Hello,

I'm looking at buying a new ATV. I'm looking for a 4X4 in the 500 to 600cc range. I'm looking at Polaris, Yamaha, Honda and Arctic Cat.

Does Polaris offer the 2X4 - 4X4 switching option on its Sportsman 500 H.O. (like the Kodiak)? Is it a true 4X4 (limited slip in the front end)?

In passing I've been told Polaris is hard to work on and didn't hold up as well as the Honda and Yamaha. Is this true? I've also been told in the last year Polaris did a total change of its product line to address these issues. Is this true?

Any input or advise would be great!

Thank you to all in advance!

Bill

 

I am far from an expert, but I will try to answer your questions the best I can.
Yes the Sportsman has switchable 2wd to 4wd, and it is true 4 wheel drive. Many would say it is the best system out there as far as ease of use and how well it works. They also seem to have a shorter turning radius than most, especially when compared to full time 4x4 machines.
Are Polaris' harder to work on? Are they less reliable? I really can't say. They DO require more maintanence (quite a few zerks to grease) but I don't think are any more trouble prone than others. The older (pre 2001) models DO have a weakness in the steering. Not that they will break and leave you stranded or cause an accident, but there are a few steering joints that wear out sooner than on competetive machines. Mainly the steering stem bushing and tie rod ends. On the 2001 machines, these have been upgraded, along with better brakes and lower effort steering. I have over 3400 miles and 260 or so hours on my Polaris, and have had NO breakdowns yet. The Honda has over 500 hours (no odometer to count miles) with just a battery & few minor things, mostly dealing with bad connections to the battery. The only thing I can find on the Polaris that seems to be wearing out faster than on the Honda seems to bee the steering bushing I mentioned ($9 for a new one, or $35 for a forever fix) and the rear tires (spins much more due to more power). It is my understanding that the HO models all have the upgraded steering components and better brakes, to boot. Just remember to grease all the zerks. 90% of people complaining their Polaris isn't holding up seems due to lack of maintanence. Grease it often enough & I think it will go as long as anything.

 

The Polaris has the best 4x4 system it is true 4 wheel drive which mean that when the 4x4 is engaged all wheels turn, there is no limited anything it is all go all the time when the 4x4 is on, you can turn it off and have only 2 wheel drive. In my experience of owning Yamaha Honda and Polaris over the past 15 years the Polaris havr held up as well if not even better in some cases.

 

The grizz 4x4 system doesn't seem good to me.
The front differential gives 100% of the torque to the tire that has LESS traction! No use. You're one side in mud, and one side on dry, you won't go forward.
The polaris front diff locks both front wheels. Sounds better to me.

 

Make sure you ride them all. Then you'll buy the Polaris, they simply handle better and are more fun to ride. The Sportsman is the best utility quad ever made due to its' independent rear suspension. And now with the H.O. the increase in power makes you stop wishing you'd got a sport quad instead. Mine does 65 mph. where my old SP would go 40 up a sand wash the H.O. will do 50. And go anywhere in Lo range and 4x4. It is the heaviest, its' only drawback, but a lot of machine for the $6400 I paid for mine.
Silly Later,,,Fourlix

 

Make sure you ck out the explorer 400,if you don't
mind 2 strokes.They will out run or keep up with
any 500 or 600cc utility atv out there.

GOOD LUCK
TRUCK

 

Nobody mentioned that the sportsman has the best smoothest ride of all the brands. plus it has the most ground clearance which means the most in deep mud.