Polaris Sportsman 850 2021 User Manual

2021
WARNING
Read this manual carefully. It contains important safety
information. This is an adult vehicle only.
Operation is prohibited for those under 16 years of age.
OWNER’S
MANUAL
For Maintenance and Safety
Sportsman 850
Sportsman XP 1000

Polaris Sportsman 850 2021 Specifications

General

Brand	Polaris
Model	Sportsman 850 2021
Category	Offroad Vehicle
Language	English

Summary

Welcome

Introduction

Important Warning About This Manual

Manual contains crucial safety warnings for severe injury or death.

Safety Symbols and Signal Words

Explains signal words and symbols for safety.

Vehicle Identification Numbers

Instructions to record VIN and key numbers, and location of manufacturer's label.

Radio Compliance Statements

FCC and Industry Canada compliance statements for radio components.

Safety

Safety Training

Encourages ATV safety training for operators and family members.

Safe Riding Gear

Lists essential protective gear for safe ATV riding.

Safety Warnings

Outlines critical warnings regarding vehicle operation, injury, and death.

Operating Without Instruction

Emphasizes need for proper instruction and training before operating.

Age Restrictions

Prohibits operation by those under 16. Vehicle is for adults only.

Using Alcohol or Drugs

Warns against consuming alcohol or drugs during operation.

Failure to Inspect Before Operating

Stresses importance of pre-ride inspections for safe operation.

Handling Gasoline

Provides precautions for handling flammable gasoline safely.

Exposure to Exhaust

Warns about poisonous engine exhaust fumes and safe operating areas.

Operating on Public Roads

Prohibits operation on public streets, roads, or highways.

Operating at Excessive Speeds

Warns that high speeds increase risk of losing control and accidents.

Turning Improperly

Cautions against improper turning techniques causing loss of control or overturn.

Improper Hill Climbing

Warns that improper hill climbing can cause loss of control or rollover.

Operating on Steep Hills

Warns that steep hills can cause an overturn.

Operating on Slippery Terrain

Advises extra caution on slippery terrain to avoid loss of control.

Operating a Damaged Vehicle

Stresses inspection by a dealer after an accident.

Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle

Advises removing the ignition key to prevent unauthorized use and accidents.

Equipment Modifications

Warns that modifications can impact stability and void warranty.

General Warning

Summarizes key general warnings for severe injury or death.

No Passenger Warning

States passengers can cause loss of control, leading to severe injury or death.

Clutch Cover Warning

Warns of moving parts hazard under clutch guard and not to modify clutch.

Tire Pressure/Overload Warning

Details consequences of improper tire pressure or overloading on control.

Discretionary Warning

Warns about operating on steep hills and in reverse.

Features and Controls

Overview

General overview of vehicle features and controls with labeled diagrams.

Ignition Switch

Explains ignition switch function for starting engine and operating circuits.

Left-Hand Control

Details engine stop switch and mode/reverse override switch functions.

Right-Hand Control

Focuses on throttle lever operation and safety considerations.

Driveline Switch (If Equipped)

Explains driveline switch function for controlling AWD system.

Drive Mode Switch (If Equipped)

Describes Performance, Standard, and Work drive mode positions.

All Wheel Drive System

Explains AWD system control and engagement notices.

ADC 4X4 Mode (If Equipped)

Describes ADC system for engine braking on hills and inclines.

Brake System

Covers the hand brake system, including operation and checks.

Master Cylinder/Brake Fluid

Advises on maintaining brake fluid level and warnings about overfilling.

Parking Brake

Details how to lock/release parking brake and parking precautions.

Auxiliary Foot Brake

Explains the auxiliary foot brake system and its use as a backup.

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

Describes the gear selector for High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, and Park.

Instrument Cluster

Overview of the instrument cluster, its variants, and basic operation.

Options Menu

Details how to enter and navigate the vehicle's options menu.

Bluetooth® (If Equipped)

Explains Bluetooth functionality for pairing phones and receiving alerts.

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Explanation of the EPS system engagement and related warning indicators.

Operation

Important Information

Crucial warnings about operating the vehicle safely and avoiding injury or death.

Safe Operation Practices

Lists essential practices for safe operation, including training and gear.

Vehicle Break-in Period

Details the recommended break-in procedures for new vehicles for optimal performance.

Pre-Ride Checklist

A comprehensive list of items to inspect before each use to ensure safe operation.

Driving Procedures

Step-by-step guide for new operators on how to drive the vehicle.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

Safety precautions and techniques for driving on slippery or loose terrain.

Driving Uphill

Precautions for operating the vehicle on hilly terrain to prevent loss of control.

Driving Downhill

Safety measures and techniques for descending hills properly.

Driving Through Water

Procedures and warnings for operating the vehicle through water.

Driving Over Obstacles

Precautions for operating the vehicle over obstacles to avoid loss of control.

Starting the Engine

Step-by-step instructions for starting the vehicle's engine.

Hauling Cargo

Critical warnings and precautions for hauling cargo safely.

Towing Loads

Information on towing capacities and proper attachment of towed loads.

Trailering Your Vehicle

Procedures for safely transporting the vehicle on a trailer.

Winch Guide

Winch Safety

Warnings and instructions for safe operation of a winch.

Winch Operation

General advice and safety considerations for operating a winch.

Winch Cable Care

Instructions for inspecting and maintaining winch cables for safe use.

Shock Loading

Warnings about shock loading the winch cable and its dangers.

Winch Maintenance and Service Safety

Safety precautions related to winch maintenance and servicing.

Emission Control Systems

Operation on Public Lands in the U.S.A.

Information on regulations for operating off-road vehicles on public lands.

Exhaust Emission Control System

How exhaust emissions are controlled by engine design and EFI.

Maintenance

Periodic Maintenance

Outlines scheduled maintenance for safe and reliable vehicle operation.

Severe Use Definition

Defines conditions that require more frequent vehicle servicing.

Maintenance Chart Key

Explains symbols and codes used in the maintenance chart for clarity.

Engine Oil

Guidance on checking and changing engine oil and filter.

Oil and Filter Change

Detailed steps for changing the engine oil and filter.

Transmission Oil

Procedures for checking and changing transmission oil.

Brakes

Details on the hand brake system, operation, and checks.

Tires

Warnings about tire condition, inflation, and replacement.

Toe Alignment

Procedure to check vehicle toe alignment and warnings against DIY adjustments.

Fuse Replacement

Instructions for replacing fuses if electrical failures occur.

Spark Plugs

Recommendations for spark plug type, gap, and inspection.

Vehicle Immersion

Procedures and warnings for servicing the vehicle after immersion in water.

PVT System

Explanation of the PVT system operation, safety, and maintenance.

Battery Charging

Instructions and precautions for charging the vehicle's battery.

Handlebars

Instructions for adjusting the handlebars for rider preference.

Cleaning and Storage

Guidelines for washing, polishing, and storing the vehicle.

Fog the Engine

Procedure to fog the engine for storage, including oil addition.

Specifications

Sportsman 850 / 850 Premium

Technical specifications for the Sportsman 850 and 850 Premium models.

Sportsman 850 Trail

Technical specifications for the Sportsman 850 Trail model.

Sportsman 850 Ultimate Trail LE

Technical specifications for the Sportsman 850 Ultimate Trail LE model.

Sportsman XP 1000

Technical specifications for the Sportsman XP 1000 model.

Sportsman XP 1000 Trail

Technical specifications for the Sportsman XP 1000 Trail model.

Sportsman XP 1000 Hunt Edition

Technical specifications for the Sportsman XP 1000 Hunt Edition model.

Polaris Products

Lubricants / Service Products

List of POLARIS lubricants and service products with part numbers and sizes.

Troubleshooting

Drive Belt Wear/Burn

Possible causes and solutions for drive belt wear or burning issues.

Engine Doesn't Turn Over

Troubleshooting steps for when the engine does not turn over.

Engine Turns Over, Fails to Start

Solutions for when the engine turns over but fails to start.

Engine Backfires

Possible causes and solutions for engine backfiring.

Engine Stops or Loses Power

Solutions for when the engine stops or loses power during operation.

Diagnostic Display Code Definitions

Definitions for diagnostic display codes and their conditions.

Warranty

Limited Warranty

Details the six-month limited warranty on vehicle components.

Registration

Information on warranty registration process and its importance.

Warranty Coverage and Exclusions

Lists limitations and exclusions of the POLARIS limited warranty.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

Procedures for obtaining warranty service within or outside the country of purchase.

U.S.A. EPA Emissions Limited Warranty

Information on the emissions limited warranty in addition to the standard warranty.

Maintenance Log

Maintenance Log

Chart to record periodic maintenance performed on the vehicle.