Wheelers running good but sounds like it winds out a bit more than my other 99 sp500 in low range and in high range.Get 54 out of it now and 58 was always the norm. Also when doing 15mph in low range it sounds like I'm doing 20mph or so on other wheeler. Good power,just seems like it almost has a lower gear ratio than it's twin and they both still have the exact same original goodyear tires.
Put a new belt on it a month ago,actually on both. Does it need a clutch adjust? Or???Appreciate the help.

 

Worn down rear clutch rollers/ground down helix are usually what's the problem along with checking out the front clutch buttons while you're at it.Sometimes just blowing out all the belt dust may help a little.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse Plus not necessary to post in both places on the same problem.

 

Hey OPT, thought those 500 Sportsman's topped out around 55 mph

 

Normally around there,but some brand new ones were a little faster. Take two identical machines out of the crates and one will always be a little faster for some reason. Had plenty of customers ask about that when they bought multiple machines and one would out run the other one.

 

My dads 1997 non H.O 500 from new only hit 55mph on flat hard pack.
My 500H.O only goes by it on hard pack by 3 or 4 mph.
The H.O does get to 55mph is less time though and bleeds less speed off on the fast up hill road inclines.

Sounds like 54mph is about right.
Your taking about a 700lb machine with only 32hp, 54mph is not bad.

My friends newer lighter 600lb Honda 500 Foreman 4x4 cant get over 52mph

You can't have a lot of miles if your 500 still has the Goodyear P trackers.

 

Actually I love the factory Goodyear P's. Not sure what I would even replace them with that would be equivalent in quality or even USA made. My 99 bone stock sp500 that will do 58 all day long on flat trails has 3700 miles on it and the other 98-99 that NOW only does 54 has 4600 miles on it. They BOTH did 58 at one time and both speedometers are dead on accurate(to each other anyway). On the 01 HO it would do about 4 faster on top end on same wide open trails, which was 62. And was definitely faster out of the gate but not by a ton. Am trying not to feel so bad now that one only does 54 but am going to look into the buttons/helix as OPT suggested to try and make it right again. When I changed the 700 belts(was just thinking overdue) they looked like new after many years of plowing,miles etc... on machine. Was surprised. The stock belts never looked that good after 100 miles. Highly recommend that upgrade. Only way to go. 700 belts never changed any characterisics of the machine whatsoever other than longevity of belt. same speed,drivabity etc...