I have an 2000sp and a friend said his went 57mph so I had to get mine to do the same so first I had on a 6oinch snow plow and could only get it to 43mph. next try I removed the blade and had to drive 1/2 on a paved road while laying flat on the machine to get it to 57mph but I did the minute i sat up it slowed to about 55mph so now if i could find a hill i think i could top him.

I have ebs and am thinking of buying non ebs if I would gain any low or mid range. Does anyone know for sure ebs slows you down?

 

First, let me state that I was not really wondering what the top speed was, just wondering if the lack of power or something is preventing the engine rpm from getting up there in high. I got to a pretty good rpm in low and 2 wd, but bogged down in high 2 wd. I am sure that the addition of 27" tires slowed the quad up, but I'll take a speed reduction over the ability to go near anywhere. The ebs is great, and I don't think it actually slows down the quad when not being used, the mechanical usage is for slowing down only, kind of a "reversing" action of the clutch, it "engages" upon engine rpm reduction. The ease of simply allowing the quad to slow upon letting go of the throttle, and not having to immediately grab the brake is very handy. I know the ebs has prevented premature brake use and wear. Matter of fact, I rarely use the brakes unless wanting to come to a complete stop.

 

Atving...
The extra goodies I mentioned are a rear Polaris Canvas Rack Pack & another cargo pack mounted to the left fender. I did install a K&N as soon as I purchased the quad, but I would have done the same if I bought a new lawnmower. I'm a firm believer in the benefits of a quality air filter. Remember Steve Thompson? Myscrambler? He first had one bad Sportsman. He raved about a kit made by 4 stroke Tech that really increased the performance of his quad. I think it was $325.00 and included a new airbox & intake along with a Mikuni 39mm carb. This, with an improved muffler will be all I do. I like the clutch just as it is, but does anyone know if they make an even LOWER engagement spring than what comes stock in the Sportsman? With the 27" vampires, you can feel the lag when starting from 0mph. Oh yeah..I do need a winch. Sorry for rambling. Its noon here in NC, & the riding crowd meets at 1:00 so I need to go. Happy Trails.

Jerome Coker '99 500 Sportsman, I wife, '99 400 Scrambler (for sale)

 

I don't understand why their is such a difference in out of the box performance in these machines. Mine has never had the belt cover off and will hit 60 with my lard axx on it. I have a '99 500 sportsman with ebs. I have 700 miles on it now and would like to look in the cover. I have always heard "if it ain't broke don't fix it". So I am refraining from doing anything but changing oil and greasing it. I did put on a K&N but can't really tell any difference. I really love the EBS and this being my first Polaris I am sold on the bikes. Like I have said previously' if the EBS is slowing this bike down I would like to ride one without the feature. Gardner10

 

Hey SWAC1
Do you have those 27" Triclaws all around. And how do they handle on trails and mud. I've just been thinking about new wheels for my bike.
Thanks,
Sparke

 

I'm surprised to read some of the top speeds are not faster on the new models. I here that some mods to the carb make a noticable difference. I have a 95 Xplorer 4X4 that would do 60 when it was new. It now does about 56. (five years of pure hell on the machine) My brother has a 95 Sportsman that would do about 56 also. I thought my spedo might be off but his read they same mph, then I could wind it out and pull away from him. On the other hand, my friend has a 96 Scrambler that leaves me behind. All three of these bikes are stock. I'm fixing to rebuild my top-end (bore, oversized piston, and shaved head) for some more power. See if I can hang with the Scrambler.

 

SWAC1-
I really debated between the Scrambler 500 and sp500, and in the end got the sp500 so I could more easily convince the Mrs. that it is a work tool, not a toy. I traded with a buddy who has a 99 Scrambler 500 for a few hours on a ride, and was certainly happy I went for the sp500. Top speed and acceleration were surprisingly close, but the Scrambler was a little more peppy in between. The suspension and seat comfort were a HUGE difference, I had a hard time hanging on the darn scrambler at high speeds on rough terrain. The seat is about half the width, and twice as hard. I was very thankful to finally switch back to my sportsman.
As far as speed goes, I routinely will hit 57 on flat gravel roads on my completely stock machine with about 400 miles on it. I usually use 89 octane fuel with ethanol. I live in Omaha, Nebraska, but I did get it up to 57 again this weekend in Moab, Utah (quite a bit higher in elevation) on relatively flat, hardpack gravel using 91 octane fuel. If I sit upright and tall, the air resistance of my body will hold me to right below 55, so I have to lean over with my face all the way to the speedometer to get over 55. BTW, I weigh 190lbs as well for the really technical people. All this with two warped rotors on the front, rubbing against my brake pads every turn. The dealer just installed new rotors today under warranty, and I can't wait to get it wide open again to see what I can do now. It was rubbing enough that it was difficult to rotate the hubs with my hands when the tires were removed, so there was considerable friction.
I did make a stopover near Winter Park, Colorado this weekend to ride, at 10,500 feet in elevation. I honestly maxed out at less than 30mph! I even got off the machine to see if I had something wrapped around the hubs or something. It was a real dud. So do people who ride at those elevations do something special to compensate for the altitude? Remove the air box cover to allow more airflow? I was using premium fuel, (at $1.90 a gallon in the mountains!) Next year I'd like to do a trip in the mountains, but not if I can only go 30mph.

Scott