Polaris Sportsman 9921161 User manual

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WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing a Polaris vehicle, and welcome to our world-
wide family of Polaris owners. We proudly produce an exciting line of
utility and recreational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
•RANGER utility vehicles
• Victory motorcycles
We believe Polaris sets a standard of excellence for all utility and recre-
ational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of experi-
ence have gone into the engineering, design, and development of your
Polaris vehicle, making it the finest machine we’ve ever produced.
For safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the
instructions and recommendations in this owner’s manual. Your 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.
Your Polaris dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your
total satisfaction. Be sure to return to your dealership for all of your ser-
vice needs during, and after, the warranty period.
We also take great pride in our complete line of apparel, parts and acces-
sories, available through our online store at www.purepolaris.com. Have
your accessories and clothing delivered right to your door!

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POLARIS and POLARIS THE WAY OUT are registered trademarks of Polaris Indus-
tries Inc.
Copyright 2007 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 discrep-
ancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publi-
cation. 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.
Printed in U.S.A.
2008 Sportsman 500 Owner’s Manual
P/N 9921161

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Know Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Polaris Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

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5
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
As the operator of the vehicle, you are responsible for your personal
safety, the safety of others, and the protection of our environment. Read
and understand your owner's manual, which includes valuable informa-
tion about all aspects of your vehicle, including safe operating proce-
dures.
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

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SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Warning decals have been placed on the ATV for your protection. Read
and follow the instructions of the decals on the ATV carefully. If any of
the decals depicted in this manual differ from the decals on your ATV,
always read and follow the instructions of the decals on the ATV.
If any decal becomes illegible or comes off, contact your Polaris dealer
to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety decals are provided by
Polaris at no charge. The part number is printed on the decal.
General Warning
WARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE INJURY
or DEATH
ALWAYS USE AN APPROVED HELMET AND
PROTECTIVE GEAR
NEVER USE ON PUBLIC ROADS
NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS
NEVER USE WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
NEVER operate:
• without proper training or instruction
• at speeds too fast for your skills or the conditions
• on public roads - a collision can occur with another vehicle
• with a passenger - passengers affect balance and steering and increase risk
of losing control
ALWAYS:
• use proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle overturns on hills and rough ter-
rain and in turns
• avoid paved surfaces - pavement may seriously affect handling and control
LOCATE AND READ OWNER’S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
IF OWNER’S MANUAL IS MISSING, CONTACT A POLARIS DEALER FOR A
REPLACEMENT.
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SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Discretionary Warning
WARNING
• Never operate this ATV on HILLS steeper than 25 degrees 25°.To p r e -
vent flip-over on hilly terrain, when going up or down, use throttle and brakes
gradually.
• REVERSE operation can be dangerous even at low speeds. Steering
becomes difficult. To prevent flipover, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
• Use OVERRIDE for reverse speed limiter with caution. To prevent loss of
control, never activate override button with open throttle.
• When this ATV is not in operation, or unattended, place shift in the park posi-
tion.
Tire Pressure/Load Warning
WARNING
IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE OR OVERLOADING can cause loss of control
resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
TIRE PRESSURE IN PSI (KPa): FRONT 5 (34.5) REAR 5 (34.5)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY 485 LBS. (220 kg)
INCLUDES WEIGHT OF OPERATOR, CARGO AND ACCESSORIES.
Reduce speed and allow greater distance for braking when carrying cargo.
Overloading or carrying tall, off-center, or unsecured loads will increase your risk
of losing control. Loads should be centered, carried as low as possible, and
firmly secured to the racks. With dual racks, load distribution 1/3 front 2/3 rear is
best. For stability on rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed and cargo. Do not block
headlight. Be careful if load extends over the side of the rack.
Read Owner's Manual for more detailed loading information
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Tire Pressure/Load
Warning
Discretionary
Warning

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SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
“No Passenger” Warning
WARNING
NEVER ride as a passenger.
Passengers can cause a loss of control, resulting in SEVERE INJURY or
DEATH.
Age 16 Warning
WARNING
Operating this ATV if you are under the age of 16 increases your chance of
severe injury or death.
NEVER operate this ATV if you are under age 16.
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“No Passenger”
Warning
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Clutch Cover
Warning
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Age 16 Warning
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Rack
Warning Rack
Warning

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SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Clutch Cover Warning
WARNING
NO STEP
• Moving parts hazard under belt-clutch guard. To prevent serious injury, do not
operate vehicle with guard removed.
• Do not modify engine or clutch. Doing so can cause part failure, possible
imbalance, and excessive engine RPM, which can result in serious injury or
death.
Rack Warning, Front and Rear
WARNING
• DO NOT TOW FROM RACK OR BUMPER. Vehicle damage or tipover may
result causing severe injury or death. Tow only from tow hooks or hitch.
• Max Rack Loads: Front 90 lbs. (41 kg) Rear 180 lbs. (82 kg)
Reverse Override Warning
WARNING
Pushing reverse override button may cause sudden increases in power and
traction if too much throttle is applied. Loss of control or forward flipover may
result, especially in AWD. See Owner's Manual.
All Wheel Drive Switch
Do not push switch to engage AWD if the rear wheels are spinning. This may
cause severe drive shaft and clutch damage. See your Owner's Manual.
Hitch Capacity Label
TRAILER MAX WEIGHT:
1225 LBS. (557 KG) ON LEVEL GROUND
850 LBS. (386 KG) UP TO 15°GRADE
HITCH MAX. VERTICAL WEIGHT: 120 LBS. (55 KG)

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SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Always wear appropriate clothing when riding an ATV. Wear protective
clothing for comfort and to reduce the chance of injury.
Helmet
Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding a
Polaris vehicle, 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
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051039
0006.31