1988 Polaris Trail Boss 250 Owners Manual

The 1988 Polaris Trail Boss 250 is a rugged all-terrain vehicle featuring a 244cc air-cooled 2-stroke engine, automatic Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT), front and rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and durable steel frame. Designed for recreational and utility use with a payload capacity of 300 lbs and towing capacity of 850 lbs. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Controls and Instruments 4. Specifications 5. Operation Instructions 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Fuel and Lubrication 8. Tire Maintenance 9. Storage Procedures 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 244cc 2-stroke engine, PVT automatic transmission, front and rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, steel frame.

Feature	Description
Engine	244cc air-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder
Transmission	Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) automatic
Front Suspension	Independent double A-arm with shocks
Rear Suspension	Swingarm with twin shocks
Brakes	Hydraulic disc front and rear
Frame	Steel tube construction
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons (13.2 liters)
Dry Weight	385 lbs (175 kg)
Payload Capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Towing Capacity	850 lbs (386 kg)

Safety Information

Always wear proper safety gear and follow operating guidelines.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Inspect ATV before each use for proper tire pressure, brake function, and fluid levels.
Use on designated trails only; avoid paved surfaces.
Do not carry passengers; this is a single-rider vehicle.

WARNING! This ATV can be hazardous to operate. Always follow safety guidelines and never exceed your skill level.

Controls and Instruments

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Handlebar Controls: Throttle lever, brake lever, ignition switch, engine stop switch, headlight switch.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, neutral indicator, high beam indicator.

Foot Controls: Brake pedal, gear selector (F-N-R).

Storage: Under-seat storage compartment for tools and small items.

Specifications

Engine Type: 244cc air-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 70mm x 64mm
Compression Ratio: 6.5:1
Fuel System: Mikuni VM34SS carburetor
Ignition System: CDI electronic ignition
Starting System: Electric and pull start
Transmission: PVT automatic with F-N-R selection
Final Drive: Chain drive
Front Tires: 22x7-10
Rear Tires: 22x11-10
Ground Clearance: 5.5 inches (140mm)

Operation Instructions

Proper starting and operating procedures for optimal performance.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, brakes, fluids, and controls.
Starting: Turn fuel valve ON, set choke, turn ignition ON, pull start or use electric start.
Warm up engine for 2-3 minutes before riding.
Shifting: Use gear selector for Forward, Neutral, or Reverse.
Braking: Use both front and rear brakes together for controlled stops.
Parking: Engage parking brake on inclines.

CAUTION! Allow engine to warm up before applying heavy load. Avoid rapid throttle application.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and reliability.

Service	Frequency
Engine oil change	Every 100 hours or 6 months
Air filter cleaning	Every 50 hours or as needed
Spark plug replacement	Every 100 hours
Chain adjustment	Every 25 hours
Brake fluid check	Every 100 hours
Wheel bearing inspection	Every 200 hours
Suspension lubrication	Every 50 hours

Fuel and Lubrication

Use proper fuels and lubricants for optimal performance.

Fuel: Use 87 octane unleaded gasoline with Polaris 2-stroke injection oil.
Oil mixture: Follow manufacturer's recommendations for oil-to-gas ratio.
Engine oil: Use Polaris 2-stroke injection oil or equivalent.
Chain lubricant: Use high-quality chain lube regularly.
Grease points: Lubricate suspension and steering components per schedule.

Tip: Always use fresh fuel and store with fuel stabilizer if not used regularly.

Tire Maintenance

Proper tire care ensures safety and performance.

Check tire pressure before each ride: 3.5 PSI front, 3.5 PSI rear.
Inspect for cuts, punctures, or abnormal wear.
Maintain proper tread depth for traction.
Replace tires when tread wears to 1/8 inch depth.
Use tire sealant for minor punctures if approved.

WARNING! Incorrect tire pressure can affect handling and stability. Always maintain recommended pressures.

Storage Procedures

Proper storage prevents damage during periods of non-use.

Clean ATV thoroughly before storage.
Add fuel stabilizer to full tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery or use battery maintainer.
Store in dry, covered area away from direct sunlight.
Elevate ATV to prevent flat spots on tires.
Cover with breathable fabric cover.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in carburetor; drain or run until empty.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel supply, spark plug, and compression; clean carburetor if needed.
Poor performance	Clogged air filter or carburetor	Clean or replace air filter; service carburetor.
Transmission slipping	Worn drive belt or clutch	Inspect drive belt and clutch components; replace if worn.
Brakes not working	Air in lines or worn pads	Bleed brake system; replace brake pads if worn.
Electrical issues	Battery or wiring problems	Check battery charge and connections; inspect wiring for damage.

Service: Contact authorized Polaris dealer for major repairs.

Parts: Use genuine Polaris parts for optimal performance and warranty coverage.