Author Topic: Polaris Shifting "Just Rock It"??? (Read 972 times)

Turtle · « **on:** September 06, 2005, 07:20:05 AM »

Finally was able to test drive a new Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. Quite a machine. I was however surprised that it was hard to shift between low, forward, neutral and reverse.

The salesman said that all Polaris's do that and you "just have to rock it". Is this true?? Kind of surprised me that you would spend that kind of money for a new machine that you have to rock it to get it into gear/range. Or maybe it's not that big of a deal and you get used to it. Don't know as if I would though.

Otherwise, really liked the machine.

-Turtle-

Special Ed · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2005, 07:57:06 AM »

I don't buy the salesman's comment.

Never had to "rock" my 99 6x6 & I have never had to do it to my friends 600 sportsman.

Sounds like someone doesn't know how to adjust a shift linkage.

old geezer · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2005, 12:11:29 PM »

As long as the shift linkage is correct, when new, they can be a little stiff to shift. It will decrease with use, and you will get used to it. It will never however slide like butter. Most times you may have to shift with authority.

Dogshooter · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2005, 03:31:34 PM »

My '04 500 was a bit hard to shift when I got it and I finally took it in to the dealer's service guy. He told me that IF the tech knows what he was doing, the linkage adjustments will allow it to shift smooth as butter. Mine did, it does..........

markc · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2005, 05:13:16 AM »

I'm not a Polaris owner, but if you have to "Rock it" to shift it sounds like either a poor design, or poor dealer prep.

JEV · « **Reply #5 on:** September 07, 2005, 08:42:12 AM »

No rockin involved with my '02 Sportsman. definatley sounds like a shift linkage adjustment would be in order....

JEV

LongShadow · « **Reply #6 on:** September 18, 2005, 04:26:12 AM »

My 2000 Sportman 500 shifted fairly easily when new. As it has now had lots of hard use it has become more stubborn to shift. Sometimes the nuts on connecting rod ends come loose making it more difficult to shift.

Also, I find it shifts more easily if you are on a level surface. If you are sitting on a surface that can torque the frame. That can sometimes make it nearly impossible to get it out of or into another gear.

Simple Man · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2005, 06:44:12 PM »

My 01 500 scrambler didn't require any "rockin" it shifted just fine.