Segment:
Two-up touring ATV, emphasizing comfort and capability for extended rides.
Target Audience:
Recreational riders, hunters, trail explorers who value passenger comfort and utility.
Competitors:
Competed against other two-up ATVs from brands like Can-Am (Outlander Max), Arctic Cat (TRV), and Yamaha (Grizzly EPS 4x4).
Seating:
Designed for two riders with a dedicated passenger seat and backrest.
Powertrain:
Fuel-injected engine for improved throttle response, power, and fuel efficiency.
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension for a smoother ride over varied terrain.
Drive System:
On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, performance tuning, EFI system, ignition, cooling.
Transmission:
Automatic PVT (Polaris Variable Transmission) operation, belt inspection, clutch service, gearbox maintenance.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, AWD system operation, front and rear differential service, CV joint maintenance, driveshaft inspection.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension geometry, shock absorber adjustment and replacement, bushing inspection and replacement, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brake system, brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding and replacement, parking brake adjustment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting system, ignition system troubleshooting, EFI sensor diagnosis.
Fuel System:
EFI system components, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service.
Bodywork:
Plastic panel removal and installation, seat service, rack systems, body component repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, battery care, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, error code interpretation (if applicable to EFI system), step-by-step fault finding.
Repair:
Component disassembly and reassembly, part replacement, internal engine and transmission repair procedures.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostics:
Includes EFI system diagnostics, sensor readings, and potential fault code interpretations.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, SOHC, Single Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 76.0 mm
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 39 HP (figures may vary slightly by source)
Torque:
Not readily specified in marketing materials, but designed for strong low-end and mid-range grunt.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with throttle body size typically around 44mm.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane.
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-50 Synthetic ATV Engine Oil (refer to manual for exact spec).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.2 L (2.3 US qt) with filter change (verify in manual).
Type:
Automatic Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) with Engine Braking.
Gear Selection:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, Park.
Drive Belt:
Heavy-duty, high-performance belt designed for ATV use.
Clutch Service:
Includes primary and secondary clutch inspection, cleaning, and belt replacement procedures.
Transmission Fluid:
Polaris AGL Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant (refer to manual for exact spec).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 0.57 L (0.6 US qt) (verify in manual).
Length:
Approximately 211.8 cm (83.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 114.3 cm (45 in)
Height:
Approximately 129.5 cm (51 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 134.6 cm (53 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 324 kg (715 lbs)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 29.2 cm (11.5 in)
Front Rack Capacity:
Approximately 45 kg (100 lbs)
Rear Rack Capacity:
Approximately 90 kg (200 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 680 kg (1500 lbs)
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
4x110mm (common for Polaris)
Atv Safety:
ATV use carries inherent risks; operator training and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount.
AWD:
On-Demand AWD system automatically engages front wheels when slippage is detected.
Engine Braking:
PVT system provides engine braking on descents.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes on all wheels provide strong stopping power.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights and taillight/brake light for visibility.
Features:
Basic instrumentation cluster including speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and indicator lights. No advanced infotainment system typically found on this model.
Features:
On-Demand AWD is the primary driver assistance feature for traction management.
Features:
No integrated connectivity features such as Bluetooth or GPS.
Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or 6 months (whichever comes first).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 25 hours, clean/replace as needed. Replace every 100 hours or annually.
Spark Plug:
Replace every 100 hours or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 200 hours or 12 months.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-50 Synthetic (refer to manual for exact API/JASO spec).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Polaris AGL Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant.
Coolant Spec:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water (refer to manual for approved brands).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Common Problems:
Potential for PVT belt wear over time, occasional EFI sensor issues (e.g., TPS, MAP sensor), and general wear-and-tear on suspension components typical of off-road use.
Polaris History:
Polaris Industries Inc. is a long-standing American manufacturer of recreational vehicles, known for its snowmobiles, ATVs, and UTVs.
Sportsman Lineage:
The Sportsman line has been a cornerstone of Polaris's ATV offerings, evolving significantly in engine technology, suspension, and features over the years. The 500cc platform has been a popular displacement for many years.
Model Placement:
The 2008 Sportsman 500 Touring EFI was a key model in Polaris's mid-to-large displacement ATV segment, specifically targeting the two-up touring market.
