Hello. Everyone I am new here. I was just wondering if I could get some tips on which bike I should by. I will be buying a new bike this week or next. I have narrowed my search to a base 2015 Honda Rubicon or a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570. I live in Ontario and I can get the sportsman for 6565 and the Rubicon for 8200. I currently own a 1984 honda 250sx and 1998 honda foreman. I would like to hear people opinions on either bike and which they would purchase and why?

 

They have the same features but if power is you thing the 570 is rated at 45hp while the Rubicon is only 28hp.

Would seem odd to pay more for less performance.

I ride with a 2006 500 Foreman with the same 475 motor as the Rubicon and my Sportsman 35hp 500 spanks it pretty bad , could you imagine the 570.

Also the 570 does not have the chore of constantly shifting gears. Its a CVT like a snowmobile and 95% of utility atvs now a days.

 

I would get the Sportsman because of the better price, far greater horsepower, automatic transmission, and increased ground clearance. It has taller tires, longer suspension travel, and better towing too. As far as I see Honda doesn't tell you the rack capacity but the Sportsman can handle a total of 270 pounds on the racks. The Sportsman is heavier but has so much more power the extra weight isn't a problem.

 

Plus the M.S.R.P. $7,799.00 for the Rubicon and $6,599.00 Sporstman 570 in cheaper U.S funds 2015 Honda FourTrax® Foreman® Rubicon® 4x4 (TRX500FM5F) ATVs so your Canadian Honda dealer is sure giving you no break for sure , MSRP is usually on the high side when buying.

The 570 has a DOHC motor and the Honda has a old school OHV which explains the large 17 hp difference besides the 92cc displacement.

 

I Currently own a 13 rubicon, Sounds like a polaris would work best for you, Rubicon is slow but I bought the Honda because I wanted reliability , ( which im not saying polaris isn't)

 

Have you ridden both? Enough to tell the difference between the two HP wise? One thing Honda has going for it is the longitudal mounting of the engine means it doesn't lose as much HP just turning the corner with the power. Also, the Rubicon doesn't have belt transmission which pretty much is in slip mode all the time, so I am not sure the two are all that far apart. I bought mine long time ago for two reasons. One, the tranny is an automotive hydraulic torque converter type, just like in your car. So it is way more bullet proof than a belt drive. Sure it costs more to make it that way. After you pay to have a couple belts replaced from wear, the cost difference isn't that big of a deal either. Lastly, what kind of relationship do you have with the dealers? That to me has more bearing on the decision than anything else. Sorry, I am not a Polaris fan.

 

I still have the original belt on mine after 9 years and it's not showing any signs of slipping or slowing down. If it does break it's a lot cheaper to replace a belt than it is to fix or replace an automotive type transmission. I don't see the belt as being a problem. If it was really that weak most utility quads wouldn't use them. A 570 isn't likely to break a belt when a 900 or 1,000 cc doesn't.

 

Just as a side note the Rubicon no longer uses the hydraulic transmission. They are back to foot shift or duel clutch electronic shift. I know a lot of people don't like the electronic shifting. I will be going to test drive both tomorrow and I will let you all know what I think After.

 

I sure rode the 28hp 500 Honda 475 longitude many times and in acceration and top speed my 100lb heavier 35hp 500H.0 (belt) beats it pretty good so the 45hp 570 will have a hay day with it.

If the longitude 475 five speed cant make up for a 7hp disadvantage it sure will not with a 17hp disadvantage.

If anything the Honda Rubicon is detuned now that it shares the 475 Foreman motor and Honda dropped the 499 33hp Rubicon motor .

You easily get 300hrs out of a belt . There is not even a 4x4 made that's over 40hp that's not CVT belt.

 

This is an easy choice. I wouldn't buy either one!