(To Long, Didn't Read) TLDR: My exhaust valves required adjustment at the first service. Newer engines are more advanced, rev faster and higher, so they require more maintenance to run as efficient as possible. And, I don't like Polaris.
As
@HondaTech mentioned, mine required the exhaust valves to be adjusted at the 20 hour mark. The intakes were fine.
In regards to older Honda's vs. the Pioneer, the engine designs are quite a bit different from the older machines. The family owned a 250 Big Red, TRX300 and TRX450es, but even those required valve adjustments. Those engines (Single Over-Head Cam) had the simple screw/lock valve adjustments, so they were easy. If I remember correctly, the TRX450es was a push-rod engine that also had screw/lock valve adjustments. The biggest thing to note there is that, those engines weren't as performance oriented. Not that the Pioneer 1000 engine (or it's sister variants in the Talon, and Africa Twin 1000) are a much more modern design that rev out a little higher, and quicker.
When you look at the high-performance engine, such as those in the modern motocross bikes or even the high-performance sport bikes, they're using a short stroke engine that is always a single or dual overhead cam engine that produces revs up into the 10k range, and much quicker than our engines. The old-school spring+screw/lock valve adjustments don't even react quick enough to keep the valves closed between strokes. So manufacture have moved to the bucket and shim design (similar to what our intake valves have). They require much higher maintenance intervals. My old CRF250R required constant valve checks, and after switching over to KTMs (350/500), it was no different. So much so that I got sick of it and went back to 2-strokes....but that's another story.
Many companies, such like in the automotive field, push their maintenance intervals longer as a selling point to the customer that; (ie. 'Buy our machine because it will cost you less in maintenance because OUR intervals are 40 hrs vs Honda's 20 hours" )…. Ducati has been fighting this battle the last 10 years as they have been trying to compete with the Japanese manufactures as it pertains to maintenance intervals. The Ducati tech's hate it because Ducati themselves haven't changed or "de-tuned" the engines enough to reliably push the intervals that far. Speaking with multiple Ducati shops throughout my moves (military makes me move), they all sang the same tune; That people wait to the last minute to perform maintenance and they're seeing valves and other specs FAAAR outside of optimal operating specifications.
All that really means, if you're comparing apples-to-apples (such a common engine designs), is that that manufacture is willing to allow the engine to move further outside the preferred optimal operating specifications.
On a personal note and just through observation, Polaris isn't exactly known for their long-term reliability. Some folks own them and never have an issue, but many run into huge concerns. (cough cough...the RZR 4-seaters catching fire ring a bell?). Many folks who buy a $30k side-by-side do not keep the machine for a long period of time. So, Polaris pushes any sales tactic they can to move as many machines as possible because their sales approach is simply to move metal. After the first owner, most warranty periods are expired...and reliability isn't a huge concern for them. So, why not push your maintenance intervals out and "sell" that to the consumer? Is it unethical...Yes....Do they seem to be concerned....No. I tired to convince myself to purchase a Polaris because they're an American owned manufacture. But what sealed the deal for me is the most recent class-action lawsuit that they're involved with surrounding the RZR's burning up. Their Chief of Safety highlighted the issue during manufacturing. After numerous complaints and injuries, he pushed for a recall on affected models. The pointy heads in accounting said that it would hurt their sales and cost too much to recall them all. He pushed and Polaris management pushed back by not allowing him to come to pertinent meetings and eventually firing him.
- Sources:
The Polaris RZR, a vehicle for recreational use, has been linked to scores of fires and four deaths. But its maker insists it is safe.
www.nytimes.com
A fatal UTV accident in May has now prompted one victim and the surviving family of the deceased to pursue legal action against Polaris Industries. Find out about the lawsuit at Cutt, Kendell & Olson.
www.eckolaw.com
nationwide class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of named Plaintiffs James Bruner, Michael Zeeck and Ed Beattie, individually and on behalf of the other members of the class, against off-road vehicle manufacturer and distributors Polaris Industries, Inc. and Polaris Sales Inc. The...
thenationaltriallawyers.org
I'm not about folks being "sue crazy", but I do believe that the longevity of our sport, or any powersport for that matter, relies on responsible manufacturing which includes accountability as well as providing a safe product for the consumer. Polaris just seems to be plagued with unethical business decisions and that rubs me the wrong way.
Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and some other seem to be modeled around offering machines that will provide their owners a product that will last and be reliable for the long term. When there are major concerns, they offer a recall or service bulletin to correct the issue. Furthermore, their strong foothold in our industry show their dedication. For example, how many of us own older Japanese machines? Older generators? Lawn care equipment? With that being said, I trust their maintenance guidance. Now the dealers, that all seems to be hit or miss. I've found some great dealers who are honest and straight forward, and other who aren't. That isn't always the dealer, but the person standing behind that service desk. I just say, do your research and look out for yourself. These forums can be a great place to do just that.
But, that's a lot for a Wednesday morning, so I'll step off my soap box.
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