Segment:
Mid-size utility ATV
Target Audience:
Recreational riders, utility users, farmers, hunters
Key Competitors:
Honda FourTrax, Yamaha Wolverine, Kawasaki Prairie, Suzuki King Quad
Unique Selling Points:
Polaris's rider-forward seating, powerful engine options, and capable suspension for its class.
Engine Options:
Available in 400cc and 500cc configurations
Drivetrain:
Often available in 2WD and 4WD configurations
Suspension:
Independent Front Suspension (IFS), Swingarm Rear Suspension
Transmission:
Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) with engine braking
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, valve train, piston/cylinder, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication system
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), sensors, ECU operation, troubleshooting
Powertrain Components:
Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT), final drive, differential, drive shafts, axles
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant flow, pressure testing
Electrical Components:
Battery, starter, alternator, lighting system, ignition switch, CDI unit, fault diagnosis
Braking System Details:
Hydraulic brake system, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, pad/shoe replacement
Suspension And Steering Components:
Front and rear suspension, shocks, springs, bushings, tie rods, steering column, universal joints
Frame And Chassis:
Frame inspection, welding points, chassis components, mounting hardware
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, air filter cleaning/replacement, lubrication points
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine overhaul
Transmission Overhaul:
PVT system clutch inspection, belt replacement, sheave maintenance, gearcase lubrication
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, testing components with multimeters
Suspension Adjustment:
Preload adjustments, alignment procedures
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake fluid flush
Fuel System Service:
Fuel pump testing, injector cleaning, fuel filter replacement
Cooling System Service:
Coolant flush, thermostat replacement, fan motor testing
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approach to diagnosing common and uncommon issues
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable parts
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault codes, and troubleshooting trees
Rebuild Specifications:
Detailed specifications for engine and transmission rebuilds (tolerances, clearances, torque values)
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Engine Type 400:
4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, single cylinder
Engine Type 500:
4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, single cylinder
Displacement 400:
375cc (approximate)
Displacement 500:
499cc (approximate)
Bore X Stroke 400:
Typical: 82mm x 71.2mm (verify with manual)
Bore X Stroke 500:
Typical: 94mm x 90mm (verify with manual)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
Electronic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Horsepower 400:
Approx. 25-30 HP (estimate)
Horsepower 500:
Approx. 30-35 HP (estimate)
Torque:
Torque figures vary by engine size, detailed in manual
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carbureted (depending on specific sub-model)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Typically 3.4 gallons (12.9 L)
Type:
Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT)
Drive System:
Automatic CVT with engine braking
Gear Selection:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, Park
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with enclosed gearcase
Optional Drivetrain:
2WD or On-Demand AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Engine Braking:
Standard feature for downhill control
Length:
Approx. 81.5 inches (207 cm)
Width:
Approx. 46 inches (116.8 cm)
Height:
Approx. 48 inches (121.9 cm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 50.5 inches (128.3 cm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Front Rack Capacity:
200 lbs (90.7 kg)
Rear Rack Capacity:
400 lbs (181.4 kg)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 575-620 lbs (260.8-281.2 kg) depending on 2WD/4WD
Towing Capacity:
1500 lbs (680.4 kg)
Gcvw:
Not specified, but typically Gross Combined Vehicle Weight includes vehicle and trailer.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or annually (whichever comes first)
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 100 hours or annually
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 25 hours, clean more frequently in dusty conditions
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 100 hours
Transmission Oil Change:
Every 200 hours or annually
Engine Oil Type:
Polaris Synthetic 2W-50 or equivalent API SG or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 US quarts (1.9 L) with filter change (verify in manual)
Transmission Gearcase Oil:
Polaris Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant or equivalent 75W-90 GL-5
Transmission Gearcase Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 US ounces (310 ml) (verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, drive belts, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, suspension bushings
Potential Engine Issues:
Valve adjustment, carburation/EFI tuning issues, coolant leaks
Potential Transmission Issues:
Drive belt wear, clutch sheave condition, clutch bearing lubrication
Electrical Quirks:
Intermittent electrical connections, starter solenoid issues can occur with age
Manufacturer:
Polaris Inc.
Founding:
Founded in 1954
Atv Pioneering:
Polaris was an early innovator and leader in the ATV market.
Sportsman Lineage:
The Sportsman line is Polaris's flagship utility ATV series, known for its comfort and capability. The 400 and 500 models represent core offerings in this series.
Previous Generations:
The Sportsman platform has undergone numerous updates and redesigns over the years, with the 2004 model representing a specific iteration of this popular line.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in the USA by Polaris Inc.
Production Years For This Generation:
The 2004 model is part of a generation that likely spanned several years before significant redesigns.