Greetings. This is my first post and it is based around buying my first quad. I will be using this machine for trails runs and leisure activity. No racing whatsoever. I don't want to get stuck and I don't want to get left behind. I'm looking for a durable and strong ATV (Utility 4x4.) When I say that I won't be racing it doesn't mean that i want to sacrifice speed. I want a fast machine as well. So that's my story in a nut shell. Any feedback is totally appreciated.

PS... So far I have looked at only the Polaris Sporstman 500 EFI in person. Everything else i have looked has been onlilne which is pretty much every machine. The ones that have caught my eye are the Polaris Sportsman, Kawi Brute Force and the Can ams. Thanks to all......

 

They are all good atvs!
CanAm cc for cc are the fastest!
Polaris has a softer ride and more features.
Artic Cat has lower gearing and more ground clearance.
Brute is OK, nothing special.

So for all around trail riding the Polaris is my choice. Can Ams are a little faster but with a price tag to match.
My 400 Can Am runs as good as my 500 Polaris. But the Polaris is built heavier/stronger and the 4wd systems works better.

 

Welcome to the forum. I think for allaround use the 500efi Sportsman is the one to get. It has to what is referd to as the cadalac of suspensions it is also is a very easy put in gear and go machine. The 4x4 system is very easy to use ther is no levers to pull or buttons to push just flip the switch and your in all wheel drive. Some people like to complain about the belt transmissions but fact is all manufacturers accept honda [gears] use them and the are a verry reliable transmission. I'v got 3000 miles on mine still original belt no problems whatsoever as you will find w/ most polarris owners.But what you need to do is find the quad that fits you best and go ride. The only thing I will recomend to you is get one w/EFI! You wont regret it.

 

In all honesty I have been leaning towards the Polaris. I really liked it in person plus my co-worker owns a 2007 Sportsman 650 and he loves it. Now I need to decide on an engine. 500 EFI or 800 EFI? I weigh roughly 180 pounds and am 6 ft tall. Personally I think an 800 would be to much.

 

Both the 500 and 800 are same chassis so the should fit same eccept the 800 is a twin engine and might be a little wider between the legs. Unless the engine has mods there has never been a polaris 650 just 600 700 and 800 stock imo.

 

Yes you are right. His is a 600

 

friend of mine has the 500 efi and the bike is just awesome, it eats up terrain that just makes sport bikes cry. Personally, I'd think the 800 would just be a luxury, but if you got the extra dough, what the heck.

 

If you don't need the power go w/ the 500 as it will save you on gas as well over the 800.

 

That is a good point. I don't need insane power and could afford to save on gas. The 500's still have some nice speed though right?

 

There not the fastest [can-am] but deff not the slowest [honda]. My friends that have 500's will hang w/ my 600 but I can get them in top speed. All in all they are a great machine I'm thinking of trading mine in on a 500efi. Just for of the efi mine sucks to keep running [till hot] in below 20deg weather.