Why are there so many steps to torque the head down on the 500 sportsman engine?
according to the manual I have, I think there are
6 steps total to get the correct torque setting. I think the first 2 steps are
25 foot pounds and then 50 foot pounds. Then after
that you have to back the bolts off so many turns. i'm just curious why.
It seems the first 2 steps would be good enough.

 

These steps are necessary to allow for bolt stretch and the best compression and seal of the metal head gasket. Don't short cut on the torque steps or you could blow a head gasket later on.

Tighten to 30 Nm (22 ft.-lb.).
Tighten to 70 Nm (51 It .-lb.).
Loosen each of the four bolts exactly 180'
( 1/2 tum).
Loosen each of the four bolts again exactly
180' ( 1/2 tum) .
Tighten to 15 Nm ( I I ft.-lb.).
Tighten each of the four bolts exactly 90' (1/4
turn)
Finally, tighten each of the four bolts exactly
90' more.
Tighten the two small 6 mm bolts
to 8 Nm(71 in. lb.).