Looks like the 700 EFI did pretty well in the July Big-Bore Shootout, coming in #2. But then on page 64, the editors write:

"...add a true locking diff and it'd be right there with the [#1] Kawasaki/Suzuki."

Now, either Polaris did away with their true locker, which has always been a major selling point, or the editors have their HUA as usual.

Yeah, I read DirtWheels. I admit it, so don't beat me up too bad.

 

Actually the article was correct, Polaris does not have a true locking diff., no matter whats they say in their ads.

 

I'm very surprised it ended up in 2nd place. I haven't read the article yet, but some people said that it did well in the shootout. The last shootout I saw that had the SP700 in it, was the 4 wheel atv action big bore shootout, and it ended up 4th place out of 6. Thats weird that it ended up in 2nd since there are not many differences between the Sp700 and Sp700efi. By the way, where did the rincon and grizzly place in the shootout?

 

July 2004 DirtyWheels Big Bore shootout results

1. Twin Peaks
2. Sportsman
3. Grizzly
4. Rincon
5. Arctic Cat
6. Quest

 

The 650 Arctic Cat came in 5th? Oh well, i'm gald to see Suzuki at #1.

 

No need for a "locking diff" when you already have TRUE AWD!!!!!

 

Get a Polaris in the mud and you will see. There is not need for a dumb locker, it locks own its on.

 

well you can't always go by what those magazines say cause you will look at one for instance the prarie will be first and the sportsman will be last then the next one is vice versa and well if you got true locking 4x4 compated to polaris's on demand it is a big difference but on demand is way better then the one wheel wonder limited slip front end what it boils down to is that it is fun to get out in the mud and do your own testing against all these brands one buddy has a 660 grizzley another a sportsman 700 and my 650 cat and well i always came out in front in the mud but that magazine ranked me 5th so the only true test is amateur ones

 

Yea I think real people are the best test riders.

 

Okay, call it what you want, but I can tell you the Sportsman doesn't have some 3 1/2 wheel drive, limited slip system. Both front wheels receive 100% power. If that isn't a "diff lock", then I don't know what is. This system had much to do with my decision to buy the Sportsman in the first place. And it comes on right now. No waiting. On my Prairie, I have to anticipate my need for four wheel drive because it may take 20 feet before it engages. And then it's a good idea to get the diff lock engaged early, before I start spinning tires.

Polaris may have gone wrong by calling it all-wheel-drive. An automobile with all wheel drive may actually only have two, or even one wheel delivering power at any one time (like my Subaru WRX); however, unlike a car's all wheel drive system, the Polaris system really means ALL WHEEL DRIVE. If you still aren't a believer, then go to their web site and click on their all wheel drive video. They put a Sportsman on three sets of rollers, with traction only given to one wheel which is up against an obstacle. That one wheel engages, and pulls the machine up and over.