Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem


	[All Forums] [Most Popular] [HL Related] [OEM] [Swap Shop] [Scott's Pics]	Chat Inbox

December 8th Second Chance Cyber Monday Sale!

Logged in as: Guest

Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem

Printable Version

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Users viewing this topic: none

All Forums >> [OEM Discussions] >> Polaris >> Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/6/2008 8:30:31 PM

JR88

Posts: 14
Joined: 10/6/2008
From: CT
Status: offline

It's been so long since I've been here I had to re-register but, the site looks better than ever and maybe even less hostile in the brand war department. I've always had Hondas and sold my bulletproof 2001 Rubi last year but I got the itch again and bought a Polaris this time. It was a deal I couldn't resist. The dealer I buy my Arctic Cat sleds from sells Polaris also and I was checking out the new 550/850s but I didn't want a first year model and for $2k less they had a July 08 build, Sp 800 Mossy Oak in the crate for almost the same price I paid for my Rubicon 7 years ago. The 800 looks awesome, rides awesome and does nice wheel stands. The bad: it's ridiculously heavy, the self tapping screw into sheet metal construction they use in places is wicked chinsy, and worst of all I had shifter problems on my first ride out with friends yesterday. The shift rod that goes from the shifter to the lever on the tranny kept popping off on the tranny side. The first time that black plastic clip that snaps onto the shift rod and into the tranny lever just popped out of the lever. The second time it came off of both and I luckily found it sitting on the skid plate at the back of the engine. I snapped back onto the shift rod and then trough the transmission lever, then zip tied the whole setup together and it held the rest of the day. I can't believe Polaris didn't use Heim style joints for these connections. I'm gonna have to make up something reliable before deer camp. Anyone else have this problem? Otherwise the machine rocks.

Also what's with the empty bulb sockets on the clear section of the taillights? Its wired but no bulbs. Are they for reverse and the factory forgot to install the bulbs, or are they some optional work light that my machine didn't come with? I gotta stick a test light in there.

< Message edited by JR88 -- 10/6/2008 8:39:45 PM >

Post #: 1

RE: Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/6/2008 10:05:56 PM

mudman3298

Posts: 294
Joined: 1/17/2008
From: Humble, Tx
Status: offline

i too had problems with my shift linkage and have not found a remedy yet. the empty bulb sockets on the clear section of the taillights are for rear work lights

_____________________________

2007 SPORTSMAN 500
Dirtbmw20 RADIATOR BRACKET
29.5 LAWS
TURNER AXELS IN BACK
HSP PIPE
1.5 IN SPACERS
2IN PUCK LIFT
CUSTOM SNORKELS

(in reply to JR88)

Post #: 2

RE: Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/7/2008 8:48:05 AM

elkbow

Posts: 9615
Joined: 11/23/2005
From: Albuquerque, NM
Status: offline

shift linkages can be hard and stiff when the machine is new, but i've never seen one come apart, unless you are really forcing it if there is a misalignment of your clutches making it hard to shift

the clear lenses are for the work lights, you should have a factory switch from the factory on your pod, that is for the work lights, take it back to the dealer to get the bulbs

_____________________________

Dave

'08 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 Camo
'09 Polaris Ranger XP Camo
ATV Magazine

(in reply to mudman3298)

Post #: 3

RE: Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/7/2008 8:57:43 AM

HIGHOCTANE

Posts: 458
Joined: 7/22/2008
From: North Carolina
Status: offline

My linkage did the same thing. I was being too rough when shifting all the way forward into high, thus hitting the stop in the tranny. Once I learned not to slam it against the stop I haven't had a problem since. Better for that linkage to come apart than for it to break something in the tranny IMO.

_____________________________

2009 Sage Green 850 XP
27" XTR's on 212's
ATV-GURU Brush Guards
2008 Stealth Black Sportsman 800 SOLD

(in reply to elkbow)

Post #: 4

RE: Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/7/2008 6:42:14 PM

JR88

Posts: 14
Joined: 10/6/2008
From: CT
Status: offline

Thanks for the responses. I definitely wasn't shifting it hard, in fact I was shifting it carefully because I wasn't used to the pattern or having it on the right side of the bike. Today I looked at an 05 800 and it actually had (stock) steel ball and socket swivels on the ends of the shift rod. Why Polaris switched to the cheap setup my 08 has is a shame.

_____________________________

2008 Polaris Sportsman 800 H.O. Mossy Oak

(in reply to HIGHOCTANE)

Post #: 5

RE: Sportsman 800 Shift linkage problem - 10/7/2008 6:55:50 PM

wvatvrider