I have a 98 sportsman 500. 1200 miles and 200 and change hours. Every time I ride this thing something on it breaks! I am getting sick of this money pit and am thinking of selling it.... When i bought the machine, I went to the polaris dealer and bought the oil change kit to give it fresh oil. I have all the service records for the machine and all the work has been done at a reputable dealership.

First the radiator fan broke and while doing this it put a nice slice in the radiator. I replaced the radiator and ever since then it runs like crap. Sputtering and has no power at anything over 1/4 throttle. Then today was the iceing on the cake. Snapped the front CV joint crossing a large frozen mud hole! When this thing runs right its great! I am just at a cross roads as to weather i want to keep putting money into it. Buying a newer one is not an option due to financial issues...

 

its like anything esle you buy used, if its been beat on(used hard) it will have alot more wear and tear then most even w/ that many miles. also could just be bad luck in the breakage. did you make sure all the air got out of the system when the radiator got replaced and its not running hot or overheating? just a thought. totally up to you wheather you sink more money in or trade/sell it for a loss and buy a newer one.

 

I ride with the not so proud owner of a 02 Scambler that I've pulled home 4 or the last 6 trips. He is looking for a replacment now.

IMO, if you can't take it out without worrying about it breaking down, sell it. You've lost confidence in the machine and it's no good to you anymore, regardless of make & model.