I am considering the purchase of a 500 ho soon, but am also considering a few other atvs such as the kodiak 450, grizzly and the kawasaki 700. I have owned a grizzly and a rancher but never a polaris. I'd like to get some feedback from polaris owners about their atvs on issues such as reliablity, off road capability, the 4x4 system on these quads and any other suggestions. All info is greatly appreciated

 

the kawi sport?

 

I recently bought a 600 twin. Ive only had it about 3 or 4 months, so i cant comment on the reliability of it, but i can say that i love the bike so far. The ride is better than any quad ive ever ridden. The awd system is awsome. it has more than enough power. so all in all, i say that its a good choice. good luck!! Gavin

 

yeah i just bought a 500 ho sportsman and it is an awsome machine it operates flawlessly and rides great....has pretty good power and runs real smooth....I would recommend it anyday...and reliable to...

 

I purchased an 04.5 sp600 for $6000, so you may as well get the bigger bike if you decide on a Polaris. For some reason they seem to be pushing the 600 with awesome pricing. If you are worried about reliability then stick with the 500 because it's been around longer. As said above the Polaris 4WD system can't be beat, both in ease of use and overall traction. The Yamaha's are good machines but lack substance compared to the Polaris, look at the Kodiak's hitch on the rear axle, pretty tiny, looks like it would snap off quite easily. I too was considering the Kawi and was impressed with the sturdiness of the drive line and hitch, even compared to the Polaris, but I was concerned about the servo motor that maintains belt tension to produce engine braking under deceleration, and had heard about belt issues with the 650. Polaris' engine braking is purely mechanical and the belt is warranteed for life. The Kawi also has a sealed wet rear brake that supposedly works great and requires very little maintenance, not to mention it's the fastest 4x4 out there. So, if you don't mind a solid rear and pulling a lever for LOCKED 4WD and less maintenance, go with the Kawi 700. If you want lots of ground clearance, amazing fool proof AWD, awesome ride and a huge beast of an ATV then go Polaris.

 

Might also want to consider the Vinson 500. I've heard nothing but great remarks on this quad, is a great powerful all-around quad.

 

"It's better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it"

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What ever you get make sure it is 4 wheel drive and not 3.5 wheel drive.