2005 Polaris XC -what to look for

indy_500

Well-known member
It's got 2100 miles
What type of powervalves do these have? aluminum, titanium, stainless steel? Carb boots weren't really a known problem on these but i guess i should check them over. Plug color, comp test, track condition. If i get it i'll probably throw my ripsaw on it. Check the clutch over for play in weights and rollers. Any known problems I'm missing that you guys can think of? ITS NOT STUDDED! Driveshaft bearings I know were common along with the lower chaincase bolt.
 

fredster

New member
On my wife's 05 600 classic, one of the powervalves broke at the stem and took out a piston....replaced both PV's plus one ring/piston set. If I were buying one I would replace the PV's with the revised design before riding it......

These sleds are jetted fat from the factory and will benefit from proper jetting.

The most common problem I read about is the lower chaincase bolt.

Overall the 2005 XC is a good sled, very few bugs and well built. Good wind protection. Last of the trailing arm breed at Polaris.

The ripsaw track would be a good improvement, track design has come a long way in the last 5-6 years.
 

Hoosier

Well-known member
What engine is it?

The edge is a great sled. Althought it looks very similar to Polaris' made right before it, it rides much better. Plus with the 05, it had been out quite a few years so there shouldn't be any "bugs."
 

snowlover

New member
I have a 2005 XC600sp with 8400 HARD miles on it and have had NO engine problems with it. Great sled and great motor. It has run Sea and Snow its whole life too! Imagine that.
I extended mine to 136 with a 1.5" Ripsaw track and dropped the gearing to match a Switchback. Pulls hard and does great playing off trail. Not the best on gas.

Anyways, clean the valves a couple times a year, update the exhaust valve diaphragms to the latest and greatest (originals rip/tear). No issues with carb boots. Primary needs to be re-done every 2000 miles (I never catch mine before it is too late). Rebuild shocks yearly, other than that no issues unless driver induced.
 

rsvectordude

New member
One of my riding buddies has an 04 and the thing has been bullet proof except for a leaking oil cap , leaking gas tank, and a cracked spindle. I am impressed with this 500 as far as speed goes. I've seen it take down 700's in 500-600 drags. The chassis can take huge amounts of abuse. Those 105 HP Polaris mills are great motors!! It's not a top end monster but is really quick to 90!
 

indy_500

Well-known member
One of my riding buddies has an 04 and the thing has been bullet proof except for a leaking oil cap , leaking gas tank, and a cracked spindle. I am impressed with this 500 as far as speed goes. I've seen it take down 700's in 500-600 drags. The chassis can take huge amounts of abuse. Those 105 HP Polaris mills are great motors!! It's not a top end monster but is really quick to 90!

It does have a gas tank recall, so i'll have to check that out.

I'm a little worried about the valves. I don't know what type will be in there.

It is the 500 liberty w/ves. I do want a fusion and/or a blue sled but this deal is too good to pass up.
 

rsvectordude

New member
I wouldn't be worried about the valves at all. This guy hasn't even cleaned his in 3500 miles and he runs Legend zx2 oil through it and it doesn't miss a beat!!
 
D

Deleted member 10829

Guest
I have a 2006 XCSP 500 with 2,800 miles on it and it's been flawless! You can't go wrong with that chassis IMO. Plus that's when you could still open the hood and work on them easy. What kind of deal are you getting if you don't mind sharing? If the miles are right, the sled should be worth $3,500 give or take a little.
 

indy_500

Well-known member
I have a 2006 XCSP 500 with 2,800 miles on it and it's been flawless! You can't go wrong with that chassis IMO. Plus that's when you could still open the hood and work on them easy. What kind of deal are you getting if you don't mind sharing? If the miles are right, the sled should be worth $3,500 give or take a little.

pm sent

That's one of the reasons I want it. Easy to work on and very reliable. Better gas mileage too!
 

ibendwire

Member
I have the 2004 600 classic. Great sled. The only thing done/replaced was the gas tank do to a recall. My wife is waiting for me to get a new sled so she can have mine. That will happen this year although I am having a hard time leaving that sled because it has been so good and I am not sure what one to get.
 

snowlover

New member
I had a 2000 xc500sp with the VES motor in it and it was a great sled. Had over 7500 miles on it when I traded it for my 2005 600 xcsp.

The sled ripped to 90 mph. Mine was equiped with tempa flow and was clutched. The gas mileage was 10 mpg pretty much all the time. No issues with valves, motor, clutches, etc. Great little motor. Hated to see it go but wanted and edge chassis sled.

You will be suprised with this sled, quick for a little 500.
 

Hoosier

Well-known member
pm sent

That's one of the reasons I want it. Easy to work on and very reliable. Better gas mileage too!

Anytime I have to do anything under the hood of my fusion I miss the edge chassis!

That 500 is a great engine. And it's such a solid chassis.
 

snodogg

New member
I had an 03 500 that I sold with over 6,000. That sled was built bullett proof only problem I experienced was the high/low beam switch went bad which was a known common problem. I was anal about keeping it clean and doing the usual PM (clean valves, chaincase oil, etc.) I never touched anything else on the sled...Im not sure what all the hype is over power valves? (I'm almost certain there all steel) Those VES 500s run real strong 105 hp as I recall and mine despite having a "happy" speedo had no problem clearing the 100mph mark on a regular basis. Stick with the baldy OEM track, You'll be able to slide around the corners and pin it hard on the way out. I know I could ride the twisties twice as fast flat-track style when comparing to my new switchback.

When I look at used sleds I like to buy ones that are clean under the hood and I make sure to inspect for condition as it relates to milage and previous repairs. I've opened hoods and seen everything covered in black belt dust and everything metal is all corroded and just walk away. I'd make sure to flip it on it's side to check thouroughly underneath, try to notice any previously straightened metal, replaced rivots, etc. that would indicate previous collisilon repair. As far as track condition look for any missing lugs, a few would be acceptable but if it's missing a lot that's an indicator of high milage. Doesn't hurt to ask the owner for any reciepts verifying service, replacement of parts, etc..

Now if your buying from a known/trusted party none of this should matter.

Good luck and let us know if it ends up in your garage!
 

indy_500

Well-known member
Picking it up tomorrow. Didn't find anything that made me think it had more miles than what was on it. Track was in perfect condition, no rust in the rear or front suspension. Clutch looked decent. Motor had no oil sludge whatsoever (exact opposite of mine lol) seemed to run and idle good. When it came to a stop, it made quiet clicking noise like 3 or 4 times, i've heard that's the V.E.S. For $2300, it's a steal, as of NOW, but we'll have to see. I guess imo it's worth the chance for that price. The guy who owned it is a diesel mechanic, he knew engines it seemed. He cleaned the powervalves. It does have perc. It needs the gas tank recall done and the clutch guard pin. Brand new Woody's dual carbides, that have a lot of trailer miles and about 3 miles on it. The guy took a trip up to eagle river, didn't really know the condition, he rode his F7 on a lake up there while his wife stayed at the hotel (this was "wife" driven lol and i believe it, she posted the add, put her phone # and it was set up for her)
 
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