Can anyone identify this quad?

[DustyDog]

I have just bought a Polaris ATV and I don't know anything about it.

The previous owner says it is a Sportsman Xplorer 500 but not sure of the year.

Can anyone identify it from this picture?

Anyone know where I can download a user manual and a workshop manual?

Cheers,
DD.

[Derbyshirequads]

Stick the VIN number on here and I'll tell you exactly what model it is.

Its either behind the shift lever on a plate and starts with a W97....... for example. The numbers after the W denote the model year. This is how the VIN used to be represented before the 4X way. Remove the side panel to see it.
Or
It will be on the chassis along from the left hand A arm. It starts 4X............... and it 17 digits long. This is on the newer machines.

If you don't want to post the VIN you can id it yourself, the 10th digit denotes the year of manufacture.

Hope this helps.

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[DustyDog]

Thanks for the quick response Derbyshirequads, this is what I have found on the chassis -
4XACH50A1XA114255

The 10th character is an X - what does that mean?

Can I tell from this number the actual model and year of manufacture?

Cheers,
DD

[Derbyshirequads]

Here are the details: The VIN number last digit was a 6 not a 5

4XACH50A1XA114256

Model Number/Model Name : A99CH50AB SPORTSMAN 500 99'(RED)
Engine Serial Number : 9920884

Unit Information
Production Date 21/11/1998
Purchase Date 10/03/1999
Registration Date 14/04/1999
Warranty Expiration Date 10/03/2001

2nd Year Engine Warranty End Date No 2nd Year Engine Warranty
PolarisStar Protection Plus Start Date No Extended Service Contract on file with Polaris
PolarisStart Protection Plus End Date No Extended Service Contract on file with Polaris
Extended Service Contract Vendor

Product Type ATV
Model Year 1999
Misc Info This unit is out of the warranty period.

Hope this helps

[DustyDog]

Wow - you're good!

Thanks for all that info.

I can see I've a lot of work to do on this beast (assuming it's actually worth doing).
I was told that it was only a pull-start model, but from reading a service manual it suggest that there should be an electric start as well.
Sure enough, there is a button that looks like a starter button. Dead, obviously.
Just checked the battery and I can see that one terminal is completely disconnected.
never mind for now. The pull start seems to work ok.

I've got another question though, if anyone can help - it starts fine and ticks over ok. But there just isn't any power. Opening the throttle wide causes the engine to splutter and pop a bit. This machine has been sat unused for a while so could it just be a case of needing a good long run?
Maybe I should get a mechanic to look at it.
Cheers for the help so far.
DD

[Derbyshirequads]

It needs a Carb strip down, there's something in one of the ports by the sounds of it, Check the air filter as well, while you at it. Give her a good service and she'll run a treat.

[DustyDog]

Oh dear. Never done that before so will have to get the books out.

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know if it works.
DD