Polaris Sportsman 9921848 User manual

1
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)
• Quadricycles
•RANGER utility vehicles
• Victory motorcycles
Always follow the instructions and recommendations in this manual.
The manual contains instructions for minor maintenance, but informa-
tion 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.
For more information about Polaris, visit us online at
www.polarisindustries.com.

2
POLARIS and POLARIS THE WAY OUT are registered trademarks of Polaris Indus-
tries Inc.
Copyright 2008Polaris 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.
2009Sportsman 500 X2 Quadricycle Owner’s Manual
P/N 9921848

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Know Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Polaris Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

4

5
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
As the operator of the vehicle, you are responsible for your personal
safety, the safety of others (including your passenger), and the protec-
tion 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 opera-
tion 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

6
SAFETY
Rider Safety
The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual
and on your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and sym-
bols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading the
manual.
The safety alert symbol, on your vehicle or in this manual, alerts you to the
potential for injury.
WARNING
The safety alert warning indicates a potential hazard that may result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION
The safety alert caution indicates a potential hazard that may result in minor
injury or damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION
A caution indicates a situation that may result in damage to the vehicle.
NOTE
A note will alert you to important information or instructions.

7
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Safety Training
When you purchased your new Quadricycle, your dealer offered a
hands-on safety training course. You were also provided with printed
materials that explain safe operating procedures. Review this informa-
tion on a regular basis.
If you purchased a used Polaris Quadricycle from a party other than a
Polaris dealer, please request free safety training from any authorized
Polaris dealer.
Age Restrictions
This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. Operation is prohibited
for anyone under 16 years of age. Never allow anyone under 12 years of
age to ride as a passenger on this 2-up Quadricycle.
Restrictions
This vehicle is approved for OFF-ROAD TOWING ONLY. Operating a
Quadricycle/trailer combination 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 Quadricycle may be terminated if any
equipment has been added, or if any modifications have been made, that
increase speed or power.
NOTE: The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mow-
ers, blades, tires, sprayers and large racks may change vehicle han-
dling. Use only Polaris-approved accessories. Know their function and
effect on the vehicle.
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings in this manual can result in serious injury or
death. A Polaris Quadricycle 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
a Polaris Quadricycle.

8
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Read and understand all warnings,
cautions and operating procedures in
this manual and on the safety labels
before operating the Quadricycle.
Never operate a Quadricycle without
proper instruction. Take a training
course. Beginners should receive
training from a certified instructor.
Contact an authorized Polaris
Quadricycle dealer or visit the Polaris
web site at www.polarisindustries.com.
Never permit others to operate the Quadricycle 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 Quadricycle.
Never carry more than one
passenger on this 2-up Quadricycle.
WARNING
Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow the instructions and
procedures listed here and throughout this manual.

9
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Never allow a passenger to ride in
the cargo box.
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 a
Quadricycle.
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.

10
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always inspect your Quadricycle
before each use to verify that it's in
safe operating condition. Follow the
inspection and maintenance
procedures outlined in this manual.
See page 45.
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.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for turning.
See page 49.
Never turn sharply at excessive
speeds, which can lead to vehicle
overturn.

11
SAFETY
Rider Safety
If a Quadricycle 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 52. Never operate on
hills too steep for the Quadricycle or
for your abilities. Practice on smaller
hills before attempting larger hills.
Avoid climbing hills steeper than 15°.
Never operate with the differential
unlocked ( ) while operating on a
hill or other irregular terrain. See pages 23 and 31. Always move the 4X4 switch
to ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving
downhill and for braking on hills. See
page 55.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for crossing
the side of a hill. See page 54.
Never attempt to turn the
Quadricycle around on any hill until
you've mastered (on level ground)
the turning technique outlined in this
manual.
>15°

12
SAFETY
Rider Safety
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 56.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for operating
over obstacles. See page 61.
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 60.
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving
through water. Never drive through
deep or fast-flowing water. See page
58.

13
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always follow the procedures
outlined in this manual for driving in
reverse. See page 63.
Always use the size and type of tires
specified for your vehicle. Maintain
the proper tire pressure.
Never modify a Quadricycle through
improper installation or use of
accessories.
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.
Allow a greater distance for braking.

14
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Never operate the Quadricycle on a
frozen body of water.
Operating on paved surfaces may
affect the handling and control of the
Quadricycle and could result in loss
of control. Avoid sudden turns or
swift movement of the handlebars.
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 28.
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 Quadricycle safety,
contact an authorized Polaris Quadricycle dealer or
visit the Polaris web site at www.polarisindustries.com.

15
SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Warning decals have been placed on the vehicle for your protection.
Read and follow the instructions on each decal carefully. If a 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.
The following pages repeat the information found on each decal.
General Alert
(Multi-Lingual)
Before you operate or
ride this vehicle, read
the owner’s manual.
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.
• Never operate this vehicle in mode
on irregular terrain, including hills and
obstacles.
+
General
Alert
+
Hill
Operation
Alert
+
Age 16
Alert

16
SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Tire Pressure/Load Alert
TIRE PRESSURE IN PSI (KPa): FRONT 5 (34.5) REAR 5 (34.5)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY 514 LBS. (233 kg)
INCLUDES WEIGHT OF OPERATOR, PASSENGER, CARGO AND
ACCESSORIES.
Read Owner's Manual for more detailed loading information.
Reverse Override Alert
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 4X4. See Owner's Manual.
+
+
Front Rack
Warning
Tire Pressure/
Load Alert
+
+
Clutch
Cover Alert
Box
Warning
+
Reverse Override
Alert

17
SAFETY
Safety Decals and Locations
Box Warning
WARNING
Remove flammable material
containers from box before filling.
WARNING
Passengers can be thrown off. This can cause serious
injury or death. Never carry passengers in cargo box.
Maximum Box Load - 348 lbs. (158 kg)
Clutch Cover Alert
NO STEP
Front Rack Warning
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. Maximum Front Rack and Container Load: 90 lbs. (41 kg)

18
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 stan-
dards.
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

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SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Eye Protection
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. When-
ever 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.