My new ride, few questions.

[bosnjo]

Hi to all!
I'm new on this forum, as I just traded in my CanAm Outlander Max 400 for Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS.
I should receive my Sportsman at the end of this week.
I went to a dealer today, closed the deal. The bike is there, sitting on the showroom floor. It's gonna be 3 days for licence plate to arrive and all paperwork, so I should lay my hands on it Friday afternoon. As you're all guessing, I have few technical questions. Please have some patience with me, as I'm new here. So, if some of my questions have been already answered on this forum, tell me and I'm going to look for them.
So, here it goes:
1) There is no middle headlight. Can I order and install one? The part is expensive? If yes, from what model I have to look for the part. Somebody with the part number already?
2) My girlfriend doesn't reach the rised floorboards with her feet (she's "portable", ehehehehe). Suggestions?
3) On my previous ATV (CanAm Outlander) I've done header wrap to stop excessive heat on my legs. It worked like a charm. Do I have to do the same on Sportsman? Is there a burning legs issue?
4) I have wheel spacers left from my Outlander. Bolt pattern is 4/137. What is bolt pattern on Sportsman (14' wheels)?
5) I will mount higway tires (as I did on my Outlander). On Outlander was hard to find tires as they're 12'. Sportsman's tires, being 14' could be easier to find. The question is, can I buy car tires (I'm riding 90% highway, ATV's are road legal here)? Or should I look for specific ATV Highway tires? They were expensive for Outlander, Maxxis StreetMax.
6) On the showroom floor, I've seen there was an empty space between rear lights. Is the bike missing something, and if not, what is that hole for?
7) Power steering is dissaster on Outlander. It's breaking down on all models. Is it durable on Sportsman?
8) Is there Service Manuals to download from somewhere (as I did for Outlander)?
9) Is there a lockable gas tank cap? I need one as there is vandalism arround, kids throwing sugar to a tank.
10) The speed gauge is analogic, it shows from 0 to 120. Is it miles or kilometers? If it's miles it's gonna be real problem.

And at the end, what do you all guys think about leaving CanAm club and joining Polaris club. Was it smart decision?

Thanks million times to everyone. I'm very mechanicaly skilled, so I do my maintenance alone and invent a lot of stuff. I hope I can help others as well.
Thanks again

[cwlongshot]

WELCOME Bosnjo!!!

I'll answer what I can...

1) The center headlight is part of the pod on the handlebars. All parts are available form the dealer and maybe some of the used ATV parts sources. Try a "google" search for those parts. Unknown costs.

2) What about attaching something the the surface. A kin to blocks of wood on the brake and gas pedal for short people?

3) Some people complain if heat others do not. Its a personal thing.

4) No they will not work. Polaris uses 4 x 156mm for its lug spacing.

5) Car tires will be very heavy and not designed for the beads of the ATV rims. I recommend proper ATV tires designed for street driven ATVs.

6) Just guessing, but your likely correct, something seems to be missing.

7) Its pretty new on the Polaris's too. I have not read of any problems. BUT truth be told, I have not read of the outlander problems either...

8) Yes (Al tho I do not have any links for you, sorry)

9) I have not seen a locking cap. I like the walk softly and carry a big stick approach.

10) Being it goes to 120, I'm pretty sure its Kilometers. I doubt the bike will not see 80MPH.

If the "club" you speak of only accepts one brand of bike, personally I would not want to be a member... Just sayin'. If the brand of your bike doesn't matter to them, why move. I mean I assume you have friends there... Maybe you will convert others to the Polaris...

CW

[Smoothbassman]

Here are my answers

3. Only gets hot of your sitting still on your right leg. If you are moving you don't even notice

6. Nothing is missing. That hole is supposed to be there. I mounted a fuel tank there on my 850 touring.

Enjoy the new ride!

[WilliamBos]

Originally Posted by bosnjo

Hi to all!
I'm new on this forum, as I just traded in my CanAm Outlander Max 400 for Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS.
I should receive my Sportsman at the end of this week.
I went to a dealer today, closed the deal. The bike is there, sitting on the showroom floor. It's gonna be 3 days for licence plate to arrive and all paperwork, so I should lay my hands on it Friday afternoon. As you're all guessing, I have few technical questions. Please have some patience with me, as I'm new here. So, if some of my questions have been already answered on this forum, tell me and I'm going to look for them.
So, here it goes:
1) There is no middle headlight. Can I order and install one? The part is expensive? If yes, from what model I have to look for the part. Somebody with the part number already?
2) My girlfriend doesn't reach the rised floorboards with her feet (she's "portable", ehehehehe). Suggestions?
3) On my previous ATV (CanAm Outlander) I've done header wrap to stop excessive heat on my legs. It worked like a charm. Do I have to do the same on Sportsman? Is there a burning legs issue?
4) I have wheel spacers left from my Outlander. Bolt pattern is 4/137. What is bolt pattern on Sportsman (14' wheels)?
5) I will mount higway tires (as I did on my Outlander). On Outlander was hard to find tires as they're 12'. Sportsman's tires, being 14' could be easier to find. The question is, can I buy car tires (I'm riding 90% highway, ATV's are road legal here)? Or should I look for specific ATV Highway tires? They were expensive for Outlander, Maxxis StreetMax.
6) On the showroom floor, I've seen there was an empty space between rear lights. Is the bike missing something, and if not, what is that hole for?
7) Power steering is dissaster on Outlander. It's breaking down on all models. Is it durable on Sportsman?
8) Is there Service Manuals to download from somewhere (as I did for Outlander)?
9) Is there a lockable gas tank cap? I need one as there is vandalism arround, kids throwing sugar to a tank.
10) The speed gauge is analogic, it shows from 0 to 120. Is it miles or kilometers? If it's miles it's gonna be real problem.

And at the end, what do you all guys think about leaving CanAm club and joining Polaris club. Was it smart decision?

Thanks million times to everyone. I'm very mechanicaly skilled, so I do my maintenance alone and invent a lot of stuff. I hope I can help others as well.
Thanks again

Welcome aboard!! I look forward to you reviews. XP 550 is one of my choices.

[800touring]

on the spodomater it is both miles and Kilometers u have to set it i cant think of how u set it rite of hand but if i get my bike back tomorow i will post a video if u whant.

there are steps for the back that you can get from pure polaris Detail

we have not had a problem with our power stering but only time can tell

[killngrill]

2) you can buy add ons for the foot rest you can stack them i have seen 2 sets ontop of the stock rest
the hole in the back is where a non two up would have a storage box.
can am vs polaris?? i have 2 polaris quads a rzr and 2 sleds. all of them have broke down at some point. if i could do it over again.. i think i would be riding something else.

[Dbez1]

Since most of your questions have been answered, I'll just suggest a search in the "General Discussion" section of this forum. If you use the word "Touring" or something similar, you will learn much.

Just a few additional thoughts...I also have no problem with heat; you shouldn't need to install a third headlight as it's already there (at least on US models); I had some backfiring at first but it disappeared after about 100 miles; take the time to make the passenger seat adjustments as noted in the manual, it can make a huge comfort difference; the fuel economy improves significantly after the break-in period; look up a thread started by Fishy concerning tire size cautions on the Touring, wider tires can rub on the rear. Enjoy the new quad & welcome!

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[bosnjo]

Hey guys,
thank you all for warm welcome and nice suggestions. Last night I've past many hours doing searches in this forum and went to bed at 5 AM because of that. I've learned some things, some were answered here. I couldn't get 14" highway tires, so I've found used 12" steel rims at one polaris dealer and got them cheap. I'll mount highway tires left from my Outlander and this way I'll have 2 sets, Highway and offroad.
I've found on this forum one photo of the speedo. It shows 0-120 but it's to be chosen on setup if it's miles or km's. Nice.
I've heard on 2011 850's there was a problem with oil getting to air box. Is it true or someone is trying to make me feel bad about changing to Polaris?
I've learned here, as well, about belt minimum thickness requirements. Few guys said when it comes down to 1.200, it's time to change, and to use OEM belt.
I know I'm gonna love it. 2 more days and it'll be here. Going from 400cc engine to 850cc must be very exciting.

[Action]

Bosnjo,
I don't think you can put the 12" rims on your new 850 touring because the brake rotors are too big. Yes, there is a problem with some 850's getting oil in the air box. Mine is in the shop for it now. It looks as if Polaris tried a different approach on the 2012's and hopefully they have a solution.

Action