OK,
I'm new to ATVs. I looking at purchasing either a new 2005 Bombardier 400 Outlander for $4,999 or a new 2005 Polaris 700 Sportsman (non EFI) for $5,599. Which one should I get and why. I'm 5'10 and weigh about 260. Will be using for plowing, hunting and all around playing. Thanks all.

 

I am a Bombardier owner and fan (so don't flame me). The 700 is going to be much better for plowing. It has a lot more torque and enough weight and stability to handle the job well. The Outlander is a fun machine without question. But, believe it or not, the Sportsman feels a lot lighter than it is and is quite fun to ride. The Outlander will have quite a bit of pep for riding through the trails and feel sportier. The 700 will feel stronger pulling and going up steep inclines. It may be out of the price range, but I would recommend EFI if you can. Sounds like you will be doing a lot of winter riding and EFI is nice. Your size won't be an issue on either machine. They both are ergonomically comfortable. Although, there isn't a quad on the planet that is smooth as the Sportsmans.

I would ride both at the dealer and make sure they let you ride off road a little. Most dealers will accomodate. They just won't let you go mud'n[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

My guess is that you will get most folks on this forum leaning toward the Outty. But, I would try to balance your opinions and try to get as many as you can of those that have owned or ridden both. They are quite different. As for reliability, anywhere except the Polaris forum, they will slam the Sportsman. Let me tell you as an unbiased owner of both, the Polaris are very reliable when taken care of just like any other quad. We have had many Polaris and ridden many others. I am also a big fan of BRP and if you were comparing to the Outlander 800, there is no contest.

 

Thanks for the reply. I love the Bomb 800. That things a beast. Just out of my price range. The dealer wants $850 more for the EFI. Just don't know if it's worth it. My ATV will be in a garage that will not go below 50 degrees. I'm assuming that will make a difference. Please, more people chime in.

 

Go with the outy. As 05pred500 said polaris are reliable if taken care of. We hav had 10 polaris atv since 1994 and they have all been very problematic from front to back top to bottom always something going wrong with them. Yes we did beat on them.but no worse than the yamaha and kawi we still have that we never touched except for your yearly oil and spark plug change. The reason we bought so many polaris atv is because My dad and I both worked there,so we got employee discount on them. Myself right now own a 2001 ds650 and 2004 outy 400 4x4. My ds has over 6000+ miles and not one problem. My outy has 550 miles and no problems but it is fairly new yet so time will tell. Go with the outy you will be happy.

 

yes the sp700 would be better at plowing but only if you get the efi. i have an 03 700sp and i really like it except in the colder weather. my buddies was even worse than mine, backfiring and running like crap below 40 degrees. it might be ok for you with a warm garage to start it up, but make sure it's up to operating temp before using. as far as reliability, the only problem i've had with mine (other than cold weather) is the sensor for water temp. to kick on the fan. if you listen to some people,all (insert brand here) atv's are junk, that's bull. all brands have had their problems, just look at the threads. like i said,if you get the 700 get the efi and you won't be sorry. if you get the outy 400 you are probably getting a great machine.