Category:
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) - Utility/Recreational Touring
Target Audience:
Owners of the 2008 Polaris Sportsman Touring 500/800 EFI ATVs seeking to understand operation, safety, and basic maintenance.
Competitors:
Can-Am Outlander, Yamaha Grizzly, Arctic Cat Prowler (ATV equivalents), depending on specific touring features.
Vehicle Type:
Two-up seating capability for recreational touring.
Engine Options:
Available in 500cc and 800cc EFI engine configurations.
Manual Purpose:
To provide a foundational understanding of the vehicle's features and operation, emphasizing safety and user skills.
Engine:
Operation, starting cold/warm, warming up, engine oil, spark plug inspection, carburetor adjustment, idle speed adjustment, valve clearance adjustment
Transmission:
Drive select lever operation, shifting, clutch adjustment
Brakes:
Front brake lever operation, rear brake pedal/lever operation, parking brake, front/rear brake adjustment, front brake lever free play
Electrical System:
Main switch, indicator lights, handlebar switches, battery, fuse replacement, headlight beam adjustment, replacing headlight bulb
Chassis And Suspension:
Rear shock absorber adjustment, front axle boots
Fuel System:
Fuel tank cap, fuel cock, starter choke
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure measurement, tire wear limit, wheel removal, wheel installation
Cooling System:
Indirectly through engine operation and warm-up procedures
Exhaust System:
Spark arrester cleaning
Operation Startup:
Starting a cold engine, starting a warm engine, warming up
Operation Driving:
To start out and accelerate, to decelerate, riding your vehicle, turning your vehicle, climbing uphill, riding downhill, crossing a slope, crossing through shallow water, riding over rough terrain, reverse driving
Operation Stopping:
Front and rear brakes, parking
Maintenance Checks:
Pre-operation checks, cable inspection
Maintenance Fluid Changes:
Engine oil replacement, transfer gear oil replacement, final gear oil replacement, differential gear oil replacement
Maintenance Replenishment:
Replenishing battery fluid
Maintenance Cleaning:
Air filter cleaning, spark arrester cleaning
Maintenance Inspection:
Spark plug inspection, front and rear brake shoe inspection, fittings and fasteners inspection
Maintenance Adjustments:
Rear brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, throttle lever adjustment, headlight beam adjustment
Maintenance Replacements:
Fuse replacement, headlight bulb replacement
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting chart, identifying problems
Storage:
Storage procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive owner's level information, covering basic operation, safety, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or complete overhaul instructions found in a service manual.
Type 500:
Typically a 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder engine (specifics vary by sub-model)
Type 800:
Typically a 4-stroke, SOHC, twin-cylinder engine (specifics vary by sub-model)
Horsepower 500:
Estimated 30-40 HP (exact figures vary)
Horsepower 800:
Estimated 50-60 HP (exact figures vary)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 5W-50 Synthetic Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity (typically 1.5-2.5 liters)
Spark Plug Type:
Refer to manual for specific plug type and gap (e.g., NGK CR8E)
Type:
Automatic (CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission)
Drive Modes:
2WD/4WD with AWD (All-Wheel Drive) engagement
Gear Selection:
High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, Park
Transfer Gear Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API classification (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5)
Final Gear Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API classification (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5)
Length Approx:
Approximately 83-85 inches
Width Approx:
Approximately 46-48 inches
Height Approx:
Approximately 48-50 inches
Dry Weight Approx:
Approximately 600-650 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated for 1,500 lbs
Cargo Capacity Front Rack:
Typically rated for 100 lbs
Cargo Capacity Rear Rack:
Typically rated for 200 lbs
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 25x8-12 or 26x8-12
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 25x10-12 or 26x10-12
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Typically 4x110mm
Initial Service:
Break-in period typically requires an early oil change and inspection (e.g., after 10 hours or 250 miles).
Regular Maintenance:
Periodic checks and services recommended every 50-100 hours or annually, including fluid changes, filter replacements, and lubrication.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 100 hours or annually.
Gear Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 100 hours or annually.
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for exact API/JASO rating and viscosity (e.g., SAE 5W-50 Synthetic is common for Polaris ATVs).
Transmission Gear Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for exact viscosity and API rating (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (confirm with manual).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, drive belts (CVT), suspension components.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on connectors can sometimes be an issue in wet/muddy environments; manual covers basic checks.
Engine Performance:
Carburetor or EFI system adjustments (covered), potential for spark plug fouling.