I need something for mudding, trail riding and hauling trailers and other equipment around the farm. I do a lot of high water creek and river crossings as well as mud. I''m not really worried about the belt problem because I can fix that problem by snorkeling it and putting a clutch kit on it. I'm just not sure about the radiator on front. I clean my atv after every ride or so depending on how dirty it is. I take it to the dealer or someone else every month or so for check-ups. So far my Rancher has been good to me, but its a little small for me now and I want something a little faster. What should I get and also give me your opinion on this?? Also these are the two i'm picking from, just to let you know. Thanks!
OutlawRancher

 

sportsman

 

Youre really trying to compare apples to oranges here.
The foreman is very close to the utility side of sport/utility, and the sportsman is very close to the sport side of sport/utility.
The honda has solid axle, low ground clearance, low suspension travel, low rev torque and a manual shift tranny.
Polaris is irs, high clearance, lots of suspension, high reving, automatic.
If you plan on doing lots of grunt work, pick honda...if you want high speed trail riding, pick polaris.

 

Are you considering the Sportsman 400 or 500?

 

Hondabuster,
I need one with grunt and high speend trail riding.
Coyotechaser,
Sorry forgot to add that it would be a Sportsman 500 HO..
OutlawRancher

 

I had considered buying a Polaris back in 2001. I had friends around telling me about different problems with their Polaris quads. So, I went with honda because of reliability. I don't know if Polaris has improved since 2001. Two things I don't like are the added weight of a Polaris (Sportsman 500 677lb) and a taller overall heigth at the bars. Some Polaris' that I've ridden with have been a pain to get UNDER obstacles. Too tall. This may not matter in Florida. I guess you'll be comparing to the Rubi because it's also a 500. The Rubi is a good lighter quad but it does cost more, has lower towing ratings, drum brakes, and a lower fuel cap.. It is also a fulltime 4x4. The Sportsman is heavier, a belt drive and MIGHT not be as reliable. If you think you could trust a Polaris then I'd say to go with the Sportsman. Myself I just don't think I could buy a Polaris and feel good about it. I would probably buy a Vinson before a Sportsman. You just have to weigh the pros and cons and see which one you'd feel better buying. Good luck.

 

CoyoteChaser,
Actually i'm compairing it to a Honda Foreman S 450 4x4, not the Rubi. I want the 2/4wd. Honda Foreman S 450 4x4 vs. Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. 4x4. Thanks!
OutlawRancher

 

I'm a little curious why you chose to compare the 499cc Sportsman to the 433cc Foreman instead of the 425cc Sportsman that is comparably priced.

I like my Foreman for how I use it. It would be nice to have disc brakes at least in the front of the Foreman. The retail price of the Foreman is $800. less than the 500 Sportsman. The 450 is rated a lot less for pulling but does seem to do alright. I pull a 16' fiberglass boat around the yard with mine. It does make me a little nervous because they have chosen to rate it at 850. The 450 would do well on the farm. I don't drive in deep water a lot. I guess one area to watch out for on the 450 is the pull start hole. My Foreman hasn't been a speed demon with 52 mph being the fastest I've driven it. It does have decent power and seems to be limited more by gearing.

 

the sportsman would really be the better of the two machines performance wise.
its faster,tows more, and has the true 4x4. and the sportsmans have been a proven reliable machine

 

I wish i had gotton the 500 HO.....but my 400 does just fine....great in the water and mud