I have a 2002 Sportsman 400. I bought it a year ago and it ran fine until my kids helped my neighbor pull out his atv that was stuck on the side of a creek bank. Now it has lost power. I dont mean engine power, but it sounds as if the belt is slipping. It wont pull up the hilsa as it once did. At first I noticed in Hi gear, but now it also does it in reverse.
I removed the clutch cover and took off the belt. It is really loose fitting - to the point tha it just slipped off. Also, I noticed there seemed to be some belt "burn residue" on the front clutch. The belt is starting to crank between the cleats. I ran it a few feet with the cover off and every once in a while (going up my rock pile), I noticed the belt slipped at the back clutch. Meaning it did not turn the back clutch.
Obviously the belt needs replaced. However, does this sound like it may also be a clutch problem, or just the belt being the issue?
I can tell the sides of the belt has been burnt some also.
Please... Ant feedback will be of great help!!!

Belt!!!!

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2002 500 Scrambler w/ITP wheels,Polaris yellow primary spring with a TEAM roller secodary ,White Bros pipe,K&N filter,HPD shock covers HPD chain tensioner.HPD airbox mod 2003 330 Trailboss EPI pink primary spring,Aaen blue secdary spring (wifes) 2001 250 Trailblazer-HPD pipe&clutch kit,ported and chain tensioner,K&N filter, ported with wiseco piston. 2001 Yamaha Warrior- WB pipe,K&N filter,Dynojet kit. (sons)

like ftwflh said its most likely a bad burned belt. while the cover is over clean the clutches out w/ at leaste compressed air to get rid of the belt dust and buy a POLARIS boem belt and tell the kids to use low range next time

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08' sportsman 800 w/ most of the goodies from the 06' traded- 06 sportsman 800 w/itp type 7 wheels and 27"xtr mudlites 3.0 warn, brush gaurd and rear bumper dalton clutch spring. 08' sportsman 400 stock
more pics
toys; 08' sp.800
08'sp.400
05' yahama vmax
08' gmc Z71 short box
08'dodge avenger awd

Exactly. You beat me too it, stendori. Hi gear at low speed and heavy loads is guaranteed to burn a belt.

It there's a lot of residue scrub it with an old toothbrush and use some kind of cleaner if you have to. Be very careful where you spray it. I like to use starting fluid to clean all kinds of dirty and greasy things because it's cheaper than any parts cleaner I've seen. But it leaves oil that needs to be washed off. Hot soapy water will do. If you wash the pulley surfaces let them dry before you ride.

I always use OEM belts but the new Goodyear belt is supposed to be self-healing. It may be able to handle more abuse. Any one use belts other than Polaris?

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2006 Sportsman 500 EFI with winch, Glacier Plow, Lock & Ride backrest, front brushguard, rear bumper, 8" rear rack extension, thumb-warmer, 3-headlight kit, RAM mount for Garmin GPS 12.

Evo 2X 50cc 2-speed powerboard (scooter) with Power Pipe, velocity stack, ADA Racing air filter, bigger drive gear. Only 55 pounds with 6 HP.

2001 Chevy Siverado half-ton 4x4, regular cab, long bed, Leer fiberglass cap, an old mutt in the passenger seat.

thanks a ton!!! I didnt even know the kids had done it. A neighbor (different one than got stuck) came and told me. Had I not show up, my bike would have been water logged BIG TIME!!! TEENAGERS!!

That's why I don't have kids. I really love kids but I like just being an uncle. That way I don't have to pay for any of the damage they cause.

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2006 Sportsman 500 EFI with winch, Glacier Plow, Lock & Ride backrest, front brushguard, rear bumper, 8" rear rack extension, thumb-warmer, 3-headlight kit, RAM mount for Garmin GPS 12.

Evo 2X 50cc 2-speed powerboard (scooter) with Power Pipe, velocity stack, ADA Racing air filter, bigger drive gear. Only 55 pounds with 6 HP.

2001 Chevy Siverado half-ton 4x4, regular cab, long bed, Leer fiberglass cap, an old mutt in the passenger seat.