ATV serviceability

[jjeff]

Imo out of a couple previous experiences buying new power sports equipment off a showroom floor I check all the fluids including differentials, grease zerks if it has them etc etc usually before I load or drive it away. Unfortunately you may be surprised what you find, I have a few stories, granted most of the "techs" putting these things together out of the crate are entry level minimally paid noobs unfortunately.

 

[timswi]

I used to have a 2001 Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV that was a pretty good machine and was fairly easy to service. The battery was under the seat, oil filter was fairly easy to access, etc. After I retired I decided to buy a new 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570. What a mistake that was. First annoyance was the battery location. Pretty much have to take a front wheel off to access it. The oil filter is in a very difficult location to get a wrench on and remove without oil going everywhere, Wheel has to be removed for that also. The transmission at times make grinding noise like it's about to give it up. It only has about 500 miles on it, all on farm. However I think I'm about ready to send this one down the road and look for something better. My main question - given the serviceability issues I've stated does anyone have a recommendation on a newer machine? I already have a UTV that is fine but also want to have an ATV for some tasks. Thanks!

I had a 2014 570 Touring that I bought new. I'm kinda with you that the oil filter is in a place that's just out of reach. It was a little bit of a pain. Never had to deal with the battery, Had the dealer put a gel battery in it during a recall visit.

It was a great machine and never gave me any problems at all. Sold it to a good friend when I bought my RZR. If I had somewhere to keep the quad, I wouldn't have sold it.