Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS 2012 User manual

PMS 419
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.
Owner's Manual
for Maintenance and Safety
Sportsman Touring
550 EPS
Sportsman Touring
850 EPS

A card containing important ATV safety information should be
attached to the owner's manual on the next page. If you cannot
locate this card, or if it has been removed, please call 1-800-
342-3764 for assistance.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

The text is printed on 100% recycled
with 40% post-consumer waste (PCW).

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. 9923542 Rev 02
Printed in USA
Improper vehicle use can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH.
READ OWNER'S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
ALWAYS USE
AN APPROVED
HELMET AND
PROTECTIVE GEAR
FOR DRIVER
AND PASSENGER
NEVER USE
ON PUBLIC
ROADS
NEVER CARRY
MORE THAN
1 PASSENGER
NEVER USE
WITH DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL
without proper ATV 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 unless passenger seat is securely in place
THE OPERATOR MUST ALWAYS:
use proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle overturns on hills
and rough terrain and in turns
avoid paved surfaces - pavement may seriously affect handling
and control
reduce speed and use extra caution at all times when carrying a
passenger - dismount passenger when conditions require
make sure passenger reads and understands this label and
passenger safety label
NEVER operate:
PMS 419
*9923542 *
WARNING

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®
• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
We believe POLARIS sets a standard of excellence for all utility and
recreational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of
experience have gone into the engineering, design, and development of
your POLARIS vehicle, making it the finest machine we’ve ever pro-
duced.
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!

2
POLARIS, THE WAY OUT and SPORTSMAN 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 550/850 Touring Owner’s Manual
P/N 9923542

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Features and Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

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. A POLARIS ATV 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 a POLARIS ATV. Keep this manual
with the ATV.
• Never operate an ATV 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 the ATV unless the guest has read this
manual and all product labels and has completed a certified safety training
course.
European Vibration and Noise
The driver-perceived noise and hand/arm and whole body vibration lev-
els of this machinery is measured per prEN 15997.
The operating conditions of the machinery during testing:
The vehicles were in like-new condition. The environment was con-
trolled as indicated by the test procedure(s).
The uncertainty of vibration exposure measurement is dependent on
many factors, including:
• Instrument and calibration uncertainty
• Variations in the machine such as wear of components
• Variation of machine operators such as experience or physique
• Ability of the worker to reproduce typical work during measurements
• Environmental factors such as ambient noise or temperature
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: ___________________________________________________________
####
VIN
Engine Serial Number
Key
Number 550 850

7
SAFETY
Safety Training
ATV safety training is a top priority for POLARIS. POLARIS strongly
encourages you and any family members who will be riding the ATV to
take a training course.
If you purchased a new POLARIS ATV in the United States, your dealer
provided information about the authorized ATV RiderCoursesm that is
available to you and your eligible family members. This training is
included in the purchase price of your ATV. You were also provided
with printed materials that explain safe operating procedures. You
should review this information on a regular basis.
If you purchased a used POLARIS ATV in the United States, you can
enroll in the ATV RiderCoursesm for a fee. Call ATV Enrollment
Express at [phone] or visit www.atvsafety.org.
If you purchased a POLARIS ATV outside the United States, please
contact your dealer or local law enforcement agencies for information
about safety training.
A POLARIS ATV is an off-road vehicle. Familiarize yourself with all
laws and regulations concerning the operation of this vehicle in your
area.
We strongly advise you to strictly follow the recommended maintenance
program outlined in your owner's manual. This preventive maintenance
program is designed to ensure that all critical components on your vehi-
cle are thoroughly inspected at specific intervals.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY in the United
States, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-
638-2772, or visit www.cpsc.gov, visit www.atvsafety.org, or call
POLARIS at 1-800-342-3764.

8
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 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
ATV any equipment that may increase the speed or power of the vehicle,
or make any other modifications to the vehicle for these purposes.
The warranty on your POLARIS ATV 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
Safety Warnings
Failure to operate the ATV 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 ATV without proper instruction
increases the risk of an accident. The operator
must understand how to operate the ATV properly
in different situations and on different types of
terrain.
Beginning and inexperienced operators should
complete the recommended safety training before
operating this vehicle. See page 7.
Never permit a guest to operate the ATV unless the
guest has read this manual and all product labels
and has 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. Never allow anyone under 12 years of age to ride as a
passenger on this 2-up ATV.
Even though a child may be within the recommended age group for operating
some ATVs, he/she may not have the skills, abilities, or judgment needed to
operate or ride on this ATV 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
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.
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 ATV is in safe
operating condition before operating increases the
risk of an accident.
Always inspect the ATV 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 in 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).
Carrying a Passenger
Do not carry a passenger until you have at
least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.
Carrying More Than One
Passenger
Carrying more than one passenger greatly
reduces the operator's ability to balance and
control the ATV, which may result in an
accident or overturn.
Never carry more than one passenger on this
2-up ATV.
Using Alcohol or Drugs
Operating the ATV after consuming alcohol or
drugs could adversely affect operator
judgment, reaction time, balance and
perception.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or
while operating an ATV.

13
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Operating on Pavement
Operating an ATV on paved surfaces
(including sidewalks, paths, parking lots and
driveways) may adversely affect the
handling of the ATV and could result in loss
of control and accident or overturn.
Avoid operating the ATV on pavement. ATV
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 ATV on public streets, roads
or highways could result in a collision with
another vehicle.
Never operate the ATV on any public street,
road or highway, including dirt and gravel
roads. In many states it's unlawful to
operate ATVs on public streets, roads and
highways.
Operating at Excessive
Speeds
Operating the ATV at excessive
speeds increases the operator's risk
of losing control.
Never operate at excessive speeds.
Travel at speeds appropriate for
your skills, your passenger's skills,
and operating conditions.

14
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
Physical Control of the ATV
Removing even one hand or foot can reduce
ability to control the vehicle or could cause loss
of balance and ejection from the ATV.
If a person's feet are not firmly planted on the
footrests, they could come into contact with the
wheels or other moving parts and lead to
accident or injury.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars
and both feet on the footrests of the ATV during
operation. 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.
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.
Practice turning at slow speeds before
attempting to turn at faster speeds.
Never turn at excessive speed.
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.

15
SAFETY
Safety Warnings
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 63. Always move the 4X4 switch to
ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.
Descending Hills Improperly
Improperly descending a hill could cause loss of
control or overturn.
• Always follow proper procedures for traveling
down hills as described in the owner's manual.
See page 65.
• 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 before ascending or
descending a hill. See page 39.
• 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 64.
Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you've mastered the turning technique
(on level ground) as described in the owner's
manual. See page 66.

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
before ascending or descending a hill. See
page 39.
If all forward speed is lost:
• Lean forward to keep body weight uphill. A
passenger should also lean uphill.
• Apply the single lever brakes.
• Lock the parking brake when fully stopped.
• Dismount on the uphill side of the vehicle, or on the left if the vehicle is
pointing straight uphill. Have a passenger dismount first, then the operator
may dismount.
• Turn the ATV around and remount, following the procedure described in the
owner's manual. See page 66.
If the ATV begins rolling backwards:
• Keep operator and passenger body weight uphill.
• Never apply engine power.
• Never apply the rear brake while rolling backwards.
• Apply the single-lever brake gradually.
• When fully stopped, apply the foot brake as well, and then lock the parking
brake.
• Dismount on the uphill side of the vehicle, or on the left if the vehicle is
pointing straight uphill. Have a passenger dismount first, then the operator
may dismount.
• Turn the ATV around and remount, following the procedure described in the
owner's manual. See page 66.
Operating on Steep Hills
Operating on excessively steep hills could
cause an overturn.
Never operate on hills too steep for the ATV or
for your abilities. Never operate the ATV on
hills steeper than 15 degrees.
>15