Segment:
Mid-size utility ATV
Purpose:
Designed for recreational trail riding, light utility work, and farm tasks.
Competitors 1998:
Honda FourTrax 300/350, Yamaha Big Bear 350, Kawasaki Bayou 300/400.
Drivetrain:
Typically 4x4 with selectable 2WD/4WD engagement.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine known for its power-to-weight ratio.
Suspension Type:
Independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with independent rear suspension (IRS) on some models, offering good ride comfort.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, troubleshooting, tuning, component identification, and specifications.
Transmission:
Clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, final drive, and related components.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment and overhaul, fuel lines, fuel pump, and tank.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant, hoses, and thermostat troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), battery, lighting, starter motor, and wiring diagrams.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, control arms, and bushings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, master cylinder, calipers, brake pads, lines, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Steering column, tie rods, ball joints, and linkage.
Frame And Body:
Chassis inspection, body panel removal and installation, fenders, and rack systems.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, lubrication, filter changes, spark plug replacement, and fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Methods for identifying and rectifying performance issues and component failures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the PDF was generated from a digital source, allowing quick access to specific information.
Output Quality:
Generally high-quality digital reproduction, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Recommendation:
Recommend heavy-duty paper for printing if a physical copy is desired, due to the technical nature and frequent use in a workshop environment.
Engine Displacement:
398cc (approximately)
Engine Configuration:
Single-cylinder, 2-stroke
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions would be detailed in the manual, typically around 84mm x 70mm.
Horsepower Estimate:
Around 28-32 HP (typical for this class of 2-stroke engine).
Torque Estimate:
Significant low-end torque for pulling and climbing.
Carburetor Type:
Likely a Mikuni VM series carburetor (e.g., VM34).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane or higher)
Oil Mixing:
Requires 2-stroke oil to be mixed with gasoline or injected via an oil injection system (details in manual).
Transmission Type:
Automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Hi/Lo range and reverse.
Drive System:
Shaft drive to rear axle, chain drive to front differential (if 4x4).
Clutch Type:
Automatic centrifugal clutch.
Gear Selection:
Handlebar-mounted shifter for Hi, Lo, Neutral, and Reverse.
Length:
Approx. 77 inches (1956 mm)
Width:
Approx. 43 inches (1092 mm)
Height:
Approx. 45 inches (1143 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 49 inches (1245 mm)
Dry Weight:
Around 525-550 lbs (238-250 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Rack Capacity Front:
Approx. 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
Rack Capacity Rear:
Approx. 100 lbs (45.4 kg)
Safety Certification:
ATV safety standards (e.g., ANSI/SVIA) would apply, though specific ratings are less common for this type of vehicle compared to cars.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes on all wheels for reliable stopping power.
Engine Braking:
CVT system often provides some degree of engine braking in lower gears.
Footwells:
Full floorboards with heel guards for rider foot protection.
Handlebars:
ATV-specific handlebars with protective grips and controls.
Oil Change Engine:
Check every ride, change as per manual recommendations (e.g., every 100 hours or annually).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Inspect and clean/replace regularly, especially after dusty conditions (e.g., every 20-40 hours).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100-200 hours or annually. Specific gap and type detailed in manual.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check level regularly, change fluid annually or per hours specified (e.g., 500 hours).
Engine Oil:
2-stroke oil specifically for air-cooled or liquid-cooled 2-stroke engines, mixed with gasoline at the specified ratio (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1) or via oil injection.
Transmission Fluid:
Typically Polaris AGL Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant or an equivalent SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Carburetor Fouling:
2-stroke carburetors can be prone to fouling due to fuel quality or oil mixtures; regular cleaning is advised.
Clutch Wear:
CVT clutches can experience wear over time, affecting performance; inspection and adjustment are key.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can cause intermittent issues; proper maintenance is crucial.
2-Stroke Engine Overheating:
Ensure cooling system is in good order, especially the radiator and fan operation, to prevent overheating.
Polar Heritage:
Polaris has a long history of manufacturing off-road vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles, with a reputation for innovation and ruggedness.
Xplorer Line:
The Xplorer line was Polaris's answer to the growing demand for comfortable, long-travel ATVs suitable for extended riding and hunting.
Engine Development:
The 398cc 2-stroke engine was a robust and powerful powerplant for its time, derived from earlier Polaris engine designs.
Manufacturing Era:
Produced primarily in the late 1990s, with the 1998 model representing a significant iteration.