i just got a 1996 polaris sportsman 500 from a trade and the machine had set up in guys garage for last 2 years without ever being ridden. the atv starts fine now that i got a new hot battery, and does smoke a bit but know thats to be expected. my main issue is that it will not go in gear for some reason, when u move shifter it will move and move parts on transmission but even seems to jump a little bit when shifted but will not move at all when gas is hit. it can also still be pushed while in gear and not sure if thats how it should be. i really need to know what is or may be wrong because i really need to get it ready by hunting season. any ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated....thanks in advance!!!

 

Pull the clutch cover and check out the clutches and the belt. If it's trying to move a little,possible ramp button wear in the rear clutch along with guide buttons in the front and needing a new belt. May be all that it needs.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse Takes a couple special tools on the front clutch plus here's a pdf service manual you can look over the clutch system and how it works.http://gh-ftp.com/ORV%20Manuals/Pola...0All%20Models/

 

Is it even getting into gear? Some times the linkage rods that connect the shifter to the tranny need adjusting.
But if its not moving in reverse or forward then yes take the belt cover off and see whats going on in there.

 

thanks for responding guys, it seems to jump a lil when u first put it in gear and i can see rods moving on top of transmission but not really good at working on atvs. will try to take case off but not really sure what im looking for. does it sound like and expensive fix or something minor?

 

Take the linkage rods off the tranny and force it in gear by hand to eliminate the tranny as the problem.
If you get the tranny in forward by hand then you know its a shifter linkage problem which is usually just a adjustment or the ball joints on each end of the rod are worn out and sloppy.