a mechanic at my local Polaris shop said that Polaris informed them to tell us SP500 owners that it is o.k. to go "up to" 15 m.p.h. in 1st gear, and highly recommended especially for slow "strolling" on the trail or in the woods. stretches the life of the clutch belt alot longer.

 

I use low gear on my 99 Sportman on any semi steep hill or anytime im pulling or hauling something.There is no sense in taking the CHANCE of tearing up your belt for nothing.In fact,even in mud,I'll drop the ole boy in low range.The low range works great and it gives me the satisfaction of knowing that im not tearing up my belt.When in doubt?Use low range.You should;nt have to worry about overheating the engine either,because it is liquid cooled.GOOD DAY TO ALL-----BILL

 

thanks for the input. do you agree with the 15 mph??? thanks

 

A maximum of 15 mph is actually really slow for Low range.I've done 25mph in low range a few times and still had more, with no problems.BUT,you dont want to go to long of a time going that speed in Low.Also,if your riding flat trails,there is absolutly no wear advantage on the belt from you starting out in Low range,since there is no real load or drag on the quad.On flat trails,just keep er in High Gear and worry about nothing.BILL

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My dealer had mentioned once the biggest reason Polaris's come in with burnt belts is because farmers do goofy stuff like try to pull hedges out of the ground in HIGH range etc. He said usually in Low range on something like that the tires give first, where in high range the belt gives first.
c-ya,
Andrew

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Andrew Thomas

'99 Scrambler 400 & '99 Trailblazer, both with RCR mods.

 

After riding a Sportsman in low range, I almost prefer it over high for anything but fast roads. The throttle response is excellent, especially when towing heavy loads. The only thing I have towed in high was a broken down quad, and we were on a road, going about 30mph.