Polaris 500 Sportsman ....Question

[Dana Hillen]

My new (to me!) Polaris "grinds" when shifting from forward to reverse...or vice versa--..I'm guessing the AUTOMATIC transmission is not fully DISengaged.The idle speed SEEMS  to be normal and not too fast...but could the change in altitude from Kansas (where it came from) to Montana make a difference in idle speed??
   This bike is a 2000 Sportsman but only has 140 miles on it.Should i set the idle speed down and see if that cures it??? I just picked this bike up yesterday so don't have much experience with it..
        Thanks guys for any help!!!
                 Dana in Montana

[xnmr53]

For what it's worth, the one that my wife had did the same thing.

[Old Syko]

Dana, lowering the idle speed can help but this is normal at least to a certain extent.  These gearboxes are actually a bit crude having no syncros and rough cut gears with plenty of clearance.  I'd suggest dropping the idle and when you shift, "pop" the thing in gear rather than slowly drag it in.

[Paladin]

idle speed should be about 1300rpm's. Old Syko has a good idea.

[Dana Hillen]

Thanks for the help! I've ordered a shop manual and it should be here in a week or so. It  does grind LESS if i snap the shifter in place rather than just easing it in position...i can live with that.
   This is my first 4 wheeler and i want it to last a LONG time!!
                         regards
                                Dana

[BIGBOREFAN]

Every Polaris I had said to fully press foot brake before shifting or it will grind. I have had 6 and if the foot brake was not pressed before shifting they all would grind. I'm pretty sure this is your problem.

BBF

[Dana Hillen]

I set the idle speed down just a bit (VERY easy to do) and apply the foot brake and VOILA!...problem solved!!  Thanks,eveyone, for your tips and tricks!
                     regards
                            Dana

[Dogshooter]

My 2004 did the same thing and I took it my dealer to check it out. He said they just made some adjustments on the linkage and it don't do it no more.