Just thought i would mention that when i finally got my mag today. Even though I already knew the result i thought what the heck and read the article. Then something popped up and grabbed my attention. On page 44 bottom left paragraph DW shows the kind of quality of shootouts and writting they do. They say the following and i quote "They(the two Polaris ATV's) also have the advantage of being able to start in gear, though that could be a little scary with novice riders. Both the Honda and Suzuki require that the machine be in neutral before they will start."
Last time i checked my Rubicon could start in gear by a simple pull of the RIGHT brake lever, regardless of where the shifter was. I guess with the experts riding these quads and writting the article as well, they would of knew that. Just thought that the same people that don't know some of the basic features of a quad can sit there and proclaim the best 500 auto is. Before you Polaris owners have a cow, after reading the article the SP500HO did deserve to win IF: You are jumping your 600LBS+ quad like a racer, if your wanting to do more than the legal speed limit, and if you wanted the only machine that kept slipping FOR SOME REASON out of two or four wheel drive, with the BEST RIDE. After reading the article I found out why I keep my subscription to DW, they made me feel a whole lot happier with my decision to buy the best ATV for me. Honda Rubicon

 

a.w., put on your asbesto underwear as I suspect that the flames will arrive imminently.

Temp

 

alaskaweasel,
I agree with you totally, the Sportsman HO is a powerful machine but it's kinda funny how it can be so unreliable and still be number #1 in any shootout. The bottom line is that if ya want a quad that can pull a truck, haul a moose, or outrun everyone else just buy a Polaris, but if you want a quad that will start, WHEN YOU NEED IT TO, and to GO WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT TO, then the answer is easy buy a HONDA.

 

I sent them a letter to let them know you could start in gear with the Rubicon. I told them on which page of the manual the procedure is desribed. They said they did not think that was correct. They did not seem to care if they are publishing correct information or not.

Bad attitude and makes me doubt their credibility in future statements. Arrogance and ingnorance are not very becoming traits to exhibit toward a subsriber who just got a renewal notice. I sent it back to them with a letter with explict intructions--kinda like the start in gear instructions. Very to the point.

 

Buy what makes you feel best,regardless of all the Hype or BS that ANYONE says.You are the one that you have to make happy with your purchase,no one else.====Bill

 

Why must you all bash the SP. I have never seen a group of people bash the SP as the Honda guys do.
I am just curious as to why you guys do this?
Same thing goes for the Polaris guys bashing the Rubicon.
What is the point? What do you guys expect from the topics that do these things? Does it help out your ego? Does it make you feel superior somehow?

It is an incredibly immature subject that has been beat to death over and over and over. Get a life and go out and ride. And who cares what you are riding.

 

Bill,
I agree ultimately it's up to the buyer to decide if they are happy or not with their purchase. Since I'm not a mechanic I opt for the reliability of a Honda, and YES I'M HAPPY. But I'm not bashing Polaris I have friends who have Polaris' and they have stated that Polaris are awesome quads but the reliability is not as good as any of the other major brands. So basically, many people love Polaris quads and i'm happy for them but I will always opt for reliability, reguardless of brand name. I've owned a Yamaha, and a Suzuki and I loved them both.

 

Rancher,
I bought a 99 Sportsman 500cc 4x4.It was the biggest piece of shi- known to mankind.Spent numerous months at the buying dealership for repairs.I finally got pissed[sued] and took the quad to another dealership,and got it repaired correctly.

I personally know many very happy Sportsman owners with little to no problems with their purchases.I agree,it does seem that you hear about more problems with the Polaris than other makes,but it is exagerrated alot.The earlier model Polaris quads had some major problems,however,the newer [98 + newer]are as dependable as any other makes/models.

I have 550 miles on my new Xplorer 400cc 4x4,I have had NO problems to date,and I run her hard to.I'd match my Xplorer ANYDAY with any brand out there today.

I bought my Xplorer because im loyal to ME,not to a patricular brand.It was what I liked,so I bought it.Is it the best at everything?I hardly doubt it,but I sure enjoy it alot,and thats the ONLY thing that counts.====Bill

 

I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and will buy another with any uprades that may come out (may be a while as Honda seems to stick with the status quo for onger periods). But, I did not bash any ATV or brand of ATV or anyone or their comments on the forum. I reported what kind of attitude the DirtWheels staff had exhibited. You may not have been lumping me in with the "you guys" comment, Lurch, but thought I may need to re-state the context regarding my post. The Rubicon or SP500 thread was much more deserving of selectve deletions, where even one post stated that those paying $7000 for a Rubicon are dummies.

 

in the 2000 dirt bike/dirt wheels they have in the spec's that the 400ex has 6 speed