I had way to many problems with the AC650. Only 4 miles on it with to many problems. I get my check tuesday. I'm not sure what to get. Please help. I'm not sure about the 4 wheel drive system with the Polaris. How does it work. I've been looking at the 700EFI and the 500 HO. My questions are:

1. If the power is sent to the front wheels only when the rear wheels lose traction, what happens if you need the front to pull but the rear wheels don't loose traction. (Ledge with hard pack or rocks). I live near the Rubicon Trail in California.

2. Does the 4 wheel drive system work in reverse?

3. Does the engine braking work on all 4 wheels in 4 wheel drive?

4. is the driveline lash bad for the 700 EFI?

5. Is it hard to deal with Polaris customer service?

I will be using the ATV mostly for work around the property. Pulling a trailer, mounting a sprayer, and pulling downed small trees. I would also like to take it on the Rubicon Trail that starts low in altitude and climbs up in altitude. I drove the 500 HO and the 700 EFI, I like the 500 because it didn't seem to clunk as much. I did notice the 700 EFI had alot of drive line lash, is this normal and is there a fix for this. If there is not fix for the Driveline lash, it it bad for the ATV? These questions are for both the 700 EFI and the 500 HO. Thank you very much for your help.

Matt

By the way, the Arctic Cat that I got was just a lemon, I want to switch to another brand because it was very hard to get a hold of Arctic Cat.

 

Why won't anyone reply to my questions, are they stupid? I've heard all of these issues from other manufactures about the Polaris. Are they just bashing Polaris? It seems all of the Manufacturers won't admit if they have issues, so they bash others. Please help me with my previous questions... Thanks.

 

1. If the power is sent to the front wheels only when the rear wheels lose traction, what happens if you need the front to pull but the rear wheels don't loose traction. (Ledge with hard pack or rocks). I live near the Rubicon Trail in California.--that is not a problem, they will lock up before you even know there is a problem.

2. Does the 4 wheel drive system work in reverse? yes, you must hit the override button

3. Does the engine braking work on all 4 wheels in 4 wheel drive? not that i know of...but i have heard it works if you get the AWD to lock in.

4. is the driveline lash bad for the 700 EFI? No

5. Is it hard to deal with Polaris customer service? Very Very nice as far as Polaris goes, your dealer can be a pain if you dont have a good one.

BTW your atv is only as good as your dealer, so make sure you pick out a good one to buy from and one that will stand behind the product.

Once you get used to the way a Polaris drives and handles there is no turning back!

 

I live in Reno and last spring I did the Fordyce Creek trail on my Sp. 400 and it did awsome!!! You will not notice the 4x4 engagement at all! When you decide on what you want go down to Reno cycles and Gear and take a look, they have a 700efi and a 50th anniversary 500ho that is absolutely AWSOME!!!

Talk to bill and he will hook you up

Chris

 

I had doubts about the awd system on rocks too till after my first ride on the rocks. I am very pleased with my Polaris, and the AWD system. You never notice the 4x4 locking in, you just look up there and see the front tires pulling. I have never had problems with my Polaris service, but all I have had to do is simple mantainence ( oil change, etc.)

 

you will be pleased with a Polaris. The 4wd system works very well, you wont have a problem with it. Buy from a good dealer. If you have any problems or questions, ask us before youa sk your dealer!! we wont lie to you or try to sell you unwanted parts! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Good Luck

 

I agree with all the above statements...Except Polaris customer service... pretty sucky,
Once they have your $ they don't give a rats *ss if you have a problem.

 

The Sportsmans are incredible machines. I don't mind the engine braking, but some people do. It probably is not the best system, but it is VERY effective when you get used to it. I think it's only issue with the engine braking is HOW MUCH it gives. Sometimes it's just too much. Going down very steep, slippery hills you want to use High range and not low - low just has too much engine braking. If the hill has great traction, then low is OK. One other thing, 4 wheel engine braking is not that great and can be more of a problem than good. There is a way to 'trick' the system and force it to have 4wd engine braking going down a hill, but that is scary! I have done it before and forget your steering or control or anything. Since the Polaris has TRUE 4wd and the front tires don't differentiate power, you have all 4 wheels locked in and grabbing as you head down hill - VERY difficult to steer / handle.

On a positive note, the machines are tough, have killer ground clearance, unmatched torque, unmatched pulling ability, probably the best TRUE 4wd system available, super simple (think EASY maintenace) engine design, and the nicest riding suspension.

Do yourself a favor, find a good dealer and ride one. See what you think.

And like everybody else said, a dealer is what makes for good customer service, not the manufacturer.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. I now have to choose between the 700EFI, 500HO or the Suzuki Vinson. It's all so hard to decide. I did ride the 700EFI two times and the 500HO once. The first time on the 700EFI it stalled several times and had very poor throttle response. The second time at a different dealer, it had great throttle response. Also the 500HO was real nice and smooth. Kind of makes me wonder about the EFI. with my luck I'll get one that stalls and has poor throttle response. I'm sort of gun shy about spending this kind of money and having to go through what I did with the Arctic Cat. Thanks again for the info.

 

I have had two 500s and they are bullet proof. The 700 EFI is the Cadilac of the industry but the 500 Ho will do everything a 700 will except turn 29 inch tires. Either machine would be a good choice.