I am getting ready to purchase my very first atv and I have narrowed my choices down to the 2012 Polaris Sportsman 400 HO vs the 2012 Honda Rancher 420(FEC) ES. I have my own pros and cons for each of these, but I don't know enough about either one so I'm hoping you guys can help out with your experience.

My budget is $6000. I can go a little over this amount, but it will be coming out of pocket and I don't want to spend too much. This will be used for leisure riding on trails, some mud riding and patrolling during events. I won't really be hauling anything or doing any farm work.

Sportsman
Pros: automatic, 3 headlights, storage, price ($5,200 after discounts), it looks cooler
Cons: carburetor, no digital speedometer


Rancher
Pros: fuel injected, 420cc instead of 400
Cons: price ($5800 after discounts), not automatic, no storage

When I lay it out like that, the sportsman is clearly more appealing to me. Everyone keeps telling me about how their Polaris stays in the shop though. Is there any truth to this?

Thanks for your help!
Matt

 

Polaris will ride softer on the trail, but is MUCH heavier quad than the Honda, the 420 motor is pretty bullet proof, are they both IRS? can't remember if the new Honda went to that or is still SRA. There is a lot more to the Polaris drive train, electric hubs, hub fluid, the dreaded Hillard that is plastic on some models, and they had to add on for engine braking, while Honda and other brands have it built in. Best thing is to give each a test ride and see how they fit, and if they have all the features you want. Are you going to use it for just trail riding, or lots of work as well? that may affect your choice as well.

 

I like Honda Rancher more would like to suggest it cause of it good has fuel Injection, Electric Power Steering,Honda’s TraxLok 2WD/4WD system. Beside that cool look too...

 

Everyone has hondas out here, some polaris atvs around town, but none of the polaris atvs run. honda easer to work on and most depentable.

 

New quads are all pretty dependable now. Best thing to do is ride them and see which feels most comfortable to you. When you make your decision, buy a service manual for the brand you choose. At some point, a well ridden quad will need something adjusted. Being able to do it yourself will save you money, and give you the satisfaction of knowing how well the job was done.

Has the rancher gotten lockers yet or are they still technically 3WD? Might be another thing to consider.

 

The 400 Sportsman is actually 455cc. Just bought the wife a new one this spring. The only thing I don't like is no engine braking at all.

 

EBS can be added as an option. There is no hub fluid, that was done away with when the 2004.5 was released , central hillyard came out.

 

I own a 420 Rancher and an Artic Cat... I prefer the Honda... its so reliable, quick, light and no hassle of a carbed quad.

Not sure what you mean by FEC model.