Segment:
Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, and professional mechanics.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda FourTrax, Yamaha Big Bear, Arctic Cat Bearcat (during the late 1990s).
Unique Selling Proposition:
Focus on the 6x6 drivetrain for enhanced traction and load-carrying capacity in challenging terrain.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, and component repair (carburetor, ignition, cooling, exhaust).
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (PVT - Polaris Variable Transmission) maintenance, repair, belt replacement, and clutch service.
Drivetrain:
6x6 Drivetrain, shaft drive, differentials (front, rear, center), universal joints, and driveshaft maintenance.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, A-arms, bushings, and steering linkage.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brake system inspection, pad replacement, caliper service, fluid bleeding, and master cylinder repair.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, ignition system, and troubleshooting electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, and carburetor service and adjustment.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, hoses, thermostat, and fan operation and maintenance.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, and cargo rack.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and pre-ride inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common operational problems and diagnostic procedures.
Repair:
Detailed repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with detailed steps and specifications.
Adjustment:
Carburetor adjustment, idle speed settings, and brake adjustments.
Assembly Disassembly:
Comprehensive guides for dismantling and reassembling various components and sub-assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Engine Displacement:
376cc (23.0 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
80 mm x 74.5 mm (3.15 in x 2.93 in)
Cylinder Configuration:
Single Cylinder
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 24-26 hp @ 6000 rpm (manufacturer specific, may vary)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 28-30 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (manufacturer specific, may vary)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM30SS (Single 30mm Constant Velocity)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Cooling Method:
Liquid Cooling
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher
Oil Capacity:
2.3 US quarts (2.2 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
Automatic (Polaris Variable Transmission - PVT)
Drive Modes:
2WD / 4WD / 6WD (selectable)
Gear Reduction:
Shaft Drive with Differential Locks (front, center)
Clutch Type:
Centrifugal clutch and drive/driven pulleys
Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher (same as engine oil, shared sump)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
See engine oil capacity (shared sump)
Length:
Approx. 96.1 inches (2441 mm)
Width:
Approx. 44.5 inches (1130 mm)
Height:
Approx. 44.5 inches (1130 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 630 lbs (286 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 400 lbs (181 kg) for rack capacity
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Front Rack Capacity:
Approx. 100 lbs (45 kg)
Rear Rack Capacity:
Approx. 200 lbs (91 kg)
Atv Safety Standards:
Adheres to relevant ANSI/SVIA-1-2010 safety standards for ATVs (general principles apply).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear) for effective stopping power.
Traction Control:
6WD system with selectable drive modes and locked differentials for enhanced traction in off-road conditions.
Throttle Governor:
Present (adjustable) to limit top speed.
Parking Brake:
Mechanical parking brake integrated into the transmission/drive system.
Infotainment System:
Basic analogue instrumentation (speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge), no advanced infotainment features.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; focus on core mechanical functionality rather than electronic driver aids.
Connectivity Features:
None; designed for utility and off-road performance.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 100 hours or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Clean every 25 hours, replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 100 hours or annually.
Transmission Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 100 hours for wear and damage.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belts, suspension bushings, brake pads, and ball joints are common wear items requiring regular inspection and replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetor can sometimes require periodic adjustment due to altitude or fuel variations.
Electrical Connections:
Ensure all electrical connections are clean and secure to prevent intermittent issues, especially in harsh environments.
Polarist History:
Polaris Industries is a long-standing American manufacturer of powersports vehicles, known for its innovation and off-road capabilities.
Atv 400 Lineage:
The 400cc engine size was a popular choice for Polaris in the 1990s, offering a balance of power and utility across various ATV models, including the 6x6 variants.
Production Era:
The 1998 model year represents a specific iteration of Polaris's robust 6x6 utility ATV offerings.