2011 Polaris Sportsman 400 H.O. Review

 

The addition of Low Range is a good move. Putting it on the heavy 500 frame is probably going to make it a bit of a dog. However, if someone was looking for power... they probably wouldn't be buying a 400 to begin with.

 

IMO not having a engine breaking system on this bike standard is a major killer!

 

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

I don't understand them not having at least EBS. Polaris brakes work great but it's nice not to have to use them too much. I'd rather have ADC but I guess they won't be putting that on the low end models.

 

I have two Sportsman 450 From the first year in 2006. They were the full size frame (2006-2007) The motor 455cc is and I think it's great in the ful size frame.

As for the engine braking system, Never had it on a quad before and can't miss not having it I guess...LOL...
With 4000 miles and not needed pads yet, I don't care.

I am just glad they did drop the Hawkeye line though, really it was giving Polaris a bad name!!
Seen a Hawkeye this week-end in the Fall rally being towed out(by A/C) The 9 people in my group never gave my a break about polaris the rest of the week-end, I had to take the adbuse.
,,,.......Caper........

 

One thing I find confusing is Polaris call there 455 a 400 Yamaha call there 421 a 450 Suzuki 400 is actually a 376 and there 450 is a 454 Who knows!

 

And your 700s are 686cc each.It is all just one type of marketing fluff or another.

 

Very true not sure why the MFG do this. I consider it false advertising! The car industry would be in shambles if they did this. 686 has a better ring to it than 700 any way. Not just a rounded off number I guess!

 

I think I read somewhere that Polaris did that to give the illusion of even space between the Sportsman Models. 450 being really close to the 500 so I guess it looks better in their minds to have a 400 500 600. My local dealer touts that as getting more than you pay for which the 400 Sportsman seems to be a decent deal. I'm seriously considering one.