Author Topic: Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me out!!!  (Read 1160 times)

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Offline lynx/cat-trapper

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me out!!!
« on: December 05, 2003, 05:05:19 PM »
:D  Hi guy's/gals...first time on this part of graybeards forums...I need some help.
I am going to be using a new Polaris 325 magnum starting next weekend. It is new and is going to be used in some VERY rough stuff. It is being used as a "trapping" vehicle down in a VERY rugged area of south/western Idaho and will encounter everything from EXTREME rocks to LOTS of mud and possibly a foot or more of snow. What am I in for??? Any hints/help as far as reliability/service/ would be appreciated. I will be using this on virtually a day to day basis for two months. What is the fuel economy like??? How soon should it  have it's first maintenance? What kind of maintenance is required??
Thanks
lynx
If God hadn't meant for us to eat animals...he wouldn't have made them out of TASTY meat!!!

Offline Old Syko

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2003, 06:35:38 PM »
A 325 is too small for my taste and I can't even remember ever riding one so I hope someone with more experience will offer you some advice but, like any atv the main thing to maintaining it is keeping the fluids changed and free of contamination.

Offline lynx/cat-trapper

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2003, 03:50:15 AM »
My reason for using this (I'd prefer a larger one too!!) is that it is FREE to use for two months. It has NO hours on it and I would like to maintain it as best as possible....dont know much about the belt drive(I'm assuming a centrifical clutch like a snowmobile)...I'm liable to be 20+ miles from my camp on any given day...are these belts susceptable to breakage??? How's the live on them...AND are they easy to change???
Man...sound like a first grader asking questions...lol
Thanks
lynx
If God hadn't meant for us to eat animals...he wouldn't have made them out of TASTY meat!!!

Offline Old Syko

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2003, 02:51:07 PM »
You're right.  The belts and clutches work the same as a snowmobile they're just quite a bit smaller.  When they do wear out they tend to slip but not break.  In other words it's very strange to have 1 break and leave you completely stranded.  Belt life depends on riding style but that being said they hang in there quite well.  My ride has close to 3,000 mi. on it now and is still going strong and I don't cut it much slack.

Offline IATRKYHNTR

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2003, 04:27:26 PM »
The Magnum 325 was listed at the top of the 300-350 class utility quads, they are great for a 325cc quad! The Magnum line of quads by Polaris is a good line up, the have a solid rear axle (less travel then the independent rears) and are shaft drive. (From the belt drive tranny to the rear dif) The Polaris true four wheel drive works like a charm. If you will be doing a lot of water crossing, or will have the chance of the hubs being under water for long periods of time, I would keep some hub oil handy to change out if needed. (Takes only a hex head driver to change the oil)

If you read over the ownerÂ’s manual it will have everything you need to know in it. As for maintenance, Oil change at 50 miles, then again at 100, then every 50 miles there after. I like to keep my Polaris well greased, once a week for me if it is being used every day. Keep your air filter clean to. (I suggest getting a "pre filter" for it, that is a sock like thing you can put over the filter to keep very small particles of dust out) The newer Polaris ATV have a great belt drive in them, there is very lil slip at all in them, But to stay safe keep out of water that will go over your knees while riding! I have had one belt break on my Sportsman 500HO, and that was from a dumb kid trying to drive it like a race quad!! (He thought the hand brake was for the from brakes only and tried to do burn outs on it while I was not around)I like to keep a few items with me when I know I will be in some serious riding conditions, I keep a small tool set with me, (all metric) some tire plugs, a bottle of tire slime, (I would put some slime in the tires to start out with to) a small AC air compressor, A spark plug or two, and what ever else you think you might need.

I think that this quad will do what you need it to do, as long as you keep in mind of the lower horsepower, and you do your part as a rider.

IATRKYHNTR
(Nathan)
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Offline INresponse

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Polaris 325 Magnum...pro's/con's...HELP me
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2003, 01:56:29 PM »
Lynx/cat trapper,

You will love the 325 Magnum for what you are looking for.  I have had one for over 2 years now and liked it so much we just bought a new 330 Magnum for my wife.  I used mine for deer and elk hunting.  Last year it worked great in northern Utah during the elk hunt.  No problems climbing the mountains, going through mud or water and it had little problem in snow about a foot or less.  The deeper snow was a little difficult but I did not get stuck, at least with 4 wheel drive.

Also, I have used it for general trail riding and some very difficult trail riding.  I had no problems on the rocky trails and climbed some pretty rough stuff with little problem.  (except last month I pressed my luck while climbing a steep and narrow rock slope and flipped it over backwards, rearranging a couple parts.....but I probably should have stopped before I flipped it - my bad, not the machines)

To make it short, you will have no complaints with the 325 Magnum...unless you are trying to race the clock.  The downfall is it only goes about 40 - 45 MPH.
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