Some people have a serious thing against Polaris, and others love them to death. I think many people had bad experiences with them ... say about 6-8 years ago when they are said to have been junk, and then they got a reputation like a Yugo. Pushed more than driven. But I think that they are making fine quads now and I have never spoken to a Polaris owner that wasn't happy with their machine (although many non-Polaris owners will tell you how much they hate them, and I don't know why). I wouldn't be afraid to buy a Polaris, if an auto is what I was looking for. In fact, I really like the Predator - their sport model. Seems that they did a lot with it, and made a nice manual to boot. I wouldn't suggest shying from Polaris, but I think it is pretty well agreed upon that Honda makes the most reliable longest lasting ATVs. (I'm sure someone will dispute that .. LOL )

Glad to see you getting to a smaller bike. I truly think that the smallest most nimble bike that you can find to suit your needs will be the one you are most happy with and the one that you are most likely to ride for pure pleasure.

 

you said that speed is somewhat important to you...what do you consider speed? The polaris's are fun machines...we have a magnum 500 and a trailblazer 250...the magnum does really well when we bring it hunting...however we can drive in our trucks anywhere we need to go unless it rains then we bring the fourwheeler out. However it steers on the hard side. We also own a bombardier traxter 500...but it was the first year prod's. I have had a fair share of problems with it but talking to other owners they have had little if any. the traxter pulls like an ox. We pulled close to a 2 ton hay trailer with it with some tire spin but that is all. It is also a quiet machine. Since you are going to be out in the woods with it I suggest that you make sure it has a recoil back up. That way if the battery dies you have a way to get back. The Grizzly my uncle owns and it is rather bulky and it steers ahrder then the magnum...they are also rather loud...I also think that the kodiaks are too. When you do decide on one...think about going with a camo patern on it because they do not show the sratches that will be sure to come in your outings. I hope that you find one that suits your needs...later

friesen

 

Wouldn't say that speed is over-riding concern. Would l like some speed, yes but not main concern. I would like best buy for money. Also, would like to be able to have fun and get out of the mess we all can get ourselves into.

 

then make sure you get a winch too!

 

One of his posts mentions pulling out a big bull elk. 1000 lbs. There are a few 500 or 450 michines that can pull something that big but most would struggle compared to a big bore. I say try the Prairie 700 it is a blast to ride. Mine slides at will and will run side by side with my buddies 400 scrambler 2 stroke, it out runs the scrambler 500 we rode with at least through the mid-range. I have been learning to ride wheelies on it and in general it is totally fun. has great 4x4 and a locker can do over 60 mph and will pull out anybody else who gets stuck. There are the some lighter fun quads but they won't do the heavy work very well. Try to pull a big elk though some dead fall and brush with your wolverine, ain't happening. Can you ride faster through the twisty tight trails maybe, but as soon as they open up it will run with you anytime. It will also handle deep mud and heavy work. Just my opinion because I wanted something fun too, but I also needed to be able to handle heavy work. Also stock the v-Twin isn't very loud. Ride one before you rule it out, it will surprise you.

 

For what you are describing the weight of the bigger quad will be an advantage. If you need to go over some sagebrush for example to get to your big bull elk, then you need the tank. Forget about the weight. It is only an excuse used by some to bash the Polaris. In the woods you will never feel it and you will be surprised at how easy a 03 and newer Sportsman 600 steers.
I have owned smaller "jap" quads, one with a locking diff (Suzuki King Quad), at the time I thought it was great. Now I have a 03 Sportsman 600. After using it in the woods like a utility quad is meant to be used, I will NEVER go back to anything less.
Mine was bought specifically to hunt here at home and for elk in Colorado. With the ground clearance, wheel travel, IRS and All Wheel Drive of the Sportsmans, everything else, and I do mean EVERYTHING is trying to play catch up.
No quad is bullet proof. But with a 03 or newer Polaris they will be as close as you will get.
Do a test for yourself. Call the local Kawasaki dealer and ask the price of a fuel pump for the 650. Next call the Polaris dealer and ask the same question.
Now do the math and make up your own mind.

A test drive at a dealer will never show you the benefits of riding the Polaris. Unless of course he has stumps, deep mud and a lot of rough off camber terrain. You know, like the washes and arroyos out in the west.
Be realistic, don't listen to a bunch of crap. Why do you think the US military stopped using straight axles for jeeps and hummers?

 

Hey dark ! We are going riding this weekend up at talking rock arena. If your interested let me know.

pyroman@bellsouth.net

 

What do you think about the Honda Rincon over a Polaris 700 Sportsman?

Not sure if true disadvantage but Honda has the drum brakes in front. Argument could be sealed drum keeps dry and ready to use, but disk better heat transfer maybe better stopping

Polaris has higher clearance and tighter turning radius

Honda lighter by ~120 lbs

Honda does not have belt drive.

 

I liked the ride on the Rincon but didn't think it was nearly as fast as the other big bores. I also didn't like the transmission for it's poor engine breaking. Need to ride the breaks too much coming down steep hills. But the ride was nice and felt pretty stable. I rode one right after I rode a Prairie 650 preformance wasn't very close the prairie is much quicker. You can buy a new Rincon hear for almost the same price as a Vinson not a mountain transmission.

 

Got a new question.

What about sound. I would like a machine to use for hunting as well. Most of what I read on other sites is the nice sound it makes. That's great, but not so when hunting. What is the recomendation there?