Atv Segment:
Utility/Recreational ATV
Target User:
Owners, hobbyists, and professional mechanics
Competitors Era:
Yamaha Wolverine, Suzuki King Quad, Kawasaki Bayou, Honda FourTrax
Vehicle Features:
4x4 capability (on some variants), robust chassis, liquid-cooled engine
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining optimal performance, longevity, and safe operation of the Xplorer 400
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, carburetor, cooling system, lubrication
Transmission:
Service, repair, clutch, gearbox, drivetrain components
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starter, battery, charging system, troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, lines, pump, carburetor overhaul and adjustment
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shocks, bushings, linkages, adjustment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder, bleeding, adjustment
Steering:
Handlebars, tie rods, steering knuckles, linkage service
Body And Frame:
Chassis components, body panels, seat, storage, troubleshooting
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressures, specifications
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed instructions for complete vehicle and component teardown and reassembly
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed fault finding charts and procedures for all major systems
Rebuild Information:
Detailed procedures and specifications for rebuilding engine, transmission, and suspension components
Engine Type:
2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
Displacement:
398cc (24.3 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
64.0 mm x 62.0 mm (2.52 in. x 2.44 in.)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM30SS carburetors
Horsepower:
Approximately 32-34 HP (estimated, not officially stated)
Torque:
Not readily published, but estimated to be in the 25-30 lb-ft range
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Oil Mixing:
Pre-mix (90 octane or higher gasoline with 2-stroke oil in a 40:1 ratio)
Transmission Type:
Automatic (Polaris Variable Transmission - PVT)
Drive System:
Shaft Drive, 2WD or 4WD (depending on model variant)
Gear Selection:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse
Clutch Type:
Centrifugal clutch
Final Drive:
Sealed O-ring chain and gear reduction
Length:
Approximately 77 inches (195.5 cm)
Width:
Approximately 45 inches (114.3 cm)
Height:
Approximately 44 inches (111.8 cm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 50 inches (127 cm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 7.1 inches (18 cm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 535 lbs (243 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified, but typically limited for ATVs of this era
Rack Capacity Front:
Not specified, but typically around 50-75 lbs
Rack Capacity Rear:
Not specified, but typically around 100-150 lbs
Crash Safety:
N/A (ATVs are not subject to automotive crash safety ratings)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Throttle Limiter:
Not standard, but often an aftermarket or dealer-installed option for younger riders
Roll Over Protection:
N/A (Standard ATV design)
Lighting:
Headlights, taillight/brakelight
Oil Change Engine:
Pre-mix fuel system, no separate engine oil change interval (2-stroke).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 2,000 miles or annually, or as needed based on performance. Specific plug: NGK BR8ES
Air Filter Cleaning:
Check and clean every 500 miles or monthly, replace as needed.
Gearcase Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or annually. Use Polaris 75W-90 Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 90W GL-4).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 24 months. Use a 50/50 mix of Polaris Premium 2-Stroke Coolant and distilled water, or ethylene glycol coolant.
Gearcase Oil Capacity:
Approximately 250 ml (8.5 US oz)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Polaris recommended or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Two Stroke Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, rated for air/liquid-cooled engines (e.g., Polaris Premium 2-Stroke Oil).
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to clogging or requiring frequent adjustment due to fuel quality or debris.
Cooling System Leaks:
Hose degradation or radiator issues can lead to leaks.
Drivetrain Wear:
As with any ATV of this age, drivetrain components like U-joints and CV boots can wear out.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust leaks or silencer packing degradation can occur over time.
Polarishistory:
Polaris Industries is a long-standing American manufacturer of powersports vehicles, known for innovation in ATVs and snowmobiles since the mid-20th century.
Xplorer Lineage:
The Xplorer line was Polaris's entry into the more performance-oriented ATV segment, often featuring liquid-cooled engines and advanced suspension for its time.
Production Period:
1996-1998 marked a specific iteration of the Xplorer 400, evolving from earlier Polaris models and leading into subsequent designs.
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Minnesota)