Polaris Sportsman 500 h.o touring handling question...

[sachabruneau]

Hey guys, just went for the first time trailriding in winter with my Polaris 500 h.o Touring 2010. Here in Quebec, we have severe winter conditions, icy hard packed public road trails, off-road trails are snowy with 6'' deep tracks in the trails.

My problem is when I do ''high speed'' like 30mph, on hard packed trails / icy roads, the rear of the atv was always trying to drift to the right side even if I was on AWD. It sure is more noticeable when I hit the throttle. It's difficult to explain but I'm trying my best, and if I take the time to write it here it is because it's a serious problem that I found to be kind of dangerous.

Specs of riding this afternoon
I was alone on the ATV , set my tires to 5 psi each, it was ike -9c.

Thanks for the answers!

[AKStew]

I'm no engineer but I would guess that when you tap the throttle there is a sudden torque load from the engine that tends to throw the rearend to one side. Not a lot on this engine but enough to break free in snow or ice. Also, the touring model is purposely made to be a little light in the breeches on the rear axle whenever there isn't a rider on the back.

I don't think I would be too concerned though. After all, shouldn't you expect a little sliding around when you hit the throttle on icy roads?

Stew

[bosnjo]

Do you have Turf Mode? If yes, can you switch it off? Is it the same with Turf on and off? If that makes no change, you have to lift the rear, put it in 2WD and see when you accelerate if both wheels are spinning the same. If not, there you have the answer.

[Russ C]

check to see if turf mode is messed up, see if both back wheels turn when its off

[sachabruneau]

I don't have the turf mode. And yes I would expect some sliding but even on packed snow with brand new tires, the rear always want to slide to the right side... And it really feels unsafe...Maybe you're right and it should be better with a passenger on?

[bosnjo]

Then, if you don't have a turf mode, lift the rear and see if both wheels are equaly spinning when accelerator applied. You have to do that test. There is nothing you can do any further without performing that test, which is gonna tell you what's wrong.
And obviously, there is something wrong. I could bet you have axle/CV problem on the right side and only left wheel is powered, so it pushes your bike to the right.

[RichH]

I know this is simple but... are the rear tires inflated exactly the same pressure, if not the lower pressure tire will have more drag, and on ice......you will get sideways movement.

[sachabruneau]

I'm gonna check all what you suggested this weekend and gonna get back to you guys after!

[atvmark]

The awd system on these units is reactionary. There has to be slip for the system to fully transfer power. The coil is energized to have it primed but a delta speed is still required for full transfer of power. As such you will notice some of the symptoms you describe. Both of my 800s and my 500 HO do it and it most noticeable on very hard pack snow or ice. The back end will wander a bit. The system is working as described unless the drift is constant.

If it is constant or if you have any doubt, try a light to moderate acceleration from a stop on those same surfaces in both 2WD and AWD. I actually watched the front wheels when I did this check and you can see a difference. I still do it periodically. Last done two weekends ago (not enough snow for the sleds). In 2WD your rear wheels will lose traction and the fronts will only turn as the vehicle moves forward. In AWD you should either see improved acceleration or front wheel slip if the surface is very slippery like ice.