV.

 

With my SP450 carb, I let it warm up for about 10mins in any condition, after its been a rest for
awhile. One thing I would be careful of is using the CHOKE for cold starts, is not to leave the CHOKE on for warm up etc. Only use the CHOKE for just starting it and once it stays on without kunking out, then stay off the CHOKE. I learned all of this when I had developed some fouled spark plugs and reading lots of POSTS and talking with people! Supposedly NOT Good to do!

Welcome aboard and have FUN with your SP500!

R'

 

Thats how mine behaves also in the extreme cold, pull choke, start and then almost immediately shut choke off and go have a coffee and kill 5- 10 minutes.

 

But I must say its nice to have my 800 EFI. Man that thing will start with no problem anytime.

R'

 

Thanks guys! It's a 2009 Sportsman 500 HO (carb).

 

If you can, learn to change out all your fluids... oil & filter, front diff, trani, and coolant. You can do it more often, and still save yourself a lot of money... the dealers prices are ridiculous for maintenance service.

Check your tire pressure frequently.

Check your oil frequently, and don't overfill.

Check and clean (or replace) the air filter, sleeve, and air box.

Use a good sealant grease on the rubber intake when putting the air filter back in.

Check wire connections frequently, and use dielectric grease on them where possible.

Get the quad up in the air a bit, and check for loose nuts and bolts.

While it's up in the air, clean out any brush, leaves, dirt, rocks... whatever you find in all the cracks and crevices.

Make sure the vent tubes are clear of obstructions.

Learn how to "read" and change your plug.

Spray the rubber boots down with some vinyl and rubber protectant.

Use a good fuel system additive.


That's all I can think of at the moment. LOL

 

I just bought a sportsman HO in oct. the dealership will Give you a checklist.

Break in is 10 hours. not to go WOT until then.

20 hrs. change all front fluids and spark plug and do oil change


every 50 Hrs thereafter same as 20 HR.


thats obviously the basics.


R~

 

You know what would be NEAT is to take a pic of the shelf or cabinet of all the sprays, lubricants, Oils, fluids
etc. etc. that everyone should keep in their shop/garage/shed for all PM.

R'

 

i like my 500. least i can use the recoil to start it if the battery goes dead. its save me many times. on my new 500 and my old 335. good luck trying to start a 800 in the middle of the woods/trail on a dead battery, with no one around.