I put this in the Polaris forum and got some input, so I thought I'd try it here. Being new to the site and in the market for a new 4X4, I've spent some time going through the posts in all of the forums. I've actually been looking for info so I can compare the good, bad, & ugly on the kodiak 450 and sportsman 500 ho. I get the impression that the sportsman atv's are more prone to mechanical problems. The questions on the kodiaks seem to involve dead batteries & loose connections. The questions on the sportsman seem to involve much more complicated problems. Can I get an unbias oppinion regarding this? Also, any input in these two machines would be greatly appreciated.

 

I suggest you start looking at the grizzly 660, I dont know of any problems and they are realy nice, anyway I know my friends 03 sportsmen700 has had many problems, never ending. But just because he had a bad experiance with the sportsmen doesnt mean you should stop looking into them, many of my friends have kodiaks and they havent had any problems with them. I would also go and test them both, to see whitch one you like ride wise bette.Hope this helps trialblazerguy250

 

Yes it does help. Thanks. I get told that alot, that I should go ride one. Not too many dealers in my area are set up for that. They're mostly in town. I would expect that with irs, the sportsman would be a better ride. But I'm more concerned with longevity over a better short term ride. Like most people, I want to spend my money once, not over and over. And I know there are warranties, but I don't think a person should have to expect to have to use one. I think they should be the exception, not the rule.

 

I would also look into the 660 grizzley.My uncle has one and the ride is unbelievable!!most comfortable quad i have ever ridden.

 

That's interesting. A friend told me he drove one & the ride was nice, but it felt like work driving it compared to say the 500 HO & the Bear..

 

I know what you mean on you want to spend the $ once, The grizzly is that way, you only spend your $ once on it. Good luck

 

Have looked at the Rhino? Those things look awesome!

 

yeah they do look preety nice

 

If you want a large displacement 4X4 quad, the consistent shootout winner(4Wheel ATV Action) in that classification is the Kawasaki Prarie 700 followed by the Honda 650 followed by the any of the knock off Kawasaki 650's. The Praries are supposed to have phenominal V-twin power with outstanding handling. The Honda was written up very well too. If I were to buy one of these machines, I would get the Honda because I believe they make the most reliable quads, JMO.

 

My 4x4 is a Kawasaki Prarie and I love it I would DEFINATELY stay away from the snowmobile on wheels (Polaris)for the fact that they do have a lot of problems and are very expensive to fix.