Hello,

Thanks for such a great forum! Not trying to start another Honda versus Polaris war, but would like to help me decide between a Rubicon and 500HO.

Here is the deal. I can get an 07 Rubicon (new) for $5900, no winch and 3.9% for 3 years. I can get a Sportsman 500 HO (new) for $4999, incl winch and 3.9% for up to 72 months ( will likely finance 3 or 4 only).

I had a rubicon before and only problems was it was cold blooded, got it stuck a couple of times and the tranny started slipping, however, this was after the thing did somersalts off my trailer going down the road....it landed on all 4 wheels and did little/no damage, but I think the impact did something to the tranny...as it acted up a little after that...slipping only occured in deep water. In the end my only real complaint about the rubicon is the chrome wheels!

For some reason I seem to just want an HO, guess cuz it is different. Concerned about 2 things tho: HO reliability and engine breaking. The rubicon was great w/ engine breaking and would let the kids ride on hills because of it.

So, is the extra reliability and engine breaking worth the $1000 and no winch?

My main purpose is to hunt and do work (spraying, pulling logs, etc) around the farm.


thanks very much!

 

The 08 Sportsman will have ADC standard and the 07 deluxe has it.

Either get an 07 Deluxe or an 08. You are getting EFI???right


The Honda has a solid rear axle with drum brakes and only 7" ground clearance!
Its carbed and has 3 wheel drive.

Thats not even in the same league as a Sportsman.

 

thanks for the reply!

No, wasnt planning on EFI...can't get efi for 4900...it'll cost an extra grand.

does the vanilla version HO come with ADC in 08 or is it only on the EFIs?


Thanks,
john

 

I believe all 08s have ADC. You are looking to spend 5900 on the Honda? Spend 5900 on the 500 EFI with free winch and 3.9! You'll have a much better atv!


corection the HO doesn't have ADC or alum wheels or PXT tires or EFI!!!!! its just a stripped version to sell at 1996 priceing.
It does show EBS which is just rear wheel engine braking, the 500 Fuji engine has been around for years and is very reliable and near tops in 500 performance.


The 500 EFI for $1000 more is a heck of a better buy!!!! Yes free winch promo and 3.9.

 

For work pulling not much will hold a lite to a SP. Have you drivin the sp? The rides do not compare at all.