Check out at web http://www.atvmag.com/article.asp?nid=344. I talk about a 2007 sportsman go to low fat diet LB.

 

Here's a link for ya clicky.

Wish they would make it a little lighter.

 

650 lbs would be the right # to shoot for IMO. that would make it only 50lbs heavier than the competition.

there's really no need for it to be 115+ lbs heavier than the rest in it's class.

i'm all for a lighter Sportsman!

 

to me heavier means stronger components and a better ride less bucking. but i agree if they want to compete in the speed wars a lighter one is an order. if the 800 was a true and noty a 760 w/ 150 lighter, oh man that would a beast.

 

they said it would be a low-fat diet compairable to the hawkeye. the hawkeye is 550 pounds, what if the sportsman ended up being like 600 pounds?

 

Polaris has always been the smoothest, best pulling, hardest working machine out there. If you make it lighter it would be a more fun trail machine. But then you lose the whole reason of the sportsman line and the intent it was made for. Nothing will compare to them in a working enviroment. Granted, 75% of us use them for joy riding most of the time. Maybe they should leave the sportsman line alone other than improvements to what they already have. Maybe polaris needs to create a whole new line to compete with the other big bore machines. A lighter, more nimble machine with huge power and speed. Keep a low range for light work. Kinda a Sport Utility.

 

You would be surprised how much better a lighter 4x4 would handl in just about any situation. My Rincon comes in at 600lbs and I can throw it around the trails like a sport quad. The power to weight ratio is much better. Untill Polaris loses some seriouse lbs and fixes the front diff problems I cant see owning a Polaris again until then. I like Polaris and always have but they need to fix the flaws that they have always had and everyone complains about. Weight, diff problems, ebs and 4wheel brakeing.

 

i am VERY concerned about this also. Its not about the fact that lighter is better or worse. Its about change. And IMO Polaris does not need to change what they have. Im scared that they may ruin themselves for what their known for. Cadillac ride, 4x4 beast, ground clearance, towing capacity, tough body components, JUST OVERALL TOUGH! .. Going to a lightweight machine kinda sacrifices Polaris' integrity. Their "weight" is what sets them apart from ALL the Jap quads. Its like saying/admitting what they already have isint good enough. And they are being followers instead of trendsetters, and thats not Polaris. I wouldnt mind them losing some unnessecary weight. Maybe like 40lbs max. But if Polaris is gonna do what i've been hearing, i might as well buy a Yami, Zuke,Honda,Kawi, blahblahblah......................................
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold

 

Polaris has always led the pack, i know they will suprise us all

 

I use my machine for at least 50% work! That said I DO NOT WANT a lighter Sportsman. Thats half the reason i bought Polaris, for work. I live on very hilly property, when it comes time to plow, or pull a tree out of the river, or tow a trailer full of wood up to the house, I want a heavy ATV!
I have tried it with the lighter models, I have owned a 450 Honda. None of them work as hard, as well as my Sportsman. I get so tired of people complaining of what heavy pigs they are! No ****, why do you think I own it. When you want to work a truck hard you dont by a S10!
Ever think they are heavier because they are complete when purchased. I mean how many other AtV's come with the quality under belly protection Polaris does?

Yes lighter sporty ATV's may be fun to play with, but so is a 3/4 ton 4x4 truck with 44" Super Swampers!