This is a "food for thought"... Maybe a suggestion.. Although Its probably easier/cheaper to build your frames from square tubing. I must say that sometimes I can feel the frame of my 1999 Magnum 500 flexing "tweaking". This is NOT normal.. I am a PROUD owner of two Polaris machines, and have converted MANY former Honda/Yamaha owners to Polaris products. I must say, that the two Yamahas and one Honda that I have owned NEVER flexed when ridden in the same terrain.
With machines getting bigger and more powerful every year, it would only seem logical that something be done with the dated frame design. In my Humble Opinion, round tubing would be the next logical step. Chromemoly might be asking for too much in a utility bike, (although I feel it would be PERFECT for the Scramblers)But, atleast the added strength of PROPERLY BENT round tubing would give the utility bikes some added structural integretity. Bike weight is an IMPORTANT issue around here. And I KNOW that this region is one of Polaris ATV'S TOP selling Regions, so it would seem logical for Polaris Industries to show an expressed interest in what owners in this area are looking for. (likes/dislikes)
Perhaps a Research and Development Rep. coming down and riding at one of the popular riding spots for a weekend, talking with Polaris ATV owners... What mods we are doing, what works, whats not working... etc...
Just food for thought...
Robert Wingate

 

Mudmachine I have never felt my Sp500 frame flex yet I do agree with you that the Polaris would be a much better product if they would trim some of the weight from it...

 

ATVING...
Not that you don't ride hard... but the way we ride and the stuff we ride in.... You would definitely feel the frame flex in some of the holes as you try to climb your way out.
I feel like round tubing and a stronger frame design could only make a good product that much better.

 

Yes the frame is to suppose to flex. It is made that way to release stress. I have noticed my frame flexing alot. It is actually a good idea to me.

 

Well MUDMACHINE i guess I haven't rode to ruff yet but hey I'm still part of the INSANO CLUB!!!!!hehehe. I am really trying to find a weekend when I am not busy man but it is so hard having to work and wanting to have fun. I still have about $1000 left to pay on my 6x6 and as soon as that is payed off I hopefully just might be able to come down there.

 

It is kinda of good that the frame flexxes, but my friend has a honda Rancher and he was trailing me and i stopped and he me in the back of my frame and it justFlexxed and then came back to it spot on it own i dont know how this happened but he has 700 dollars worth of damage somehow And honda wont cover it on their so called warranty. Again their was no damage to my sp500

 

he wrecked into you? And he expects honda to cover it? is this what you are saying?

If he execpts that he's a moron..it's like buying a new car and wrecking it, then execpting the company to pay for your mistake!

I couldn't make too much sense from your spelling and leave out of words..

 

The gear shifter wouldnt click down unless forced, the taillight didnt work, and the DC outlett wouldnt work. The dealer tried to blame this all on the crash. So he said that he would never buy another honda. Altough the Durability was good what if it does break. Then Honda wont cover it so screw it

 

Ya know.. if this was like "structural steel" or something that was SUPPOSE to flex.. that would be different... Its not. its just mild steel.. Its only gonna give so many times before it STAYS tweaked and you end up riding "woppy-jawed" down the trails... They could lose some weight, make a more rigid frame, and have a new platform for years to come with one re-tooling change... YES, I know re-tooling is expensive... but so is losing customers (im not the ONLY one thats noticed) and warranty claims... Especially as we see bigger, more powerful engines and larger tires...

 

ummmm sorry guys... whoever said round tubing is stronger than square tubing is WAY OFF!

This is the reason they made it with square tubing, is because it is way stronger that way.

Doesn't anyone know anything about metals.

geeesh