Hi guys! Been a while since I posted around here, but have been reading from time to time. I wanted to see if anyone has information as to why my ’05 SP500 carbureted seems to go slower these days. It seems my max speed is about 35-40 MPH when it used to be close to 55+ MPH and the machine is running at high RPM's when at 40MPH. The machine has about 2700 miles on it with a heel clicker clutch kit. In addition, I replaced the original belt, since it had a few miles on it, and blew out all the belt dust this spring at about 2400 miles and it ran great then. I do know that it is making a little more noise like a slight pinging from the clutch and I suspect the buttons are getting warn. I live here in Missouri and keep the ATV at my cousin’s house in WI. since we mostly run those trails. I have not had a chance to pull the belt cover off this last time since we had to get back to MO. We are going on another 100 mile trip next weekend and wanted to get your input. Thanks guys!!

 

Bet you a beer the belt is worn out.

 

Take the belt cover off and take a look see. If its the belt stick with a Polaris OEM belt.

 

If it's not the belt, it's somewhere in the clutches, springs or rollers. As suggested take the cover off, check the belt, and clean everything up.

 

I really didn't think it was the belt since it was new this spring. My cousin & his nephew rode it one weekend (with the nephew on my machine) and had to navigate a few mud holes it may be that he was in high & should have been in low & slipping the belt too much. I dunno know... When I was on it last we went 100 miles or so and I didn't notice any vibration due to flat spots. I'm hoping to have some time when we go up there next weekend. I think I can pull the cover give it a cleaning & inspect the belt before the ride. I'll bring the old belt I took off this spring just in case it's in better shape than what's on there now. (FYI - I did replace the original polaris belt with another polaris belt... cost me $85!!) Thanks for the help & keep the ideas coming!

 

The plastic buttons are worn out in the REAR clutch. Fix it now before you have to replace the entire clutch.

 

Hey Overdrive, are you talking about the buttons on the drive clutch or the rollers on the driven clutch??? Thanks for your help!

 

The REAR clutch. There are three plastic pieces that wear out.

 

Can you go to bikebandit.com and tell me what the part number is on the exploded view? I can't find the buttons on the driven clutch???? It doesn't have it in the parts list???? (if I knew how to drop the image in this reply I would... sorry.)
Polaris, 2005, Sportsman, 500HO
Thanks again for all you help!!

 

OK working on it.