Yes, don,t get to brand loyal when shopping, I was looking for a 500 Suzuki Vinson but none were available on the used market. I bought the Sportsman 500 but have no regrets its been great for me.

I had a 350 Yamaha 4x4 and 450 Honda 4x4 and they were good also,just a bit to slow on the gravel roads to keep up with my friends though.

 

I can't really say I'm stuck on Polaris, I own a couple of their sleds and I like them. I was looking at some Honda's but because there aren't many of them, they tend to more expensive. But I am pretty much open minded to anything that's not overly large and bulky. Any other suggestions would be great.

 

Not sure if comfort is a big deal to you ,but if it is try to get a (IRS) ATV Independent Rear Suspension not a Straight axle (SRA)

In snowmobile terms

SRA = Boggiewheels (like the old ski-doo Elans had) lol

IRS= slide rails

There is that much of a differance.

A heavy ATV with nice suspension handle better than a lighter ATV with rough suspension.

Here is a 500 2005 Utility review, The heavest ATV in the group out performed the lighter onnes.

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...ew.asp?code=85

The 500 Sportsman won ,but thats the exact same chassis and suspension as the SP 400 your looking at.

 

X2.. if your looking for an Automatic...the big bore Grizzly is a great option to look at!

 

Like how many 4x4 ATVs are not belt drive, 5 tops out of a 100 models and none ever close a shootout winner in there category.

The only non belt drive 4x4 that makes over 30 hp is the 680 Rincon and none make over 40. How many belt 4x4s make 35hp-70hp,? to many to list.

 

Alright, So I got to ride the Polaris 400 and it was pretty good. Now since I drove it a problem occurred, the machine might need new brakes. The asking price is down to $4000, any idea how much a brake job would cost? Assuming that new pads were needed. The problem began when his girlfriend took the bike for a ride down the yard (about 500m) without taking the hand brake release off. It still rides I just don't know how much damage that would cause.

 

Brake pads are cheap $35 each and easy to change. I don think 500 m would hurt anything unless it need pads before your ride.

$4000 for a 05 in Canada with Passenger seat and plow. is a good price.

 

He did mention that he saw some smoke, and that the quad stopped moving, that's when he went to check up on things and saw that she forgot to release the brakes. I saw that it had a foot and hand brake, do they do the same thing? Also would it have pads on all 4 tires?

 

The foot pedal only works the back brake only, the hand lever work both the front and back brake all at once 60% force to fronts and 40% to back when you queeze the handle.

There are two disc brakes for the front wheels and only one disc brake for the back wheels. One my ATV the back brake wear faster then the fronts.

People wear the back brake by standing on the foot brake without knowing it sometimes.

 

I see, thanks for the info. Don't know if I would be able to change the brakes myself, but knowing that it's probably a cheap fix, I will most likely take the offer. Thanks again.