I was thinking of buying a 500 Ho , I would like to know what you think. Iv'e heard of reliabilty issues. Can you give me some info? any help would be great... Thanks!

 

heck yes they are reliable, nothing wrong with mine. its been everything i expected and more.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I don't have a H.O. but I do have a 00 SP 500 and I have no complaints.
Trails, Mud, Plowing. works for me anyways.
Not the fastest wheeler, sucks on jumps, and it is kinda a pain to maintain. But overall, It's a great machine.
Just my 2 cents.

 

My brother and I bought one (2001s) last summer and my dad (2002) this fall. The ride and ground clearance make this an incredible machine. It is faster than you need! I have had mine to 57mph with some throttle left. The 4X4 system is awesome due to the front end being a posi-trac and NOT a limited slip. It muds, swims, and climbs better than I ever expected.

I had a Trail Boss 250 (a gret machine) and there is no comparison. The ride of a fully independant suspension is soooo much better than the swingarm, single-shock suspension on that machine. The machine is a very comfortable machine to ride.

I highly recommend the machine but shop around because different manufactures have qualities that some like more than others. The Sportsman500 HO just is the best in the qualities that I feel are most inportant (ride, mud/swim capability, gorund clearance and selectable 2WD/4WD).

We own three and we are the envy of our riding group.

 

Hey thanks for the reply, What do you mean it is a pain to maintain? What all is involved with it ...... Thanks!

 

There is alot of grease zerks. So after a ride in the water or mud you want to grease them. It takes about 20 min. to do. However I don't think this is bad. I work with HEAVY equipment (245 cat,PC400,PC300 excavators and many cat dozers) And all of them have many grease fittings for the pins and bushings. Yes it takes awhile to grease, but you can get between 8000 to 10000hrs on them if you keep them greased. The reason they do this is because they last alot longer then sealed ones with no grease fitting. So the point is, you keep them greased they will last a long time.

 

^^^^^ what he said

 

That doesn't sound like a big deal,just routine maintanence. does the sportsman feel sporty at all,and it looks like it will go anywhere!? well i'm going to go to the dealer , he said he has a demo and I could take it out for a spin, but it wasn't there that day! thanks for all you're help!!!

 

All Polaris s require alot of maintanance but they are well worth the trouble. I have 2 of them and i am pleased .

 

Do yourself a favor and go test ride one. Polaris dealers are pretty good about letting you ride before you buy. I personally tested twice: Grizzly660, Praire650, SP500, and Vinson. I chose the SP500 for comfort, power, IRS, true 4x, proven setup, and price. Sure the Grizzly was nice, but it is a first year machine and was $1000 more. I am still completely satisfied with my decision, even after the zerk greasing experience.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]