I was riding in some pretty difficult terrain this weekend and noticed that if the front end is up a really steep hill, it is extrememly difficult to shift from low range to reverse. I was climbing in and out of steep and narrow ravines, where going forward and backwards inches and feet at a time was the only way to turn around. It seemed that every time I really had the front end way up in the air, (like 60 degrees or more) I couldn't get it into reverse. The last time it happend I finally had to winch it out of the ravine, I was afraid I would break the lever I was pulling so hard. I tried to wiggle it around and finesse it into gear, but brute force seemed to be the only solution. As soon as I winched it out and onto a better angle, it shifted effortlessly. Anyone else had this problem? I've never run into it before. TIA

Scott

 

Yes as a matter of fact I have. I have experienced the same problems and symptoms you described. I have noticed it not only when the front end is up, but also when there is a so called "load" on the tires,(going over a log, in deep mud,crossing ruts, etc.) it seems to want to stick in gear under these circumstances. My dealer told me that there wasn't anything to do about it. I never had trouble at all on my old Xplorer 300 4x4. I really hate it when it happens but like you said it acts normal as soon as you get it on level or flat ground.

 

Why don't you try getting it into the bind you are talking about and adjusting the linkage, never have had any trouble with my sportsman 500 also what year is your bike...

 

It is a 2000 Sportsman, about 200 miles on it. It is completely stock, no modifications. Unless adjusting this linkage is a simple procedure, it would probably be above my head. Is it just a matter of popping the cover off the gear box and adjusting a nut or something? I could probably jack the front end way up in the garage or something......
I'm going to Moab for a week in April, and I want to make sure that it is in tip-top shape before I get out there. I anticipate running into this same situation with the terrain quite often, although I've never been there before. Thanks again.

Scott
00' Sportsman 500

 

It is a relatively simple procedures to adjust the shift linkage levers by loosening the lock nut and either lengthen or shorten the rod. From what I've heard, it's a break in type of problem that seems to happen after the atv gets a few miles on it. It happened on mine after about 150 miles, it stuck in reverse. With a little pressure on the shift levers, you can tap it out with a "light" hammer blow and then adjust as necessary.

 

Mine stuck in reverse once, and in high another. Had to vice-grip the pawls that the connecting rods attach to to free it up. Then I readjusted the shifting rods, 10 mm wrench loosens the locking nut, then you can easily turn the knurled rods.