I have a 2009 850xp eps. When I had between 200-400 miles on it I could get it up to 76mph. Now I have 650 miles on it and all I can get is 70-71mph?? This is on the same stretch I always do my high speed run's at. The rpm's at 70 mph are about 7185. I never checked what the rpm's were at when I did 76. If the machine only did 70 that would be fine. I do not need to go any faster than that but it used to go faster so I think something is up. All I can think of is the belt is slipping or worn some? I can tell no difference at low and mid speeds at all. Seems just as powerfull under 60mph as before? The only difference is the temp is about 50 now and it was in the 70;s before? Any idea's?

 

Very Simple, as the belt gets more mileage, it gets a few thou narrower & this changes the gear ratio (lower) by not letting the driven clutch get maximum expansion. Totally normal.

 

I noticed the same thing on mine. When i had about 300 to 500 miles on it i could almost hit 80 mph. But now that i'm at 1000 miles i only can get her up to 69 to 71 mph.
I did notice that it is a lot easier to pull the wheels off the ground now than before.
When i put my clucth kit in i'll inspect the belt and compair to my spare.
It may be a few week but i'll try to give an update.

 

Mine seems stronger down low as well. Much easier to pull a wheelie. How many miles on your machine now?

 

As Mongrol said the belt wearing some will usually big the biggest reason. Also the little maintenance things can help very top end speed also like tire air pressure, dirty air cleaner and so on. I would suggest double checking the machine over and also cleaning the clutches and installing a new belt if you are worried about all out top end speed.

 

HMMMMM - how often to you go 70+ mph? I took mine 73 one time. I don't like the control (or lack of) when doing over 50. Yes, it's cool to know I can...but - I guess I fear it losing control and rolling. Thats like jumping out the car window while rolling down the highway. I would suggest making it quicker off the line where it counts, IMO.

 

I did check air pressure and set them the same as always, also I just put a new air filter in and new spark plugs. I did these things first to see if it helped and it did not. Thanks for the replies. If it is just a little wear on the belt I feel better. Like I said I do not NEED to go over 70 but I just wanted to make sure nothing is wrong because it used to go faster at the top end. It is good to know my machine is not the only one doing this. Thank's guy's.

 

DUH...I see now you have 1000 miles...

 

Normal belt wear. You guys are nuts! Around 50 - 55 mph and my 05 sportsman 500 starts to feel LIGHT and I even have radials. I have gone 58mph once to see what the top end was but never again on a four wheeler.

 

I've never been on a trail that you could travel that fast. Avg speed seems to be
7-10 mph on my machines.