i am looking at the two and was wondering which would be the best for my riding uses i ride
20%mud
20%trail
20%hills and
20%deep water ridin


thanks

 

by sportsman 500 i mean the new H.O.

 

We need to know about that missing 20% too!

 

I own the 450ES and my brother-in-law owns the Sportsman HO. We ride together alot and trade sometime so I think I can give you a fair opinion.
Both machines are great, the sportsman definitely has a softer and more comfortable ride. The Honda has quicker throttle response and better control decending steep grades. We don't do any deep mudbogs, but in the mud and creeks we do ride both do just fine. If had to buy again I would have bought the Sportsman, not that I don't like the Honda, I just wish I had the softer ride and the auto. Also If you do ride double (did I say that) the sportsman has much more room on the seat.
You can email me if you have any more questions.

 

IMHO If you are going to do a lot of riding in water over the floorboards. Go with the Honda 450S. (the preferred choice of the bayou boys) If you have back trouble or require a smooth ride go with the Sportsman

 

The Rubicon is a great machine also. IF I may offer advice wait for the 650 Kaw it seems to have everything covered and for the same money.

 

There really is only one choice with these two the Sportsman hands down will beat the 450 in every single category there is, we have one in our riding group and there is absolutely no contest whatsoever between the two. I easily beat him drag racing. hill climbing, in the mud I can go in two wheel drive when he gets stuck in 4. The ride is not even close to the same, and yeah if you are going to ride double the SP has a much bigger and much more comfy seat.
I am not really trying to put down the 450es but the Sportsman is a far superior machine. The new 650 Kawasaki is the one to get right now if you ask me. That is going to be a machine and a half. when i am looking for a new one if the big P hasn't dumped a 700 in the Sportsman I will own one.

 

Silly, he's resting and drinkin beer the other 20 percent.What ever he buys it will be the best ther is!

 

thats bull crap!! i know u cant go in the mud in 2 wheel drive where a 450 gets stuck in 4x4 and u only have a little more power. even though i do suggest the h.o. if u only have to pick between the two but if u can get a ruby that is what i would get!

 

i have spent time on both machines myself. the polaris is a nice ride..power, clearance suspension, auto..but (the polaris guys will love this) i bet a few years down the road the honda will take better care of you. im not bashing polaris because there is one in my driveway but the older polaris look run down compared to the hondas. i agree with one of the other readers..your question should be " sportsman or rubicon" why buy the es when the ruby is around?