How to Make a Polaris MV7 Lighter

With heavy involvement in the snowmobile market in the 1950s and 60s, Polaris Industries released their first ATV to consumers in 1984. Since then, the company has manufactured several different models for riders to navigate all types of terrain. The MV7, or Military Vehicle 700cc, is a heavy-duty all-terrain vehicle Polaris manufactured for a few years, starting in 2005. The vehicle itself is much heavier than normal ATVs; therefore, it may present problems when on moderate to hard trails. If you want to make your MV7 lighter, you may do so by removing a few factory parts.

Things You'll Need

  • Philips-head screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Jack
  • Jack stand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift the Polaris MV7's seat to access the air filter box of this vehicle. The air filter box features a latching top that protects the air filter from immediate debris during operation. However, this part is an unnecessary weight that may be removed. Remove the air filter, then use your Philips-head screwdriver to remove the box completely from the ATV. Reinstall the air filter to the connecting tube and set your air box aside. You may need to check and clean your air filter more often, but the weight reduction may be worth your efforts here.

    • 2

      Remove the front and rear brush guards of your Polaris ATV. While these tubular guards protect your vehicle in the event of harsh contact with the ground or other object, they also add heavy weight to the front and rear of your MV7. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the bolts from either side of these tubular guards, then set aside for later use. That way, you may reinstall these parts if you deem them necessary.

    • 3

      Jack the front end of your MV7 off the ground, enabling you easy access to the undercarriage. Place jack stands behind each of the front wheels, and lower the vehicle to stabilize. Notice the rectangular, metal plates that cover most of this area. These are the skidplates, allowing your vehicle to traverse terrain without the fear of damaging these vital parts. They are also extremely heavy when compared to the total weight of this vehicle, which is just under 1000 lbs. Remove the bolts with an adjustable wrench and carefully slide these skidplates out from underneath the Polaris. If you regularly ride light trails, this should be a helpful way to lighten your load.

    • 4

      Remove any remaining body parts, such as side plates, fenders and fairings. Each of these parts round out the appearance and provide riders a safe distance from the running engine, but they also add more weight to the vehicle. If there are visible bolts holding these body parts to the MV7, you may remove them from the ATV with an adjustable wrench. Keep the necessary parts, such as the seat, fuel tank fairing and handlebar fairing.