I now own a honda 450es, but I'm not happy with the speed, power and ride. I've been reading many articles in your forem and in atv connection and it sounds like th e H.O is the overall best machine in the market. How is the reliability with this machine so far and is it true people are getting 60mph out of the H.O? Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

60 mph? Yes. A non - HO will do 55 or better after it is loosened up. As for reliability, still too new to tell, but the 500s were good motors so I don't see why not. The main weaknesses in the Sportsmans (or any Polaris) were brake pads that wore out too soon and steering bushings that did the same. Both of these are corrected in the HO and steering effort has been reduced, to boot. If you grease all the zerks (and there are quite a few) I think they will hold up as well as about anything.

 

Oh and did I mention that the 01s have a lifetime belt warranty? That should put to rest the fears of tranny problems. From what I understand, it is both the belt and the labor to put it on. Ask the dealer to be sure, though.

 

I sold my 99 450s to buy my new yellow 500sp ho and love my HOmy new ho has as much power as my 99 450s at least it seems that way.