I just bought a brand new 2002 SP500 H.O., broke it in and took it hunting. I put 22 hours and 180 miles in mud and snow over 7 days. I washed her up and started greasing the zerks and found water being forced out of the bushings. Some of the water had probably been there for several days. Should I be worried? I just can't bring myself to start greasing stuff in the middle of a fantastic hunting trip, especially with all that mud and crud built up on the machine. How much abuse can this machine take? This machine rocks!

Mark (Very pleased SP500 owner!)

 

You had grease in there allready right? If so then you should be in good shape. The water and crud will have to set in there for a while to break through the coating of grease. This doesn't mean that you can leave it in there for weeks though. Grease as soon as possible but you should be allright.

Scott [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I grease mine once or twice a month and I do ride in mud and water alot, It has 8000milles on it without one single problem.

 

Keep that grease gun as your friend, and it will save you tons of hassle and money!!!!

KT.....There's a rumble in the woods, it's black and sportin' flames....don't blink, or the MODQUAD will get you. WAY TOO SAPPY!!!!!!

 

I would have to agree with everyone....You will be just fine.. I grease mine after every time I ride in the mud and water.

 

I just bought my 2002 500 HO and have all of 45 miles on it now. I can notice the obvious fittings but also noticed some very hard to reach ones as well. Is there a grease gun fitting that will get to those hard to reach places or do we have to remove some plastic to get in there. Also, is there anything in the manual(s) that show you where all the grease fittings are located. I can imagine there must be some where we can't see, especially with the IRS.

By the way, this is the best bike I have ever riden. I have a hard time beleiving what some of these ohter strings are talking about with reliability. My riding buddy has 2001 Grizzly and he can't get anywhere near me on this 500 HO. It ROCKS!!!!!

 

The only grease fitting that I have found that cannot be acccessed without removing plastic is the one on the upper portion of the steering post. I have been told that some folks have done it but it was easier for me to take the front hood plastic off. My owners manual shows all fittings except the one described above.

 

I'm pretty satified now that nothing too bad has happened. I greased everything a second time, and nothing but clean grease came out of the bushings. Also, nothing but clean grease came out of the U-joints. I found that removing the wheels made access to the zerks much easier. We put these machines through a week of hell and they proved to be very rugged indeed. We beat the rims horribly in the rocks, but they straightened out very nicely with a 3/8" eye-bolt and a 2 pound sledge hammer - took only a couple minutes per wheel. I take the wheels off before hammering to prevent damage to the hubs/bearings. I can't say enough about the new Goodyear tires - not one cut, didn't need chains for the snow, and almost never needed 4WD! Does anyone make a rim that isn't vulnerable to dents from rocks?

Mark