well this is my first post.
i am going to buy a utility atv.
just for play.
i have been looking at the 2008 polaris sportsman 500 efi.
now i am not sure if this is the right one but i think it looks pretty nice.
my question is?
do you think its the right one for me.
i am 21yrs old weight about 170lbs.

 

What type of terrain are you going to be riding and how aggressively do you ride? Do you like sliding corners at high speed? Mud? Snow? Do you want something to just cruise in extreme comfort? These are the things that will determine which machine is best for ya.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: utility_atv

well this is my first post.

i am going to buy a utility atv.

just for play.

i have been looking at the 2008 polaris sportsman 500 efi.

now i am not sure if this is the right one but i think it looks pretty nice.

my question is?

do you think its the right one for me.

i am 21yrs old weight about 170lbs.</end quote></div>


THe 500 EFI is great machine! It's a utility atv not a sport or race atv, not for sliding around turns and wheeling, made for work and knarly rough and muddy trails. Runs about 55mph. Smooth comfy ride with lots of storage.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: BradW

What type of terrain are you going to be riding and how aggressively do you ride? Do you like sliding corners at high speed? Mud? Snow? Do you want something to just cruise in extreme comfort? These are the things that will determine which machine is best for ya.</end quote></div>

thanks for the quick reply.
well this is my first atv. i know i want a utility i guess my ? is which one is the best out there for me? i think i would ride pretty agressive. no sliding around corners for me. mudd yes, snow yes, i live in colorado so that is for sure. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] comfort yes, extreme comfort probably not. i think i should test drive some? any suggestions?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: RickCJ7

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: utility_atv



well this is my first post.



i am going to buy a utility atv.



just for play.



i have been looking at the 2008 polaris sportsman 500 efi.



now i am not sure if this is the right one but i think it looks pretty nice.



my question is?



do you think its the right one for me.



i am 21yrs old weight about 170lbs.</end quote></div>





THe 500 EFI is great machine! It's a utility atv not a sport or race atv, not for sliding around turns and wheeling, made for work and knarly rough and muddy trails. Runs about 55mph. Smooth comfy ride with lots of storage.</end quote></div>

thanks for the quick reply.
so you have a sportsman 500efi? i take it you like it if you have one?
im thinking about test driving some. do you have any preferences?

 

Yes I have a 500EFI. I have ridden most other brands and I chose the 500X2, its not the fastest (Can Am) is or lightest (Jap) atvs, but IMO it is the best all around 4wd utility atv. Does everything very well!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: utility_atv

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: RickCJ7



<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: utility_atv

My second choice would be Can Am then Artic Cat, the Jap atvs all feel about the same except Honda they are playing catch up.
Can Ams are fastest in each class, Artic Cats are tall and great for rough terrain and mud. Kaw,Yam,Suz all are good atvs but are cooky cutter they all look and perform alike. Polaris SP are a big heavy duty atv with a lot more features that benefit the rider.

Yes ride and look at as many differant atvs you can, great to check out an atv show so you can compare them side by side. It's easy to see which atvs are built better, try the controls and stand up and sit on them open and close the storage, look at the axle size and underneath at the frame and see what is protected and what isn't, which looks easy to work on etc.....

 

You just need to go ride some different ones and see which one you like. I was lucky and found a local dealer that took me out to the used ATV building and said "just go ride anything you want". It doesn't matter what we like, we're not going to be riding it for you. Just understand the Polaris is a large framed ATV. Its heavy and rides nice. All large frame ATVs ride better than mid sized units. The Honda Rancher, Yamaha 350-450 Grizzly and the other makers of mid sized ATVs are great rides but they are not great feeling rides. I like the mid size ATVs as they feel you have better control of them. Yet I have a large frame ATV because of the plushy ride. If you read through the manufacturer pages all ATVs break when abused and last forever when taken care of. Dealer support is very important. If they take care of your needs, you'll enjoy what ever you choose even more. And finally, no matter what you get, some person you know is going to insult your choice.