Champion plugs seem to work good in lawn mowers but not so good in ATVs. I have no idea why.

 

Polaris put Champions in the first year model Sportsman 700s also. Fouled plugs left and right. Replaced all of them with NGK BKR7ES that came through the door and didn't have any more plug related problems. All of you that own the early model 850xp atvs probably went through teething pains on the Champions also. Polaris change different Champion heat ranges twice on these before they stopped fouling. NGK equivalents are out there now.Champions are good for lawn mowers,go carts and weed eaters only imo. .034 shouldn't hurt, like you said the manual shows .036 gap on the plug.