I am new to the Polaris thing.I just bought a 1999 Polaris Sport 400.So far I LOVE it!!!!! I rode it hard today for a 30 mile trail ride.On the way back it started popping as I rode it .It got faster as I accelerated.I have heard this noise before but not near as loud.Can the belt slap the cover and make this noise?Please help .I will do all the repair work myself------ if possible.Also what do I need to look for in servicing my Sport?Any quick mods?I dont want to alter the exhaust because I want it QUIET.Any help will greatly be appreciated... THANKS!!!!!The noise is definently coming from the drive train....

 

It could be your belt slapping, but where is the noise coming from exactly? Is it coming from the belt housing? Or is it coming from the rear of the bike? My guess would be a broken link in your chain. Check over your chain and make sure none of the rollers are broken.

 

This may be a long shot but it will not take you long to check it out regardless. I was riding with a friend one day who was on a brand new scrambler, which has a very similar drive train to the sport if i am not mistaking. His started making a popping sound every time he would take off and it got louder as he went faster. Anyway, we could see that his swingarm was shifting sideways every time he would apply the throttle. We took the cover off on the right side (as if you were sitting on it) that covers the swingarm bolt and as we removed the cover the swingarm bolt fell onto the ground. Like I said, this may be a long shot but it will only take you about 5 minutes to rule it out. Be sure and check both sides if you think this may be a possibility.

 

You are having the same problem I had today. Mine started out with a minor popping noise at the beginning of the ride and got worse as the day went. Unfortunatly I continued to ride and broke the chain!! So now I have to replace the chain, sprockets, and belt. It isn't easy to come out of the woods in front wheel drive only. Mud holes gallore and that eventually smoked the belt. Fix the chain before your next ride or you'll be in the same shape I am in.

Good Luck
Scott [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Depending on the wear on your chain, you may only have to repair one link, or replace the whole chain. Also, if the sprockets are getting worn, put everything new, as worn sprockets will make a new chain wear out faster than normal.