Hey all, I am new to the forum but it looks like a good one. I just sold my 07 Rubicon. I wanted EFI and a little more power.

I have it narrowed down to a 2009 Brute Force 750 and a 2010 Polaris Sportsman 800.

Price wise, the polaris dealer is way cheaper with rebates, free winch, etc. The Kawasaki dealer is doing good but still more.

I use them primarily for plowing snow, ice fishing, and deer hunting....not much trail riding at all.

My fear with Polaris is the reliability issues I hear about. These are only forum talk not from personal experience so I never know if it is bashing or true issue.

Can I get some straight talk about each? I am looking at pulling the trigger this week.

Thanks for your help.

 

The cheapest one in price. Both will be very fun.

 

Cant comment on the Kawi's as I have never owned one, but I have an 08 800HO with 6800 km without an issue at all. Just changed the original belt at 6700 km. If you drive in low gear when needed, belt issues shouldnt be a problem. I do change all fluids frequently and I assume if the maintenance is kept up, you shouldnt have too many issues. The only issue that may even be corrected with the 2010 models is the heat on the right leg. Good luck.

 

I would say you'd be happy with either, the brute force will be faster, but not ride as nice. For utility use and most trail riding, I love my sportsman 800. If you can, try to take them both for a ride, they are two completely different feeling wheelers when you ride them, see what you prefer. As far as reliability goes, I think it's pretty much a wash. With that said, I recently went riding with a group of machines and in the group was A guy with an 08 brute efi, he said several times during the ride that he wished he hadn't got pressured into the brute, because the extra power isn't worth the ride quality, and the kawi seat...

 

The polaris ride is way better, the SP 800 is a stronger machine... not powerplant, I mean construction. Thats why it weighs seven hundred some odd pounds. Kawasaki's don't ride bad, but they aren't as 'cushy' as the Sportsman. The only complaint I could have about my little Prairie is the seat. It is like a piece of plywood with a seat cover laid over it. Awful. Polaris has the best seats in the industry, at least for utility rides.

 

The Polaris has much better storage. There is a box under the front rack that holds a ton of stuff. The ride of the Polaris is like riding a couch. I have a bad disk so the Polaris was a good choice for me. They both have great ground clearance and a strong engine. I personally think the Brute is better looking, for what that's worth. The Polaris AWD is activated with a switch that engages the front tires as soon as you have 1/5 of a turn more from the rears than the front. You don't even notice it until you realize your climbing a seriously sharp angled rock or in deep in the mud. The Brute uses a lever that you pull to engage the front from limited slip to full lock depending on how far you pull the lever. Good simple system, but requires a little more thought.

 

I have an 08 Brute 750. Love it. Wouldn't trade for anything else out there. I haven't ridden a Polaris, but I have no complaints what so ever on the ride of the Brute, or the seat comfort. I am a big guy - 6'4" and 290 pounds. I like a stiffer, sportier ride, which I think is what Kawi aims for. I think if you are going to do a lot of plowing, you will need as stiff a front end as you can get. When the big heavy blade lifts, you don't want it pulling the suspension down.

Like others have said though, ride them both. See what YOU like the best. These aren't big, succesful brands for no reason! Each have great things to offer and will do a great job for you, it's just what flavor you prefer.

 

For what it's worth (and to not be a brand snob), there are probably more Brute Force 650/750's on the trails I ride than any other model. I've driven both, and a Prairie 650. They are great machines, and I seriously considered one when was shopping for my XP.

 

Thanks for the input. I am planning on riding them both again this week and making a decision. Right now, the major difference is the price however when you are spending that much it is important to get the right machine. I'll let you know which way I go.

Thanks again

 

That's great. Let us know soon.