Polaris

[aggar]

I'm looking at getting a Polaris. Who's got one and how do you like it. I'm leaning towards this so the wife can ride it with the auto tranny. Shifting gears is not her thing.

 

[RI Chevy Silveradoman]

Polaris makes a nice machine, but they are pricey. Which model are you looking at? THey are also much heavier than most all other ATV's.

 

[aggar]

Found an 08 Sportsman 500EFi for about 5k. Seriously thinking about it.

 

[timzr]

See if you can get her on it for an extended ride. The Polaris's I've ridden steer harder than other ATV's. My wife likes the comfort of the heavier weight, but gets tired sooner due to the steering from it.

 

[Detroit Dan]

I had three Polaris', I bought them after doing extensive reading and test riding. I found them to be the most comfortable with the best four wheel drive system. Best waterproofing too. The only steering issues were related to having too much traction in 4wd when climbing or mudding under heavy thottle, which would yank the handlebars around, you had to hang onto it or it would climb right out of a rut. But that was only really bad after I lifted it and put 28 inch mudders on it. And I don't see where that would be any different with any 4wd. With 4wd turned off, there was absolutely no strain steering. I drove a full time 4wd Big Bear all day once, now that was a workout on the forearms steering that thing.
5K for an 800 sounds like a screaming deal to me. was probably 8k new.

 

[Z79outlaw]

I love them and would never considering buying any fourwheeler but a Polaris. And dont buy any of those stories from the other guys about wet belts, it doesent happen, and if it does it wasnt sealed right in the first place, I've had water up nearly to the intake for 20-30 minuetes once when I accidently hit a ditch and launched a Sportsmans 500 in a creek, it took me that long to extract it from the creek, once I got it out, no problems no slipping belts nothing. I'd also hit up craigslist to buy one, used onces are cheaper than ever, especially low mileage units.

 

[FF_Opie]

You can't go wrong. I fell into my Grizzly, otherwise I would still have a Polaris.

 

[Kennedy Diesel]

I've owned a 2001 Sportsman 500 HO (carb) and 04 700 carb and now 06 Ranger 700XP. All excellent machines. The 500 is one of the best engines although no experience with the EFI version.

The steering can be tough depending on tire choice. The new power steering and a-arm front suspension is said to be excellent.

The Sportman is big heavy and pretty tough. They are a bit archaic compared to the Japanese machines. You'll find many people judgemental against the Polaris as the older ones were pretty maintenance intensive. It doesn't get much worse than the old 3 chain 1 belt units and add a 2 stroke for good measures. The modern ones are much better. I'm most intrigued by the new Ranger HD and plan to trade my 700 when they release it in camo.

 

[smith6.6]

I have a 05 sportsman 800 and pound the hell out of it and have had no issues. They are heavier than most nut they do have the best ride, The only other one I would own is a grizzly.

 

[BoostN]

I have just the standard 500. I love it. It's been pretty good. I've replaced the speedo once, 2 joint boots(rear), never had my belt slip. And two headlights.

 

[DieselCash]

I have a buddy that has one of those Polaris RZR. We had a fun day on it. It is suppose to be the same width as a large four wheeler. It has push button four wheel drive. If I had 11 grand I would purchase one.