sportsman 500 winter prep

[jay27fish]

I recently bought a 2012 sportsman 500 ho that i plan on using to ice fish this year this is my first atv. i have been told that to use it in the winter i have to take the plastic gaurds of that cover the a arms and axles so that snow and ice does not build up and rip the cv boots. i took the rear covers off and it looks fine after removing the fronts though it looks like there is not going to be much protection for the front axles so i put them back on. Anyone have any ideas or do anything like this to their quads for the winter? thanks for any advice.

[Mack66]

Ive never done anything to my eiger 400 but in the winter lots of snow and ice build up on the bottom and I chip it off everyonce in a while. Sometimes its hard to get the plow on but never had any problems.

[whiskywizard]

On my Can-Am outlanders, I add fuel and go. No changing components for winter.

 

Can you post a pic or 2 to help us visualize the issue?

[jay27fish]

how do i upload photos if they are to big to upload? trying to add from my blackberry (i have issues with technology:huh: )

[chris.brock]

A cottage buddy has a 2010 Sportsman 500 and doesn't remove that stuff for winter riding, no problems yet

 

I put my photos on photobucket and it automaticaly sizes them for OFC

[Ice Fishing Ham]

My first bike was a Sportsman 500. I never removed the boot guards when I used it for Ice fishing. However occasionally I did check for build up of ice/ slush when I stopped. I do the same thing with my Outlander 500. I can't recall if there was any time when I need to clear any build up.

 

I would suggest you make a few trips, check on any buildup before you decide to remove the guards. Ice conditions such as slush and temperature will also have to be taken into account.

 

[wormdunker]

I have the same machine. Not too sure about the plastic guards to protect the CV joints. One thought would be to replace the plastic with aliminum plate that wraps around the CV joints. If I remember correctly a new CV joint was $200.00 for my 1996 Polaris.

[GYPSY400]

I take mine off.. There is little to no risk of hitting sticks in the winter .. and it makes cleaning the snow and slush out of the suspension way easier. After a few trips out, you'll see how much slush gets in there and its very important to have the ice away from the cv boots.

 

Also, check your gear oil, if milky.. Change it!!

Edited December 24, 2012 by GYPSY400

[jay27fish]

thanks for the info very helpful i have the backs off but will leave the fronts on and see how it goes