IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle. Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com.

2027 Sportsman 500 Owner’s Manual

P/N 9942518

Trademarks

AUTOLITE® is a registered trademark of BMO HARRIS BANK N.A. BatteryMINDer® is a registered trademark of VDC Electronics, Inc. MacPherson Ride® is a registered trademark of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. NGK® is a registered trademark of NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. RiderCourse^SM is a service trademark of Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. TOP TIER DETERGENT GASOLINE® is a registered trademark of GENERAL MOTORS LLC. Torx® is a registered trademark of ACUMENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLC. Tread Lightly^SM is a service mark of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.

Copyright Information

Copyright 2026 Polaris Industries Inc. All information contained within this publication is based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to constant improvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor discrepancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publication. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any reprinting or reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or in part, is expressly prohibited.

The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as translations of the original instructions.

Printing

Printed in U.S.A.

i 2027 Sportsman 500 Owner's Manual
ii Welcome
iii Safety Symbols and Signal Words
Chapter 1: Introduction
- 1.1.1: Important Warning About This Manual
- 1.1.2: Vehicle Identification Numbers
- 1.1.3: Reporting Safety Defects (Canada)
Chapter 2: Safety
- 2.2.1: Safety Training
- 2.2.2: Safe Riding Gear
  - 2.2.2.1: Helmet
  - 2.2.2.2: Eye Protection
  - 2.2.2.3: Gloves
  - 2.2.2.4: Boots
  - 2.2.2.5: Clothing
  - 2.2.2.6: Additional Protective Gear
- 2.2.3: Safety Warnings
  - 2.2.3.1: Operating Without Instruction
  - 2.2.3.2: Age Restrictions
  - 2.2.3.3: Using Alcohol or Drugs
  - 2.2.3.4: Failure to Inspect Before Operating
  - 2.2.3.5: Handling Gasoline
  - 2.2.3.6: Exposure to Exhaust
  - 2.2.3.7: Operating on Pavement
  - 2.2.3.8: Operating on Public Roads
  - 2.2.3.9: Operating at Excessive Speeds
  - 2.2.3.10: Physical Control of the Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.11: Turning Improperly
  - 2.2.3.12: Jumps and Stunts
  - 2.2.3.13: Improper Hill Climbing
  - 2.2.3.14: Descending Hills Improperly
  - 2.2.3.15: Crossing Hillsides
  - 2.2.3.16: Stalling While Climbing a Hill
  - 2.2.3.17: Operating on Steep Hills
  - 2.2.3.18: Operating on Slippery Terrain
  - 2.2.3.19: Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain
  - 2.2.3.20: Improper Tire Maintenance
  - 2.2.3.21: Operating Improperly in Reverse
  - 2.2.3.22: Operating Over Obstacles
  - 2.2.3.23: Skidding or Sliding
  - 2.2.3.24: Operating a Damaged Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.25: Operating Through Water
  - 2.2.3.26: Improper Cargo Loading
  - 2.2.3.27: Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water
  - 2.2.3.28: Poor Visibility
  - 2.2.3.29: Physical Skills
  - 2.2.3.30: Hot Exhaust Systems
  - 2.2.3.31: Trailer Hitch Warning (If Equipped)
  - 2.2.3.32: Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle
  - 2.2.3.33: Equipment Modifications
- 2.2.4: Safety Labels and Locations
  - 2.2.4.1: General Warning
  - 2.2.4.2: Age 16 Warning
  - 2.2.4.3: Reverse Override
  - 2.2.4.4: Clutch Cover Warning
  - 2.2.4.5: Tire Pressure / Load Warning
  - 2.2.4.6: No Passenger Warning
  - 2.2.4.7: Discretionary Warning
  - 2.2.4.8: Front Rack / Container Warning
  - 2.2.4.9: Rear Rack Warning
  - 2.2.4.10: Hitch Decal
Chapter 3: Features and Controls
- 3.3.1: Overview
- 3.3.2: Ignition Switch
- 3.3.3: Left-Hand Controls
  - 3.3.3.1: Engine Stop Switch
  - 3.3.3.2: Mode / Reverse Override Switch
  - 3.3.3.3: Headlight Switch
- 3.3.4: Right-Hand Controls
  - 3.3.4.1: Throttle Lever
- 3.3.5: Brake System
  - 3.3.5.1: Brake Lever
  - 3.3.5.2: Master Cylinder / Brake Fluid
  - 3.3.5.3: Temporary Brake Lock
  - 3.3.5.4: Auxiliary Foot Brake
  - 3.3.5.5: Brake Fluid Level
- 3.3.6: Automatic Transmission Gear Selector
- 3.3.7: Instrument Cluster
  - 3.3.7.1: Indicator Lamps
  - 3.3.7.2: No Button Gauge
  - 3.3.7.3: Display Area 1
  - 3.3.7.4: Display Area 2
- 3.3.8: Options Menu
  - 3.3.8.1: Diagnostic Code
  - 3.3.8.2: Unit Selection Distance
  - 3.3.8.3: Unit Selection Temperature
  - 3.3.8.4: Clock (If Equipped)
  - 3.3.8.5: Back Light Color
  - 3.3.8.6: Back Light Level
  - 3.3.8.7: Service Hours
  - 3.3.8.8: Electronic Power Steering (EPS) (If Equipped)
- 3.3.9: Battery Charge Port
- 3.3.10: Fuel Cap
Chapter 4: Operation
- 4.4.1: Safe Operation Practices
- 4.4.2: Trail Etiquette
- 4.4.3: Know Your Riding Area/Tread Lightly^SM
- 4.4.4: Vehicle Break-In Period
  - 4.4.4.1: Engine and Drivetrain Break-In
  - 4.4.4.2: Brake System Break-In
  - 4.4.4.3: PVT Break-In (Clutches / Belt)
- 4.4.5: Pre-Ride Inspection
- 4.4.6: Driving Procedures
  - 4.4.6.1: New Operator Driving Procedures
  - 4.4.6.2: Turning the Vehicle
  - 4.4.6.3: Driving on Slippery Surfaces
  - 4.4.6.4: Driving Uphill
  - 4.4.6.5: Driving Downhill
  - 4.4.6.6: Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling)
  - 4.4.6.7: Turning Around on a Hill (K-Turn)
  - 4.4.6.8: Driving Through Water
  - 4.4.6.9: Driving Over Obstacles
  - 4.4.6.10: Driving in Reverse
- 4.4.7: Starting the Engine
  - 4.4.7.1: Cold Weather Operation
- 4.4.8: Stopping the Engine
- 4.4.9: Parking the Vehicle
  - 4.4.9.1: Parking on an Incline
- 4.4.10: Hauling Cargo
  - 4.4.10.1: Cargo Warning
  - 4.4.10.2: Hauling Cargo Guidelines
  - 4.4.10.3: Towing Loads
  - 4.4.10.4: Towing Your Vehicle
Chapter 5: Winch Guide
- 5.5.1: Winch Safety
- 5.5.2: Winch Safety Precautions
- 5.5.3: Winch Operation
- 5.5.4: Winch Cable Care
- 5.5.5: Shock Loading
- 5.5.6: Winch Maintenance and Service Safety
Chapter 6: Emission Control Systems
- 6.6.1: Noise Emission Control System
- 6.6.2: Operation on Public Lands in the U.S.A.
- 6.6.3: Crankcase Emission Control System
- 6.6.4: Exhaust Emission Control System
- 6.6.5: Electromagnetic Interference
Chapter 7: Maintenance
- 7.7.1: Periodic Maintenance
- 7.7.2: Severe Use Definition
- 7.7.3: Polaris Maintenance Schedule
- 7.7.4: Lubrication Guide
- 7.7.5: Engine Oil
  - 7.7.5.1: Oil Recommendations
  - 7.7.5.2: Oil Level Check
  - 7.7.5.3: Oil and Oil Filter Change
- 7.7.6: Transmission Fluid
- 7.7.7: Front Gearcase (Angle Drive) Fluid
- 7.7.8: Fuel Recommendation
- 7.7.9: Power Steering Unit
- 7.7.10: Steering Assembly
- 7.7.11: Cooling System
  - 7.7.11.1: Recovery Bottle Coolant
  - 7.7.11.2: Radiator Coolant
- 7.7.12: Brakes
  - 7.7.12.1: Hand Brake
  - 7.7.12.2: Auxiliary Foot Brake
- 7.7.13: Side Panel / Footwell Removal
- 7.7.14: Side Panel / Footwell Installation
- 7.7.15: Tires
  - 7.7.15.1: Tire Tread Depth
  - 7.7.15.2: Wheel Removal
  - 7.7.15.3: Wheel Installation
  - 7.7.15.4: Wheel Nut Torque Specifications
- 7.7.16: Toe Alignment
- 7.7.17: Camber and Caster
- 7.7.18: Air Filter Inspection and Replacement
- 7.7.19: Fuse Replacement
- 7.7.20: Lights
  - 7.7.20.1: LED Front Bumper Headlight Replacement (If Equipped)
  - 7.7.20.2: LED Front Bumper Headlight Adjustment
  - 7.7.20.3: LED Brake Light / Taillight Replacement
- 7.7.21: Spark Plugs
  - 7.7.21.1: Spark Plug Recommendations
  - 7.7.21.2: Spark Plug Inspection
    - 7.7.21.2.1: Normal Plug
    - 7.7.21.2.2: Wet Fouled Plug
- 7.7.22: Vehicle Immersion
- 7.7.23: Spark Arrestor Service
- 7.7.24: PVT System
  - 7.7.24.1: Drive Belt Removal
  - 7.7.24.2: Drive Belt Inspection
  - 7.7.24.3: Drive Belt Installation
- 7.7.25: Battery
  - 7.7.25.1: Battery Removal
  - 7.7.25.2: Battery Installation
  - 7.7.25.3: Battery Storage
  - 7.7.25.4: Battery Charging
  - 7.7.25.5: Battery Identification
- 7.7.26: LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERY BEST PRACTICES
  - 7.7.26.1: Lead Acid Low Maintenance Battery
  - 7.7.26.2: Low Maintenance Batteries
- 7.7.27: Rear Spring
- 7.7.28: Handlebar Adjustment
- 7.7.29: Cleaning and Storage
  - 7.7.29.1: Washing the Vehicle
    - 7.7.29.1.1: Washing Tips
  - 7.7.29.2: Polishing the Vehicle
    - 7.7.29.2.1: Polishing Tips
  - 7.7.29.3: Storage Tips
    - 7.7.29.3.1: Clean the Exterior
    - 7.7.29.3.2: Stabilize the Fuel
    - 7.7.29.3.3: Oil and Filter
    - 7.7.29.3.4: Air Filter / Air Box
    - 7.7.29.3.5: Fluid Levels
    - 7.7.29.3.6: Inspect and Lubricate
    - 7.7.29.3.7: Fog the Engine
    - 7.7.29.3.8: Battery Maintenance
    - 7.7.29.3.9: Storage Area / Covers
- 7.7.30: Trailering Your Vehicle
Chapter 8: Specifications
- 8.8.1: Sportsman 500 / 500 EPS
Chapter 9: Polaris Products
- 9.9.1: Lubricants / Service Products
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting
- 10.10.1: Diagnostic Display Code Definitions
- 10.10.2: Drive Belt Wear / Burn
- 10.10.3: Engine Doesn't Turn Over
- 10.10.4: Engine Turns Over, Fails to Start
- 10.10.5: Engine Backfires
- 10.10.6: Engine Pings or Knocks
- 10.10.7: Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or Misfires
- 10.10.8: Engine Stops or Loses Power
Chapter 11: Warranty
- 11.11.1: Limited Warranty
- 11.11.2: Registration
- 11.11.3: Spark Arrestor Warranty
- 11.11.4: Warranty Coverage and Exclusions
  - 11.11.4.1: Limitations Of Warranties And Remedies
  - 11.11.4.2: Lubricants and Fluids
- 11.11.5: How To Obtain Warranty Service
- 11.11.6: Exported Products
- 11.11.7: Notice
- 11.11.8: U.S.A. EPA Emissions Limited Warranty
- 11.11.9: California Residents
Chapter 12: Maintenance Log
- 12.12.1: Maintenance Log