Just got a new 2008 sportsman 500 ho a few months back, has 11 Hrs. on it now. Today I was going up a hill and had to stop then when I tried to pull out the belt slipped I think and it put some smoke out from the clutch area, switched to low range and there was no problem. Is this normal??? I have had an 01 325 Magnum since it was new and never had this problem with it. I am wondering what is up? Do the 500's need a clutch kit that bad or is there a problem I should go to the dealer about?? The hill was steep but the 325 would have handled it in high with no problem.

 

When its in High and you revving high but not going anywhere the clutch is still spinning but not moving thus burning the belt

 

I did not rev it high at all (about 1/4 throttle) and I let off as soon as it didn't go but it still smoked. I guess the biggest question is do i need a new belt and clutch kit or take it back to the dealer since it is still under warranty? and as i said before why is the 500 doing this when my 325 would have had no problem in the same situation. The only upgrade on the 325 is a K&N and dynojet kit, stock clutch and belt with approx. 8000mil on it

 

you shouldnt have slipped the belt on the hill unless you are extremly overloaded, a wet/diry belt or have monster tires on it. did you go thur any water and notice it slipping? depnding on bad you burned it you will have a flat spot on the belt now.

 

The bigger machines have more power and weight, yuo probably didnt hurt it to bad, if you could have kept moving on the hill you would have been alright, but if you have to stop. put it in low to go on, will save the belt and clutches.

 

I agree with Sten. I would also pick up a new belt(should always have a spare anyway). Also may want to look into a clutch kit which helps out a lot with lower end grunt. One of the only drawbacks I have found with the sp's is running in low for mud/big hills but it adds greatly to belt life.

 

Thanks to all. I guess I will just be a little easier on it and see what happens. I may go with new clutch springs first and see what that does and see if the dealer will look at the belt as I am taking it in for the first service this week. Again thanks for the advice and giving me a heads up before I talk to the dealer.

 

I have the same machine non EBS changed belt after 3000 miles but it still looked good ( its now my spare ) I do tho use low when ever I'm climbing steep hills or doing slow trail riding under 15 mph have about 220 hours on the machine now problem free .

 

I HAVE A 09 800 AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE BECAUSE OF THE BELT.THEY CHANGED THE BELT COVER CAUSE THE BELT WORE A HOLE.I WAS IN WELCH,WV. TWO DAYS AFTER AND MY BELT BROKE,I WAS JUST RIDING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. I LOVE MY 800 BUT THANK GOODNESS FOR EXTEN. WARRANTY. O IT'S ONLY 7 mo.s old.