I have a 2012 sportsman 500 HO that is completely stock and it has been nicknamed the lumber truck because it has a real tippy feel. Even on loose gravel it wants to tip over when attempting a doughnut. I believe the shock springs are adjustable and i think they are set to the lowest setting. It just seems weird because the suspension is just so different feeling than my friends 550 and 850 and it sits higher than both of them as well. Any suggestions or advise on how to make it less tippy and ride smother would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would try cranking the shocks up a couple notches and trying it out. Also, set your tire pressure up a couple psi. In a doughnut you have to really lean in and have the power to break the rear tires free so they aren't really getting traction, just spinning. Try weighting to the front and inside of the doughnut to put less weight on the rear tires. Polaris Sportsmans have probably the most comfortable ride. The newer chassis are a little more stiffly sprung.

 

Doing donuts? lol

The nose is sprung soft, it will nose dive when you take a corner hard or ride down a hill, gives that tippy feeling you describe. Are you keeping it a while? I added Polaris HD front coils to mine, stiffened it up nicely. No more nose diving. I cranked the rear up to the third notch, much happier now. They were $75 for the pair from my dealer. Made a huge difference with stability.

The XP chassis is an entirely different design, not as stout or reliable as the classic value models.


Good luck.

 

Thanks for the help guys so far i have adjusted up the rear springs 2 notches and it seems to be a little better. Im gonna go to my dealer and see if they can order some stiffer front springs. thanks for the advise.

 

Here's the part number you will need.