I RECENTLY GAVE MY GRIZ TO MY SON AND AM IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW ATV. I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE RUBY,OLDER SUZUKI 500 AND YAMAHAS I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POLARIS 500 BECAUSE OF A BAD SERVICE HISTORY. I AM ON HOLD FOR A V- TWIN ANY SUGESTIONS. IS THE V-TWIN THE FLAGSHIP OF THE INDUSTRY ? OR SHOULD I TAKE A HARDER LOOK AT THE 500 HO
THANKS,

 

Don't discount the SP500HO. Most of the reliability problems were cured in 98 or 99. Now, with the '01 models, I can't think of any weakness they may have. The only thing might be the brakes, but they are supposed to be better than on previous models. Drive one around, the rougher the ground the better. I guarantee nothing else will ride as smooth. If smoothness isn't your main priority, the v-twin Kawasaki may be the cat's meow. None of them are 'bad', they just have different strengths.

 

In the same boat, this spring getting a big bore quad for myself. Right now I am waiting on the specs on the V-twin (1st choice). If Kawasaki doesn't deliver a quality product with the features needed, then will probably opt for the HO (2nd choice). Never really considered the Griz, my third choice is the Arctic Cat.