Polaris SPORTSMAN FOREST 800 Series 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 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.polarisindustries.com.

2
POLARIS, THE WAY OUT, SPORTSMAN and BIG BOSS are registered trademarks
of POLARIS Industries Inc.
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.
2012 SPORTSMAN FOREST 800 6X6 Owner’s Manual
P/N 9923408

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Winch Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

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.
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
Failure to heed the warnings and safety precautions contained in this manual
can result in severe injury or death. This POLARIS vehicle is not a toy and can
be hazardous to operate. This vehicle handles differently than other vehicles,
such as motorcycles and cars. A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even
during routine maneuvers like turning, or driving on hills or over obstacles, if you
fail to take proper precautions.
• Read this owner’s manual. Understand all safety warnings, precautions and
operating procedures before operating this vehicle. Keep this manual with the
vehicle.
• Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training course.
• This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY. Operation is prohibited for anyone
under 16 years of age.
• Never permit a guest to operate this vehicle unless the guest has read this
manual and all product labels and has completed a certified safety training
course.
WARNING

6
INTRODUCTION
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: ___________________________________________________________
####
Engine Serial Number
Key Number
VIN
(front or rear frame)

7
SAFETY
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.

8
SAFETY
Safe Riding Gear
Always wear appropriate clothing when riding this vehicle. Wear pro-
tective 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 estab-
lished 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

9
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.
Equipment Modifications
We strongly recommend that consumers do not install on a POLARIS
vehicle any equipment that may increase the speed or power of the vehi-
cle, or make any other modifications to the vehicle for these purposes.
The warranty on your POLARIS vehicle is terminated if any equipment
has been added to the vehicle, or if any modifications have been made to
the vehicle, that increase its speed or power.
The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mow-
ers, blades, tires, sprayers, or large racks, may change the handling char-
acteristics of the vehicle. Use only POLARIS-approved accessories, and
familiarize yourself with their function and effect on the vehicle.

10
SAFETY
Failure to operate the vehicle properly can result in a collision, loss of control,
accident or overturn, which may result in serious injury or death. Heed all safety
warnings outlined in this section of the owner’s manual. See the OPERATION
section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.
Operating Without Instruction
Operating this vehicle without proper instruction
increases the risk of an accident. The operator
must understand how to operate the vehicle
properly in different situations and on different
types of terrain.
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.
Age Restrictions
This vehicle is an ADULT VEHICLE ONLY.
Operation is prohibited for anyone under 16 years
of age.
Even though a child may be within the
recommended age group for operating some
POLARIS vehicles, he/she may not have the skills,
abilities, or judgment needed to operate this
vehicle safely and could be susceptible to accident
or injury.
WARNING

11
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
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 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.
Exposure to Exhaust
Engine exhaust fumes are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or
death in a short time. Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Operate this vehicle only
outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Failure to Inspect Before Operating
Failure to inspect and verify that the vehicle is in
safe operating condition before operating
increases the risk of an accident.
Always inspect the vehicle before each use to
make sure it's in safe operating condition.
Always follow all inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in the
owner's manual.

12
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Protective Apparel
Riding on this vehicle without wearing an
approved helmet and protective eyewear
increases the risk of a serious injuries in the
event of an accident.
Operator and passenger must always wear an
approved helmet that fits properly and eye
protection (goggles or face shield).
Using Alcohol or Drugs
Operating the vehicle after consuming
alcohol or drugs could adversely affect
operator judgment, reaction time,
balance and perception.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before
or while operating this vehicle.
Carrying a Passenger
Carrying a passenger greatly reduces the
operator's ability to balance and control the
vehicle, which may result in an accident or
overturn.
Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.

13
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Operating on Pavement
Operating this vehicle on paved surfaces
(including sidewalks, paths, parking lots and
driveways) may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and could result in
loss of control and accident or overturn.
Avoid operating the vehicle on pavement.
The tires are designed for off-road use. If it's
unavoidable, travel slowly and avoid sudden
turns or stops.
Operating on Public Roads
Operating this vehicle on public streets,
roads or highways could result in a collision
with another vehicle.
Never operate the vehicle on any public
street, road or highway, including dirt and
gravel roads. In many states it's unlawful to
operate this type of vehicle on public
streets, roads and highways.
Operating at Excessive
Speeds
Operating the vehicle at excessive speeds
increases the operator's risk of losing
control.
Always operate at a speed that's
appropriate for the terrain, the visibility and
operating conditions, and your experience.

14
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Physical Control of the Vehicle
Removing a hand from the handlebars or
feet from the footrests during operation can
reduce your ability to control the vehicle or
cause loss of balance and ejection from the
vehicle. If the operator's foot is not firmly
planted on the footrest, it could also contact
the rear wheels.
Never remove your hands from the
handlebars while operating, and always
keep both feet on the footrests.
Turning Improperly
Turning improperly could cause loss of
traction, loss of control, accident or overturn.
Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in the owner's manual.
Never turn abruptly or at sharp angles. Never
turn at high speeds. Practice turning at slow
speeds before attempting to turn at faster
speeds.
Jumps and Stunts
Attempting wheelies, jumps and other
stunts increases the risk of an accident or
overturn.
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other
stunts. Avoid exhibition driving.
Improper Hill Climbing
Improper hill climbing could cause loss of
control or overturn. Always follow proper
procedures for climbing hills as described in
the owner's manual. See page 55. Always
move the 4X4 switch to ADC 4X4 (if
equipped) before ascending or descending a hill.

15
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Descending Hills Improperly
Improperly descending a hill could cause loss
of control or overturn.
• Always follow proper procedures for travel-
ing down hills as described in the owner's
manual. NOTE: A special technique is
required when braking while traveling down-
hill. See page 57.
• Always descend a hill with the transmission
in forward gear. Do not descend a hill with
the transmission in neutral. Always move the
4X4 switch to ADC 4X4 (if equipped) before
ascending or descending a hill. See page 36.
• Always check the terrain carefully before descending a hill.
• Shift your weight rearward.
• Never travel down a hill at high speed.
• Avoid traveling down a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean
sharply to one side. Travel straight down the hill when possible.
Crossing Hillsides
Driving on a sidehill is not recommended. Improper procedure could cause loss
of control or overturn. Avoid crossing the side of any hill unless absolutely
necessary.
If crossing a hillside is unavoidable, always follow proper procedures as
described in the owner's manual. See page 56.
Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on any hill until you've mastered the
turning technique (on level ground) as described in the owner's manual. See
page 58.

16
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Stalling While Climbing a Hill
Stalling, rolling backwards or improperly
dismounting while climbing a hill could cause an
overturn.
• Always maintain a steady speed when climbing
a hill.
• Always move the 4X4 switch to ADC 4X4 (if
equipped) before ascending or descending a
hill. See page 36.
If all forward speed is lost:
• Keep body weight uphill.
• Apply the service brakes.
• Lock the parking brake when fully stopped.
• Dismount on uphill side, or to either side if the vehicle is pointed straight
uphill.
• Turn the vehicle around and remount, following the procedure described in
the owner's manual. See page 58.
If the vehicle begins rolling downhill:
• Keep body weight uphill.
• Never apply engine power.
• Never apply the rear brake while rolling backwards. Apply the service brake
gradually.
• When fully stopped, apply the rear brake as well, and then lock the parking
brake.
• Dismount on uphill side, or to either side if the vehicle is pointed straight
uphill.
• Turn the vehicle around and remount, following the procedure described in
the owner's manual. See page 58.

17
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Operating on Steep Hills
Operating on excessively steep hills could cause
an overturn.
Never operate on hills too steep for the vehicle or
for your abilities. Never operate the vehicle on hills
steeper than 25 degrees.
Operating on Slippery Terrain
Failure to use extra caution when operating on
excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain could
cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or
overturn.
Do not operate on excessively rough, slippery or
loose terrain. Always use extra caution on rough,
slippery or loose terrain.
Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain
Failure to use extra caution when operating on
unfamiliar terrain could result in an accident or
overturn.
Unfamiliar terrain may contain hidden rocks,
bumps, or holes that could cause loss of control or
overturn.
Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating
on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to changing
terrain conditions.

18
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Improper Tire Maintenance
Operating this vehicle with improper
tires or with improper or uneven tire
pressure could cause loss of control or
accident.
Always use the size and type of tires
specified for your vehicle.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as
described in the owner's manual and
on safety labels.
Operating Over Obstacles
Improperly operating over obstacles could cause loss of control or overturn.
Before operating in a new area, check for obstacles. Avoid operating over large
obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees. If unavoidable, use extreme caution
and always follow proper operating procedures as outlined in this manual. See
page 60.
Skidding or Sliding
Skidding or sliding can cause loss of control or overturn (if tires regain traction
unexpectedly).
On slippery surfaces such as ice or loose gravel, travel slowly and use extra
caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding. Do not operate on
excessively slippery surfaces.

19
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloading the vehicle or carrying/towing
cargo improperly may cause changes in
handling, which could cause loss of control or
an accident.
• Never exceed the stated load capacity for
this vehicle.
• Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached.
• Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. Allow a greater distance for
braking.
• 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).
• Always follow the instructions in the owner's manual for carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. See pages 62-64.
Operating Improperly in Reverse
Improperly operating in reverse could result in a collision with an obstacle or
person. Always follow proper operating procedures as outlined in this manual.
See page 61.
Before shifting into reverse gear, always check for obstacles or people behind
the vehicle. When it's safe to proceed, back slowly.
Poor Visibility
Operating the vehicle in darkness or inclement weather could result in a collision
or accident, especially if operating on a road or street. This vehicle is not
equipped with highway-approved lights. Operate this vehicle off-road only. Use
caution and drive at reduced speeds in conditions of reduced visibility such as
fog, rain and darkness. Clean headlights frequently and replace burned out
headlamps promptly.

20
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Operating Through Deep Water
Operating the vehicle through deep or
fast-flowing water could cause the tires to
float, causing loss of control or overturn.
Avoid operating the vehicle through deep
or fast-flowing water. If it's unavoidable to
enter water that exceeds the
recommended maximum depth (see page
59):
• Travel slowly.
• Balance your weight carefully.
• Avoid sudden movements.
• Maintain a slow and steady forward motion. Do not make sudden turns or
stops, and do not make sudden throttle changes.
• Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. After leaving water, test the
brakes. Apply them lightly several times while driving slowly. The friction will
help dry out the pads.
Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water
Operating on frozen bodies of water may result
in serious injury or death if the vehicle and/or
the operator fall through the ice.
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 vehi-
cles 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. Operators
assume all risk associated with ice conditions
on frozen bodies of water.