Polaris Sportsman Forest 550 Guide

Owner's Manual
for Maintenance and Safety
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 Forest 550
Sportsman Forest 850

Before you operate this vehicle,
read the owner’s manual
For your nearest Polaris dealer,
call 1-800-POLARIS
or visit www.polarisindustries.com
Polaris Sales Inc., 2100 Hwy 55
Medina, MN 55340
Phone [phone]
Part No. 9923562 Rev 01
Printed in USA
*9923562 *

1
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our
world-wide family of POLARIS owners. We proudly produce an excit-
ing line of utility and recreational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
•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.pola-
risindustries.com.

2
POLARIS, THE WAY OUT and SPORTSMAN are registered trademarks of POLARIS
Industries Inc.
MAXXIS®is a registered trademark of Maxxis International.
Copyright 2011 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.
The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as
translations of the original instructions.
Printed in U.S.A.
SPORTSMAN Forest 550 / SPORTSMAN Forest 850 Owner’s Manual
P/N 9923562

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winch Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

4
INTRODUCTION
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 indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
DANGER
A DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that may 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.

5
INTRODUCTION
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 550 850

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.
Restrictions
This vehicle is approved for OFF-ROAD TOWING 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.
WARNING

7
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow the instructions and
procedures listed here and throughout this manual. See the OPERATION
section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.
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.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.
• Use extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
• Refuel with the engine stopped. Refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refu-
eling 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.
Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide and can cause loss of
consciousness resulting in severe injury or death. Never run an engine in an
enclosed area.
WARNING

8
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.
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.

9
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always inspect your vehicle before each use
to verify that it's in safe operating condition.
See page 44. Follow the inspection and
maintenance procedures outlined in this
manual.
Keep both hands on the handlebars. Keep
both feet on the footrests.
Always travel slowly when operating on
unfamiliar terrain. Use extra caution.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for turning. See page 47.
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.

10
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Never attempt jumps or other stunts.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for driving on hills. See page 52.
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 25.
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 vehicle around on
any hill until you've mastered (on level
ground) the turning technique outlined in this
manual. See page 56.

11
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 53.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for operating over
obstacles. See page 50.
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 48.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this
manual for driving through water. Never drive
through deep or fast-flowing water. See page
49.
Always follow the procedures outlined in this manual for driving in reverse. See
page 51.

12
SAFETY
Rider Safety
Always use the size and type of tires
specified for your vehicle. Maintain the proper
tire pressure.
Never modify this vehicle 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.
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.
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.

13
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 26.
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.

14
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

15
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. Rid-
ing pants with kneepads and a jersey with shoulder pads provide the best
protection.

16
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 a label
becomes illegible or comes off, contact your POLARIS dealer to pur-
chase a replacement. Replacement safety labels are provided by
POLARIS at no charge. The part number is printed on the label.
The following pages repeat the information found on each label.
2x4
OUT
IN

General
Alert



Age 16
Alert
Hill
Operation
Alert
Reverse
Override
Warning

17
SAFETY
Safety Labels and Locations
General Alert
(Multi-Lingual)
Before you operate this
vehicle, read the owner’s
manual.
7173025
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 25 degrees 25.
• To prevent flip-over on hilly terrain, when going up or down, use throttle and
brakes gradually.
7173026

18
SAFETY
Safety Labels and Locations
“No Passenger” Warning
WARNING
NEVER ride as a passenger.
Passengers can cause a loss of control, resulting in SEVERE INJURY or
DEATH.
7175378
Tire Pressure/Load Alert
TIRE PRESSURE IN PSI (KPa): FRONT: 7.0 (48.3) REAR: 7.0 (48.3)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY 575 lbs. (261 kg)
INCLUDES WEIGHT OF OPERATOR, PASSENGER, CARGO AND
ACCESSORIES.
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 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).
7177981
“No Passenger”
Warning
Tire
Pressure/Load
Warning