New member, old machine

I picked up a 1998 Sportsman 500 a few weeks ago for a pretty good price around here. It came with some spare parts (tie rod ends, HD Front springs, brake pads, belt, Steering bushing) that the previous owner never got around to installing.

In the next week or so I’ll be installing the tie rod ends, front springs and a Highlifter lift kit I just picked up. I’m thinking of adding some 27" Zilla’s in the near future as well.

Otherwise, he had changed all the fluids (except brake) and put in a new belt just before selling it. I’ll be flushing the brake fluid to see if that gets rid of my disappearing brakes. I might also ditch the extra seat/compartment on the back. I’ll never have another person on the back and I keep hitting my legs on it when I get on/off. I might just look for a smaller cargo carrier for the back.

My To Do list:
– Install lift kit
– Install new springs
– Install tie rod end
– Change front wheel bearings on one side
– Inspect clutch (hight throttle engagement right now)
– Figure out where the constant gas smell is coming from
– Flush brake fluid
– Remove rear passenger setup