Polaris Sportsman 550 2014 User manual

PMS 419
Owner'sManual
forMaintenanceandSafety
Read this manual carefully. It contains important safety information.
This is an adult vehicle only.
Operation is prohibited for those under 16 years of age.
Sportsman 550TouringInternational
Sportsman 850TouringInternational
2014
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

1
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our
world-wide family of POLARIS enthusiasts. Be sure to visit us online at
www.polaris.com for the latest news, new product introductions,
upcoming events, career opportunities and more.
Here at POLARIS we proudly produce an exciting line of utility and
recreational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
•RANGER®utility vehicles
•RZR®sport vehicles
• VICTORY® motorcycles
• GEM® electric vehicles
Always follow the instructions and recommendations in this manual.
The manual contains instructions for minor maintenance, but
information about major repairs is outlined in the POLARIS Service
Manual and should be performed only by a factory-certified Master
Service Dealer® (MSD) technician. Please see your dealer for all of
your service needs during (and after) the warranty period.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

2
POLARIS® and SPORTSMAN® are registered trademarks of POLARIS Industries Inc.
Copyright 2013 POLARIS Sales Inc. All information contained within this publication
is based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to constant
improvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor
discrepancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in
this publication. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for
reference use only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any
reprinting or reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole
or in part, is expressly prohibited.
The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as
translations of the original instructions.
Printed in U.S.A.
2014 SPORTSMAN 550/850 Touring International Owner’s Manual
P/N 9924611
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features and Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Winch Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

4
INTRODUCTION
The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual
and on your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and
symbols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading
the manual.
The safety alert symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
DANGER
A DANGER indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that could result in property damage.
The Prohibition Safety Sign indicates an action NOT to take in order
to avoid a hazard.
The Mandatory Action Sign indicates an action that NEEDS to be
taken to avoid a hazard.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

5
INTRODUCTION
As the operator of the vehicle, you are responsible for your personal
safety, the safety of others (including your passenger), and the
protection of our environment. Read and understand your owner's
manual, which includes valuable information about all aspects of your
vehicle, including safe operating procedures.
Ride responsibly. Know all laws and regulations concerning the
operation of this vehicle in your area.
Vehicle Identification Numbers
Record your vehicle's identification numbers and key number in the
spaces provided. Remove the spare key and store it in a safe place. An
ignition key can be duplicated only by ordering a POLARIS key blank
(using your key number) and mating it with one of your existing keys.
The ignition switch must be replaced if all keys are lost.
Vehicle Model Number: ___________________________________________________
Frame VIN: _____________________________________________________________
Engine Serial Number: ____________________________________________________
Key Number: ___________________________________________________________
####
VIN
Engine Serial Number
Key
Number 550 850
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

6
SAFETY
Failure to follow the warnings in this manual can result in serious injury or death.
This POLARIS vehicle is not a toy and can be hazardous to operate. A collision
or rollover can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers, if you fail to take
proper precautions.
Read and understand your owner's manual and all warnings before operating
this POLARIS vehicle.
Safety Training
Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training
course.
For more information about safety, contact an authorized POLARIS
dealer or visit the POLARIS web site at www.polarisindustries.com.
Age Restrictions
This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. Operation is prohibited
for anyone under 16 years of age.
Never allow anyone under 16 years of age to operate this vehicle.
Never allow anyone under 12 years of age to ride as a passenger on this
2-up vehicle.
WARNING
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

7
SAFETY
Restrictions
Towing is approved OFF-ROAD ONLY. Towing a trailer with this
vehicle on public roads is prohibited. See your POLARIS dealer about
configuring the vehicle to be certified to tow a trailer on-road.
Equipment Modifications
The warranty on your POLARIS vehicle may be terminated if any
equipment has been added, or if any modifications have been made, that
increase speed or power.
The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mowers,
blades, tires, sprayers and large racks may change vehicle handling. Use only
POLARIS-approved accessories. Know their function and effect on the vehicle.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

8
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Read and understand all warnings,
cautions and operating procedures in
this manual and on the safety labels
before operating the vehicle.
Never operate this vehicle without
proper instruction. Take a training
course. Beginners should receive
training from a certified instructor.
Never permit others to operate the
vehicle unless they have read and
understand this manual and all product
labels, and have completed a certified safety training course.
Never allow anyone under 16 years
of age to operate this vehicle.
Never allow anyone under 12 years
of age to ride as a passenger on this
2-up vehicle.
Never carry more than one
passenger on this 2-up vehicle.
Do not carry a passenger until you
have at least two hours of driving
experience with this vehicle.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

9
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always wear an approved helmet
that fits properly. Wear eye
protection (goggles or face shield),
gloves, boots, long sleeves and long
pants.
Never consume alcohol or drugs
before or while operating this
vehicle.
Never operate at excessive speeds.
Travel and turn at speeds
appropriate for the terrain, visibility,
operating conditions and your
experience.
Never attempt jumps or other stunts.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

10
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always inspect your vehicle before
each use to verify that it's in safe
operating condition. Follow the
inspection and maintenance
procedures outlined in this manual.
See page 50.
Keep both hands on the handlebars.
Keep both feet on the footrests.
A passenger should always be
seated in the passenger seat with
both feet on the footrests and both
hands on the passenger grab handles
at all times. The passenger should
never hold on to the operator.
Always travel slowly when operating
on unfamiliar terrain. Use extra
caution.
Use caution when operating on
rough, slippery or loose terrain.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

11
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for turning.
See page 54.
Never turn sharply at excessive
speeds, which can lead to vehicle
overturn.
If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, always have an authorized
POLARIS dealer inspect the entire vehicle for possible damage, including (but
not limited to) brake, throttle and steering systems.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving on
hills. See page 57. Always move the
4X4 switch to ADC 4X4 before
ascending or descending a hill. See
page 35. Never operate on hills too
steep for the vehicle or for your
abilities. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills. Avoid
climbing hills steeper than 15°.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving
downhill and for braking on hills. See
page 59.
Always move the 4X4 switch to ADC
4X4 before ascending or descending
a hill. See page 35. Always descend
a hill with the transmission in forward
gear. Do not descend a hill with the
transmission in neutral.
>15°
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

12
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for crossing
the side of a hill. See page 58.
Never attempt to turn the vehicle
around on any hill until you've
mastered (on level ground) the
turning technique outlined in this
manual.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for braking if
you stall or roll backwards while
climbing a hill. Never back down a
hill. See page 60.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for operating
over obstacles. See page 63.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for operating
on slippery or loose surfaces. Use
extra caution. Always avoid skidding
or sliding. See page 56.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

13
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving
through water. Never drive through
deep or fast-flowing water. See page
62.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving in
reverse. See page 64.
Always use the size and type of tires
specified for your vehicle. Maintain
the proper tire pressure.
Never modify the vehicle through improper installation or use of accessories.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

14
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Never exceed the stated load
capacity for your vehicle. Cargo
must be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed
and follow the instructions in this
manual for carrying cargo or towing.
See pages 66-68. Allow a greater
distance for braking.
Never operate the vehicle on a
frozen body of water unless you
have independently verified that the
ice is sufficiently thick to support the
weight and moving force of the
vehicle, you and your cargo,
together with any other vehicles in
your party. Variances in snow depth
and/or water currents may result in
uneven ice thickness. Always check
with local authorities and residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over
your entire route. Vehicle operators assume all risk associated with ice
conditions on frozen bodies of water.
Operating on paved surfaces may affect the handling and control of the vehicle
and could result in loss of control. Avoid sudden turns or swift movement of the
handlebars.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

15
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always remove the ignition key when
the vehicle is not in use to prevent
unauthorized use or accidental
starting.
Always unlock the steering before starting the engine. See page 31.
Handling Gasoline
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.
• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
• Always refuel with the engine stopped, and outdoors or in a well ventilated
area.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where
refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.
• Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap
and water and change clothing.
Hot components can cause serious burns and fire. Do not touch hot exhaust
system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust
system.
For more information about safety, contact an authorized
POLARIS dealer or visit the POLARIS web site at
www.polarisindustries.com.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

16
SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Always wear protective clothing to reduce the chance of injury.
Helmet
Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety
standards.
Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) label.
Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania
bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists
of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has
granted approval. The approval number and serial
number will also be displayed on the label.
Helmet
Eye Protection
Gloves
Boots
Long Pants
Long
Sleeves
E
4
051039
0006.31
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

17
SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Eye Protection
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection.
Whenever riding a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles
or use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends
wearing approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing
markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye
wear is kept clean.
Gloves
Off-road style gloves with knuckle pads are the best for comfort and
protection.
Boots
The best footwear is a pair of sturdy over-the-calf boots with low heels.
Clothing
Always wear long sleeves and long pants to protect arms and legs.
Riding pants with kneepads and a jersey with shoulder pads provide the
best protection.
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

18
SAFETY
Safety Labels and Locations
Warning labels have been placed on the vehicle for your protection.
Read and follow the instructions on each label carefully. If any of the
labels shown in this manual differ from the labels on your vehicle,
always read and follow the instructions of the labels on the vehicle.
If an informational or graphic label becomes illegible or comes off,
contact your POLARIS dealer to purchase a replacement. Replacement
safety labels are provided by POLARIS at no charge. The part number is
printed on the label.
2x4
Trip1
km mi
RPM
F
E
88
:
88
General
Alert Age 16
Alert
Hill
Operation
Alert
Reverse
Override
Warning
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine

19
SAFETY
Safety Labels and Locations
General Alert
(Multi-Lingual)
Before you operate or
ride this vehicle, read
the owner’s manual.
7174362
Reverse Override Warning/4X4 Caution
WARNING
Improper use of the override button can lead to loss of control resulting in severe
injury or death. Do not activate override while throttle is engaged. Always apply
throttle gradually, while in reverse.
CAUTION
Do not push switch to engage 4X4 (AWD) if the rear wheels are spinning. This
may cause severe drive shaft and clutch damage. 7175512
Hill Operation Alert
• Never operate this vehicle on HILLS steeper than 15 degrees 15°.
• To prevent flip-over on hilly terrain, when going up or down, use throttle and
brakes gradually. 7174361
Tire Pressure/Load Alert
TIRE PRESSURE IN PSI (KPa):
Front: 7.0 psi (48.3 kPa)
Rear: 7.0 psi (48.3 kPa)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY 735 lbs. (333 kg)
INCLUDES WEIGHT OF OPERATOR,
PASSENGER, CARGO AND ACCESSORIES.
Read Owner’s Manual for more detailed loading
information.
NEVER exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) when rear
cargo loads are above 75 lbs. (34 kg) and/or front
cargo loads are above 37 lbs. (17 kg).
NEVER exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) while carrying
a passenger.
NEVER exceed 10 MPH (16 km/h) when rear cargo loads are above 200 lbs.
(91 kg) and/or front cargo loads are above 100 lbs. (45 kg). 7177977
PASSENGER
UNDER
12
Tire Pressure/Load
Alert
Downloaded from ManualsNet.com search engine