All -

(I don't want to be hypocritical here, as I have
some disappointments too BUT..)

Okay to put a little positive spin on the 2008 models
what do you all think about the improvements?

I am personally interested in the touring models
800 mainly, anyone have any insights on them or
know when the local dealers will be selling them?

R'

 

the touring seems nice but the regual 800's prise came down and they added the dual exh. back on and the adc as well. no need to buy the delux now. all though you loose the cheap winch.

 

i like the 400 sportsman, and the sport lineup plus it looks like all black will be available this year on the sportsmans with out the mark up of LE.

 

Don't be fooled by the Sportsman 400...............It's not really a Sportsman in my view!!!
It is really a 455cc in there ,but smaller Hawkeye frame....
They cut alot of corners on this to really call it a Sportsman in my view!!!
no low gear also!!!........ALL SPORTSMANS SHOULD HAVE LOW GEAR>>>>Right!!!!

Back to the topic now......(I need to calm down...LOL..) The good thing about this year is the sport line-up,lots of choices for riders to pick from!!!..........And another.....good thing is no BIG MONSTER QUAD(1000cc).
................Caper.....................

 

I am glad that the scrambler hasn't been scrapped all together... (yet a redesign would be way better)

 

i have a hawkeye 300 so i know all about them mine has been trouble free for about 500 miles so i have no problem with the hawkeye build coupled with a much more powerfull
motor i bet it will rip and as for no low range its there you just dont need to select it.

 

I like the bigger oil cooled 400 BUT why change the name ! now you will just have the smallest sportsman! wtf
like the 24" tires HATE the dull red !
I own 2 hawkeyes and everything is great ! with a bit more power all it needs is to fit 26" tires and you would never need a 800 for trails!

 

I too wish they would have kept the Hawkeye nameplate but regardless of that I look forward to seat time on the 400 version. I filled out a questionaire last year about improvements/changes for the Hawkeye and I did ask for the 450 engine so I'm glad to see it. They had too many versions on the same Sportsman platform, not everyone needs or wants a machine that physically large. I've put 1900 miles on between the 06 and 07 and am very happy with the machines....

 

I have to agree with Caper that they don't need to introduce a monster 1000cc machine. The utility quads don't really need to go much faster than they already are. I spent a half hour on a trail in June holding a 20 year old girls head still while we waited for emergency services to come and then they had to lifeflight her out. It was pretty sobering. Young lady riding a grizz 700 that was way to big and fast for her without a helmet. Hit some whoop-de-doos on a main corrider and just lost it. Have no idea if she lived or not but it was a horrible experience. The head wound was awful and in the hour we were there she never regained consciousness. So, I guess I am not a fan of bigger and faster utility quads. To many inexperienced riders get there hands on them and ride way over their heads.

 

I like the straight axle 525. I was disappointed to see it carbed tho. Now I'm not so sure about it....