im sure this question been asked before but here it goes again..im about 20 years out of atv game used to ride when younger but quit for a long time..now looking for a good all around atv..i will be using it for very light work and trail riding and a little mudding...the prices of these two bikes are close enough where thats not a factor in my decision ..i just want the best bike out of these two..

which one going to have less repairs..which ones going to last longer?plan on keeping bike till i die or it dies..

my guts are telling me to go with honda they have been around forever and seem to be a good soilid bike

but i do like all the modern stuff on the polaris like auto and the irs

so any input i get here will be greatly appreciated..

thanks

 

funny i was just about to post a thread on this. narrowed down my first atv to either a rancher 420 or sportsman 400. looking forward to the responses. : )

 

Doodooburd .. Don't think anybody's going to answer but I have been researching it to the point where I can't find any more info..what I have come up with is that there is no defining answer to this question ..there are people who love Honda because of it's basic design and proven record and there are people who love Polaris because of it's price and technology..

I'm about 90% sure I'm going with Polaris mainly for the reason of the IRS system they have..I'm getting old and the idea of a nice cushy ride is nice!


Just do your own research and if possible go try both bikes

 

The Sportsman 400 (455cc) is a 500H.O just with 45cc less and a smaller carb. 2013 Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O. ATVs
Its advantages is features.
Its a full size chassis the Rancher is a smaller mid chassis.
The Polaris has true 4wd the Honda is limited slip 3wd (no diff lock)
IRS,larger 25" tires,more power 31hp OHC vs 26hp OHV.
Auto with low range.
rear hydralic disk brake vs Mechanical drum.
way more ground clearance.
More Suspension travel.
3 headlights vs only two.
Much more load & towing rating.
My 350 mid size grizzly is closer related to a Rancher and is super reliable but it sure does not have the ride of my sportsman or is as much of a machine.

I think the Sportsman 400 has the more exspensive full sized Foreman 500 (475) beat let alone the Rancher.


The SP455 is alot more ATV for less money. 2013 Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O. ATVs

 

For me it all comes down to the ride. It has to have IRS.

 

420 AT costs more than the Sra version but it has the best features and the Honda name backing it, I'd go to a few dealer and try to have them fight for the sale , always gets the best price , you may be able to bargain it into your price range

 

Honda is so behind that they think rear disk hydraulic brakes,IRS are still considered a option when there just stock features like wheels or headlights to most all other brands.

Their still one the fence about ever adding diff lock which is just a standard feature to most all atvs now.

 

both are great vehicles! i enjoy the polaris better in terms of work and play, just because it is bigger and can handle alot more. but i will say that the rancher 420 is tons of fun because it is so light and nimble and you can virtually play around however you want to. but for the better all around vehicle, you gotta go with the polaris.