Oil weight other than 0W40 ?

[technofarmer 10]

Hello all, i have been researching about motor oil and have run across some interesting and hopefully useful knowledge.

My 2011 sportsman, the manual says to use Polaris motor oil in it. After researching, i found out that that is 0w40 weight.

And with further research, i have found that for most engines, cars mostly, that it doesnt matter what the first number is as long as the last number is the same, so wither you use a 5w30 or a 10w30 it makes no difference according to several people are more mechanically inclined than me.

So i am wondering, is it safe to use 2w40 or even 5w40 in my 2011 500 sportsman?

Also i am wondering, why does it have to be synthetic? Are the tolerances that tight? I will admit i prefer to use synthetic in everything, but hate the prices for doing so.

[oxidized_black 60]

i think the first number is for start ups. the lower the number, the easier the start ...

[Senator 10]

We run a full synthetic 0w40 in our KFX450's and they love it. It's a good choice for your sportsman too