Hello - I am in the process of purchasing a new ATV and need some guidance. I have decided on a Polaris Sportsman and need some help on the different models.

I will primarlily be using the atv for hunting and joy riding with the occasional work around the food plot. I am not as much concearned about price as I am comfort and reliability. I like the idea of the 700 or 800 just because of the power factor.

Are there any downsides to the larger engiens over the 500?

Thanks in advance.

 

the big bores have more heat.as long as the rad. is clean it won't overheat but the fan will run alot more

 

The 800 I have is my first quad and I have no issues with the motor size. Gas is better that I thought. Im am glad I did not get anything less. This quad stock ,sounds and runs awesome.

 

the 500 is way better on fuel and runs cooler and will everything the big bores will but not as much fun lol. there quicker and are harder on fuel and yes they do run hotter. basicly except for the engine their the same bike. but if money's not an issue then an 800 all the way.

 

Having had a 500 H.O. and now the 800 EFI, I'd say that the 500 EFI would be about a perfect ATV. The 500 is fairly quiet stock and can be made very quiet with a silencer. The 800 is fairly loud stock, IMO. The main thing I don't like about my 800 is the gas mileage. I love the twin engine though, there is no shortage of power. There were many times with the 500 that I wished I had more power, with the 800 that wishing is gone. I'd say to take them all for a test ride. The dealer shouldn't have a problem with you feeling them out if you're going to buy one from them.

Good luck!!

 

IMHO,

If you are the type to say "Hey I will start with the 500 and then maybe trade it in a year
or two, yadda yadda" then get the 700/800 now up front. I have lost money on that deal and
when you finance and get low ball trade in's then the dealer and the banks are the one's
who make out with "your cash".

Bottom, line do what is best for you, but if you like to upgrade and want bigger Mud tires
etc. go with the 700 or 800. There is real great deals on the 07's now. My cousin made out
with a cheaper buy on the 700 EFI (07) Vs. a new 08' 500 with some adds cuz the 700 was
now at dealer cost. So check out the prices too, if you pay less than $800 for a 500-to-700
jump you get ALOT more bike for a few extra dollars, my opinion.

Best wishes on your next purchase, I trust you will make the right decision for
you!

R'

 

The SP 500 is the #1 selling Polaris for a reason. For most riders a 500 will do more than what they want. I love my 700 but there some things I definately don't like.
1) There is no back-up recoil rope. If out hunting or fishing, have an electrical problem, & it will be a long walk home.
2) Gas mileage - tough to go on long back country rides without taking extra gas.
3) runs alot hotter.

I wouldn't turn down a 500 if someone gave it to me but my choice is a 700 or 800.

 

i agree that a no recoil really sucks for its a good peace of mind. on the other hand ive owned 6 of these bikes and 2 of the 800's w/ no recoil and (knock on wood) they have never left me strandard or failed to have battery charge.

 

I have ridden a 700 carb and liked it. Am I disapointed that I only have a 500 HO carb? Nope! I got a good deal and 500 is plenty for my needs, and doesn't have any problem keeping up with a sp700 on the trails. I've even used our SP400 to pull a 4 foot off-set disk to till up a pasture for seeding and never ran out of ponies, it would have never done it in high range where a 700 or 800 would.

If money is no object, you do your maintenace, don't plan to go super deep in the woods for many miles without extra fuel or use the winch & run the battery down in the middle of nowhere, you will not have a problem with overheating or dead battery. ...just my opinion. But i'd look for 2007 leftover deals. There are some out there.

 

I use mine to hunt, fix food plots and haul lumber its been more than I ever need, when I do pleasure ride with friends I,ve never needed more power( course there all ridin hondas!!!) I'm happy with the 500 but I'm old, I do have one regret and thats the gas milage, it likes the fuel, but now I'm wondering after reading these post whats the gas milage on the 800s