POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 (01) PDF Document

You should record your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014’s identification numbers and key number in the spaces provided in your owner’s manual. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the right side of the tunnel. The Engine Serial Number is found on the recoil housing. It is also recommended to remove the spare key and store it in a safe place.

Operating a POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 requires skill and balance for proper control. While rider positions can vary with experience, under many conditions, the proper position is to be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake, and steering control. An improper riding position may reduce control and could result in serious injury or death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your vehicle.

When riding your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014, always use appropriate riding apparel for safety and comfort.

Helmet: Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. Approved helmets in Europe, Asia, and Oceania bear the ECE 22.05 label.

Eye Protection: Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. Always wear shatterproof goggles or use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends wearing approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE.

Clothing: Be prepared, be warm, and be comfortable when riding. Be aware of the weather forecast, especially the windchill, and dress accordingly. Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves, which can become entangled in moving parts and cause serious injury.

For your safety, always ride in a group and inform someone of your destination and expected return time. If you must travel into remote areas, carry survival equipment appropriate for the conditions. This may include:

• Extra clothing

• A sleeping bag

• A flashlight

• Food and water

• A signaling mirror

• A means of building a fire

• A two-way radio or cellular telephone

Additionally, always carry the owner’s manual and the following items on your snowmobile:

• Spare Drive Belt

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs

• Tow Rope

• Extra Oil

• Fuel Deicer

• Winter Survival Kit

• Trail Map

• First Aid Kit

• Tool Kit

Your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 may be designed for one or two riders. Check the safety label on your vehicle to confirm its rider capacity. If your vehicle is equipped for a passenger, follow these guidelines:

1. Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.

2. Only allow a passenger on models equipped with a passenger seat.

3. Perform suspension adjustments required for the extra rider weight.

4. Ensure the passenger is tall enough to comfortably and safely reach the grab handles and running boards/footrests.

5. Both driver and passenger must wear appropriate riding gear, including an approved helmet.

6. Perform the recommended pre-ride inspections.

7. Lock the parking brake when loading a passenger to ensure the vehicle remains motionless.

8. The passenger must ride only in the approved passenger seat.

9. Never carry more than one passenger.

10. Slow down! Control may be more difficult with a passenger. Allow more time and distance for braking and reduce speed when turning.

11. Ride to the ability of your passenger, not your own. Avoid aggressive maneuvers.

12. A passenger should be seated with both feet on the running boards/footrests and both hands on the passenger grab handles at all times. Never secure a passenger to the vehicle or operator.

13. Ensure the passenger understands “active riding” and shifts body weight with the driver during turns.

14. Make sure the passenger has read and understands the instructions and warnings in the manual.

15. The driver should never remove their hands from the handlebars while operating.

1. Read and understand the owner’s manual. Review all warnings and labels.

2. Always remain seated in the passenger seat, facing forward, with hands on the passenger hand holds and both feet firmly on the running boards/footrests.

3. Tell the driver to slow down or stop if you are uncomfortable. Do not continue to ride if you cannot comfortably follow all instructions.

4. Always use an approved helmet and protective gear when riding.

5. During turns and maneuvers, shift your body weight in the same manner as the driver.

Driving Downhill:

When riding downhill on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing the engine’s compression to help slow the vehicle. When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes to avoid overheating.

Driving in Hilly Terrain:

Use extra caution in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill, keep your weight low and forward. If crossing the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to maintain balance. Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. If you cannot continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill before it loses momentum. If that’s not possible, spin the track just enough to dig in, stop the engine, and set the parking brake. Then, pull the rear of the snowmobile around to point the front end and skis downhill before carefully descending.

When your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 has been parked for a length of time, especially overnight in cold weather, you must ensure the skis and track are loosened from ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with enough authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate within safety limits and with respect for any passenger.

The following charts help determine when temperatures become dangerous for riding your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014.

WINDCHILL CHART (°F)

WINDCHILL CHART (°C)

Adjustable Headlights

To adjust the headlight beam on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014, move the headlight adjuster. Move the adjuster to the left to raise the beam upward. Move the adjuster to the right to lower the beam downward.

Passenger Grab Handle

If your model is equipped with a passenger grab handle, it can be adjusted for rider preference.

1. Remove the hardware that secures the grab handles to the grab handle tube.

2. Reposition the grab handles to one of the three available positions.

3. Reinstall the hardware and ensure it is secure.

The maximum weight capacity for the cargo area of the POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 is 30 lbs. (14 kg). Always secure cargo before operating and do not exceed the weight limit.

The information center on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 is controlled by the MODE button on the instrument cluster. Use the MODE button to toggle through the available modes. Setting changes must be made with the engine running.

Display Units (Standard/Metric): To change the display units, enter the engine temperature display, then press and hold the MODE button to switch between Miles (Standard) and Kilometers (Metric).

Odometer Mode: This mode records and displays the total distance traveled by the vehicle.

Trip Meter Mode: This records the distance traveled per trip. To reset, select the trip meter mode, then press and hold the MODE button until the meter resets to zero.

Hour Meter Mode: This mode logs the total hours the engine has been in operation.

Tachometer Mode: This mode displays the engine RPM digitally.

Adjusting the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) shock spring preload on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 will affect ski-to-ground pressure. Increasing preload increases pressure, while decreasing preload reduces it. Always perform adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension. Ensure springs on both sides are at the same adjustment.

To change the preload, grasp the spring retainer and rotate it.

Initial IFS Preload Setting (from body end to spring) for Ryde FX shocks: 4.375″ (11.1 cm)

Never exceed one inch (2.54 cm) of preload beyond the factory settings. When decreasing preload, ensure at least two turns of preload are holding the spring between the retainers to prevent it from falling off when the suspension is fully extended.

To get the best performance from the rear suspension of your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014, consider these tips:

• Rider weight typically determines the spring preload setting, but experimentation can help find a preferred setup for your riding style. Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the vehicle’s weight removed from the shock.

• In deep snow, a new rail slide can offer improved performance and top speed over a worn one.

• When riding on ice or hard-packed snow, adding a set of bogie wheels may enhance performance.

• Keep the suspension pivot points lubricated to reduce moisture and rust buildup, ensuring proper function. Grease the rear suspension pivots before making adjustments.

Follow these steps to adjust the rear track shock spring based on total rider weight (including passenger, gear, accessories, and cargo):

1. Elevate and support the rear of the snowmobile to remove weight from the suspension.

2. Use a tape measure to measure the installed length of the spring between the two spring retainers.

3. Refer to the REAR TRACK SHOCK SPRING (RTSS) SET-UP chart to find the correct spring length for your weight.

4. If adjustment is needed, clean any snow or ice from the spring and threads. Use a spanner wrench to rotate the spring to the correct length.

Never adjust a spring beyond the maximum length shown in the chart, as it can cause damage to the rear suspension.

REAR TRACK SHOCK SPRING (RTSS) SET-UP (Standard Spring)

Shaded cells in the original manual indicate factory settings.

1. Loosen the four bolts on the top of the adjuster block. If needed, you can pry the blocks apart with a screwdriver.

2. Adjust the handlebar forward or rearward to the desired angle.

3. Ensure the handlebar, brake lever, and throttle lever operate smoothly and do not hit the gas tank, windshield, or any other part of the machine when turned fully left or right. If necessary, loosen the set screws for the controls, rotate them slightly, and then tighten them to the proper torque (Right control: 35 in. lbs. (4 Nm) +/- 10%; Left control: 24 in. lbs. (2.7 Nm) +/- 10%).

4. Tighten the four adjuster block bolts securely.

Before each use of your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014, inspect the following items for proper operation and condition:

1. Turn the fuel valve on.

2. Turn the key to the ON position.

3. Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.

4. If starting a cold engine, flip the choke toggle to FULL CHOKE. Do not use the choke for a warm engine. Do not depress the throttle until the engine starts.

5. If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the engine. Release the key to the ON position when it starts.

6. If not equipped with electric start, grasp the starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages, then pull abruptly to crank the engine.

7. Repeat the cranking procedure as needed.

8. After the engine starts, flip the choke toggle to the OFF position. If the engine slows or wants to stop, use intermittent choking to the HALF CHOKE position.

9. Before turning the engine off, operate the choke intermittently to draw moisture out of the choke plunger area and reduce the possibility of it freezing.

In an emergency, you can stop your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 using the following methods:

Proper engine break-in is crucial for new or rebuilt engines on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014. The first tank of fuel is the break-in period.

Initial Fuel Premix:

Premix the first tank of fuel and fill the oil bottle with the recommended oil. Always premix fuel in 5-gallon (19-liter) increments in a separate fuel container. The ratio is 16 oz. (473 ml) of oil to each 5 gal. (19 l) of fuel (40:1).

Oil Recommendations:

• First Tank of Fuel: POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil

• After Break-in: POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil

Break-In Operation:

During the first three hours of operation, avoid full throttle or high speeds for extended periods. Vary the throttle openings and vehicle speeds to allow all close-fitting machined parts to break in slowly and prevent damage from excessive heat build-up. Always check and fill the oil bottle when refueling.

Follow these steps to ensure proper warm-up of the engine, drive train, and track on your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014:

1. Use a stable rear support to securely lift the rear of the snowmobile at the rear bumper. The track should be about 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground.

2. Start the engine and let it warm up for two to three minutes.

3. Depress the throttle abruptly to allow the track to rotate for several revolutions.

4. Release the throttle, apply the brakes, shut off the engine, and lower the snowmobile to the ground.

5. Grasp the skis by their front loops and move them from side to side to loosen any snow and ice.

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine if the throttle system malfunctions. Test this system daily before operation.

1. Sit on the seat of your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014.

2. Start the engine and allow it to idle.

3. Hold the throttle lever pin stationary by exerting pressure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the manual’s illustration.

4. Apply a slight amount of throttle. A properly functioning switch must shut down the engine.

If the switch fails this test, do not start the engine again until the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

Engaging Reverse:

Electronic reverse will only activate if the engine RPM is below 4000.

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Make sure the area behind your vehicle is clear.

3. Push the yellow reverse button on the left-hand control for one second, then release. The engine will automatically reduce RPM and start a reverse rotation. A flashing reverse light on the instrument panel will indicate the transmission is in reverse.

4. Apply the throttle slowly to confirm the transmission is in reverse. The maximum engine RPM is 6000 when in reverse.

Disengaging Reverse:

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Push the yellow reverse button for one second and release. The engine will slow and begin to rotate forward. The light on the instrument panel will shut off.

3. Apply the throttle slowly to ensure the transmission is in forward.

At altitudes above 6000 feet (1800 m), the engine requires a different ignition setting to improve the success of the reverse system.

To set for a higher altitude: Start the engine and hold the reverse button down until the light on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button.

To set for lower elevations: Continue holding the button down until the reverse indicator light blinks slowly.

Once set, the setting is stored in memory until changed, whether the machine is running or not.

Towing an Object:

Objects towed with a rope have no braking power. Do not tow toboggans, sleds, or any vehicle with a rope. A stiff metal pole connecting the towed object and the tow hitch should be used. If passengers are being towed on a toboggan or sled, the pole must be at least four feet (1.2 meters) long to prevent contact with the snowmobile’s track.

Towing a Disabled Snowmobile:

If your POLARIS 550 INDY ADVENTURE 2014 becomes inoperable and must be towed, and a rigid tow bar is not available, attach the tow rope to the ski spindles (not the ski loops) to prevent damage. Remove the drive belt before towing. Have someone ride on the towed snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary. Towing a disabled snowmobile with the drive belt in place can cause serious damage to the engine and drive system.

The following tables provide the recommended maintenance schedule. I=Inspect (clean, adjust, tighten, lubricate, replace if necessary), C=Clean, R=Replace, L=Lubricate.

CLUTCH & ENGINE

BRAKES, FUEL & ELECTRICAL

CHASSIS

Check and change the chaincase oil at the intervals outlined in the periodic maintenance schedule. Maintain the oil level at the top of the fill plug hole.

Oil Level Check:

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Remove the fill plug.

3. Using a funnel, slowly add the recommended oil until the fluid begins to overflow.

4. Wipe the fill area with a clean cloth.

5. Reinstall the fill plug. Torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

Oil Change:

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Place a drain pan under the drain plug. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely.

3. Clean all metal shavings from the plug. Ensure sealing surfaces are clean and free of burrs.

4. Reinstall the drain plug. Torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

5. Remove the fill plug and clean any metal shavings from it.

6. Using a funnel, slowly add the recommended oil until it overflows. Fluid capacity is 9 oz. (266 ml).

7. Wipe the fill area with a clean cloth.

8. Reinstall the fill plug. Torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

Spark Plug Condition:

The condition of the spark plug indicates engine operation. Check the plug’s color after the engine has been warmed up and driven at higher speeds.

• Normal Plug: The insulator tip is gray, tan, or light brown with few combustion deposits. This indicates the proper heat range.

• Wet Fouled Plug: The insulator tip is black with a damp oil film. This can be caused by excessive oil, improper choke use, or incorrect carburetion adjustments.

Spark Plug Removal and Replacement:

1. Remove the left side panel.

2. Remove the spark plug cap.

3. Using the special wrench from the tool pouch, rotate the spark plug counter-clockwise to remove it.

4. Reverse the procedure for installation. Torque the new spark plug to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24-30 Nm).

5. Reinstall the spark plug cap.

Check the drive chain tension weekly and before each long trip.

1. Remove the side panels.

2. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise to move all chain slack to the tensioner side. Lock the brake lever or have an assistant hold it firmly.

3. Loosen the adjuster bolt jam nut.

4. Finger tighten the adjuster bolt until it can no longer be adjusted by hand, then back it off 1/4 turn.

5. Tighten the jam nut while holding the adjuster bolt. Torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).

6. Reinstall the side panels.

7. Release the brake lever lock.

If the brake lever action feels spongy, air is in the hydraulic system and it must be bled.

1. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.

2. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to between the MIN and MAX marks or 1/4-5/16 inch (.6-.8 cm) below the lip of the opening. Reinstall the gasket and cover.

3. Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the flow of fluid into an approved container.

4. Squeeze the brake lever a full stroke. Then unscrew the bleeder valve 3/4 of a turn to release air.

5. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake lever.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from the bleeder valve in a solid stream free of air bubbles.

7. After bleeding is complete, refill the reservoir to the proper level.

8. Reinstall the gasket and cover.

Drive Belt Removal:

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion and wait for it to come to a complete stop. Lock the parking brake.

2. Remove the left side panel.

3. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 1/4 turn by hand to ensure forward engagement.

4. Locate the L-wrench in the tool kit. Install the wrench into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.

5. Turn the wrench clockwise until the sheaves open far enough to remove the belt.

6. Remove the belt from the driven clutch.

Drive Belt Installation:

1. With the L-wrench inserted and the sheaves in the open position, install the new drive belt. Install the belt so that the numbers can be read correctly on the left side of the vehicle.

2. Wiggle the belt to remove slack while removing the L-wrench.

3. Reinstall the side panel.

4. Properly break in the new belt.

Track adjustments should be made only after the track is warmed up and limber.

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Lift and safely support the rear of the snowmobile off the ground.

3. Place a 10 lb. (4.54 kg) weight on the track 16 inches (40 cm) ahead of the center of the rear idler shaft.

4. Measure the slack between the wear surface of the track clip and the plastic slider at the point where the weight is hanging. The slack measurement should be 7/8 – 1 1/8 inches (2.2 – 2.9 cm).

If adjustment is needed:

5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

6. Loosen the locknuts.

7. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws to provide equal adjustment on both sides of the track.

8. Repeat the measurement on the other side of the track.

9. Start the engine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolutions. Let the track come to a stop without applying brakes.

10. Check track alignment and adjust as necessary.

11. Tighten the locknuts.

12. Tighten the idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Improper ski alignment can cause loss of steering control. Do not attempt to change the ski alignment or camber adjustment yourself; see your dealer.

1. Place the handlebars in a straight-ahead position.

2. With only vehicle weight compressing the suspension, measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) forward from the center of the ski mounting bolt. At this point, measure the distance between the skis. This is measurement X.

3. Perform the same measurement 10 inches (25.4 cm) rearward from the center of the ski mounting bolt. This is measurement Y.

4. The X measurement (front) should be 1/8 – 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) greater than the Y measurement (rear). If the skis are misaligned, see your dealer for correction.

Battery Storage:

If the vehicle is not used for three months or more, remove the battery, ensure it’s fully charged, and store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Check the battery voltage monthly and recharge as needed to maintain a full charge.

Battery Charging:

Use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure DC voltage. A fully charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps or less until the voltage is 12.8 or greater.

Charging Time Guidelines (Using constant current charger):

Off-season or extended storage requires preventive measures to prevent deterioration.

Cleaning and Preservation: Clean, wash, and wax the hood, side panels, chassis, and plastic parts. Clean and touch up any rusted surfaces with paint. Store the snowmobile in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sunlight, and cover with a fabric snowmobile cover.

Controls and Linkage: Lubricate all bushings and cables as outlined in the maintenance table.

Bearings: Grease the jackshaft and drive shaft clutch side bearings to prevent corrosion.

Battery Maintenance: Remove the battery, recharge it, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Clutch and Drive System: Remove the drive belt and store it in a cool, dry location.

Engine and Carburetor Protection: If storing for more than 60 days, the engine must be fogged with fogging oil.

1. Add Carbon Clean to the fuel tank.

2. Run the engine for 10-15 minutes.

3. With the engine still running, turn the fuel valve off and spray the engine with fogging oil per the container’s instructions.

4. Allow the engine to stop by itself.

If a fuel stabilizer is not used, drain the carburetors by removing the water trap drain plugs.

Track and Suspension: Maintain moderate track tension. The snowmobile should be supported off the ground to allow the track to hang freely.

Capacities and Dimensions

Engine and Cooling

Carburetor Settings

Carburetor jetting must be adjusted for altitude and ambient temperature. Shaded cells in the original manual indicate factory settings.

Clutching must be adjusted for altitude. Shaded cells in the original manual indicate factory settings.