We have a 18 1000-5 deluxe. Bought new in 19. It now has 4100 miles. Mostly road with a few trails until the last 2 times we went on a ride. We went to bunker mo with some friends. They all have sport sxs's. There are some rough trails but really We didn't have any problems keeping up. Although we did feel it more in the rougher stuff. The first time we went riding there, our shift motor went out and had to be towed 2 1/2hrs back to the truck. We went last weekend for the second time and the cooling fan mysteriously quite working. Got to 3 bars but didn't over heat. After messing with it and switching fuses, started it back up and the fan started working. We are going back in October but the wife is scared to take it back out there. The worst thing is there is no phone service out there. Anyone have any advise?
I don’t know if you are, but when I go on a trip with the P1k5, I do a detail check of everything basic (air filter etc), after I wash the rig. While not comprehensive it does go a long way to limit the little things that could happen. Little things like washing the bugs outta the radiator and checking the level do matter.
I have the fan override too, but I also use my heater too on big hill climbs if I must.
If your shift motor goes out, you can manually get it into a gear to limp it to safety or back to camp safely. It’s in your manual on how to.
I almost never ride with a group…but I’m used to operating heavy machinery in remote locations with only basic tools and parts…but when I do go, I bring my cell booster and set it up in my P1k5. I have yet to encounter a place where I couldnt find a signal at the top of the next hill etc. I have the approach of not getting home, but limping the rig to a point I can make a phone call or walk to where I need to.
The other path you could take is to leverage the wife’s concern and get a new machine 😃