Reverse problem with a Sportsman 400

[Unserioussam]

I recently bought a Polaris Sportsman 400 and the previous owner didn't know anything about it, I'm guessing he bought it and never used it. Anyway, it was sort of an impulse purchase and I didn't test it as I should've and now I'm seeing a problem that's got me concerned. The thing I'm seeing is that whenever I put it into reverse the thing barely moves. Is this a transmission problem or is it something else?

 

[nach0_n!nj]

I recently bought a Polaris Sportsman 400 and the previous owner didn't know anything about it, I'm guessing he bought it and never used it. Anyway, it was sort of an impulse purchase and I didn't test it as I should've and now I'm seeing a problem that's got me concerned. The thing I'm seeing is that whenever I put it into reverse the thing barely moves. Is this a transmission problem or is it something else?

sounds like a reverse rev limiter is engaged. On a lot of Sportsman models, there's a button or a specific procedure you have to follow to get full power in reverse.
If you just shift into reverse and hit the throttle, it's designed to limit the speed for safety.
it's quite simple, but try to check the owner's manual for the correct procedure

 

[sportsterguy22]

I recently bought a Polaris Sportsman 400 and the previous owner didn't know anything about it, I'm guessing he bought it and never used it. Anyway, it was sort of an impulse purchase and I didn't test it as I should've and now I'm seeing a problem that's got me concerned. The thing I'm seeing is that whenever I put it into reverse the thing barely moves. Is this a transmission problem or is it something else?

Same thought as @nach0_n!nj. The first thing I'd check is the reverse limiter. There's a rev limiter in place to keep you from tearing ass in reverse, and sometimes they act up, making the machine super weak. I know a couple of guys who just bypassed it completely! Also check your reverse switch on the shifter. Sometimes the connection is bad or the switch itself is faulty, and the quad thinks it's not fully in reverse, which can trigger the limiter to kick in. Good luck, I hope you get it sorted out easily!