how to take plastic off atv

kstrotz29 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 12:54 PM

Anyone know how to take off the plastics as well as the foot pad on a 2011 polaris 500 HO? video would be great! Trying to get her all cleaned up and want to get into the tight spots before i bring it in to the dealership for service... Don't want them voiding my warrenty for "exsessive mudding"!

SN: There are little nipples that I believe pull out, but I haven't the slightest idea how they work and I don't want to rip them off and ruin the hold on the plastics.

Any help is appreciated!

Winterules · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 02:07 PM

Those are plastic dart's you slide the middle out ( its round in the middle ) that loosens things up and you get the whole dart out then . No need to do all that just pressure wash it and take it in . What warranty work are you having done ?

kstrotz29 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 02:30 PM

headlight flooded, but that has nothing to do with mud. It dosent crank up right away, it clicks 7-8 times first... have a feeling my sylinoid (sp?) is going on me and I think its because of dirt build up. Also, an annoying clicking sound on my driver rear tire which I believe also has to to with dirt and/sand in the bearings. I would do this all myself, but I'm not mechanically inclined, hence why I bought brand new with warranty.
Reading through my warranty guide, and various articles, it sounds like they are not scared to void warranty for pretty much anything. I just don't want to give them any reason to screw me... Plus a dirt free bike will last a lot longer, especially in the hot FL sun.
Back to those nipples, is it as easy as grabbing them with a needle nose and pulling them out? Any advise?

Winterules · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 02:40 PM

Needle nose or a slot screw driver ya just pop ( pull ) out the black middle piece . Play around your fiqure it out .

Myroc · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2011, 01:19 PM

I just took all the plastic off my 2012 500. It was very simple. If you look close at the plastic push pins (darts) you will see a little flat spot on the side of the center piece. take a flat tip screwdriver and lay it in there and give it a twist. the center pin will start to come out. At this point get a larger flat screwdriver and repeat the same thing twist it should be far enough out at this point to grab with your fingers. Pull it out and the other part that holds the pin will just pull right out also. I know they sell a tool that makes this easier but the screwdriver technique works very well. If you just start grabbing at it with pliers you will chew the plastic up and it will be hard to get them out. I know this is very drawn out but it goes really quick and is very simple. Other than the plastic fasteners there are several allen head screws and plastic stand offs etc.